Politics latest: Aus-China partnership 'renewed and revitalised'
Anthony Albanese said Beijing and Canberra's relationship is most effective when the two deal 'directly with each other' as Li Qiang proclaims it's on the 'right track'.
China's Premier Li Qiang and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shake hands during a signing ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on June 17, 2024. Picture: AFP
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'Participate fully': PM weighs in on Cheng Lei incident
Anthony Albanese says it is important people be allowed to “participate fully” in Australia after Chinese officials appeared to block Sky News Australia journalist Cheng Lei from view at a press conference this afternoon.
Video of the incident shows a man in a blue suit and a woman in a brown coat repeatedly manoeuvring in an attempt to prevent Cheng from being captured by news cameras.
In an address after the event the Prime Minister said he didn’t see this unfold, but that he smiled at Ms Lei during the event.
“I'm not aware of the issue, it’s important that people be allowed to participate fully and that that is what should happen in this building or anywhere else in Australia,” Mr Albanese said.
Mr Albanese also said he has had “constructive dialogue” with Chinese Premier Li Qiang when asked if he trusts Chinese leaders to do what they say they will.
“I have had constructive discussions with Premier Li, and those discussions have produced results,” he said.
“We're not transactional in how we deal with that. We put forward our view, and I must say that the Premier also puts forward his view."
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on Australia to “consolidate the foundation of trust and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation” to achieve Beijing and Canberra’s common goals.
Premier Li declared the two countries share “broad cooperation space and great potential”, adding that he looked forward to “working in unison” with Australia in a toast he delivered over lunch in Parliament House on his official visit.
“Both China and Australia are great countries, over the past 50-plus years, mutual respect and mutual beneficial cooperation have always been the defining feature of the development of our bilateral relations.
“Chinese people and Australian people are great peoples.
“During my visit, I see that the Australian people, like the Chinese people, are industrious, brave and wise. They generally support China-Australia friendship, look forward to both countries strengthening cooperation and wish for world peace and prosperity.
“Facts in the past 50 years of diplomatic ties have proven that the choice of our two peoples was right. I believe, with the support of both peoples, will see heartening progress in the future development of our bilateral relations.
“China-Australia friendship is crucial for the wellbeing of both peoples.”
Peter Dutton says Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Canberra offers hope that the “tensions of recent years can ameliorate” between Australia and China.
The Opposition Leader said during his toast to the highest-ranking Chinese political leader to visit Australia since 2017 that the “enduring pipelines” of economic collaboration benefited both nations.
“Your excellency — in our offer of hospitality today and your acceptance of it, I believe that there is hope,” he said.
“Hope that tensions of recent years can ameliorate, hope that we can reinvigorate the constructive spirit with the signing of a Free Trade Agreement in 2015.
“Citizens across both of our countries share aspirations for peace and prosperity — for themselves, and, of course, for their families.
“In pursuit of these aspirations, we have a responsibility to ensure that all engagements between our two countries are conducted with due care.”
Anthony Albanese says the relationship between China and Australia is progressing as the two nations make “progress in stabilising and re-building that crucial dialogue”.
In a toast to the visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the Prime Minister stressed the close cultural and economic relationship between the two countries, with 1.4 million people of Chinese ancestry living in Australia.
Mr Albanese reiterated his commitment to direct dialogue with Beijing, acknowledging that the two nations “won’t always agree”.
“Whatever the issue, it is always better if we deal direct with each other,” he said.
“And consistent, steady engagement helps build and maintain stability across our entire region.
“A region undergoing change and growth that matters to us both.
“What connects our nations today and will into the future goes beyond our economic opportunities and the dynamic region that we are both a part of.
“The ties between our people are at the heart of it.
“Just as diplomacy and economic cooperation adds to our prosperity, our human links add to the connection between our nations.”
Mr Albanese said China and Australia had a joint interest in “protecting a stable order in the region”, following years of increasing tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
“We won't always agree, and the points in which we disagree won't simply disappear if we leave them in silence,” he said.
“We share an interest in protecting a stable order in the region.
“We share a responsibility to build and strengthen the foundation for talking through our differences, and for building collaboration in areas where we find mutual interest.
“Creating channels of dialogue and building understanding is how we make it possible for benefits to flow.
“Across business, across trade, across education.
“Importantly, dealing with the challenge of climate change, but also the opportunities that acting on climate change bring for Australia, for China and for the world.
“In culture and the arts, all are represented in this room today.”
Chinese officials repeatedly attempted to block Sky News Australia journalist Cheng Lei from view during a historic joint press conference with Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
The bizarre scene unfolded when Cheng – who was detained in a Chinese prison for three years – was seated among other Australian journalists to watch the Prime Minister and Premier Li speak on a series of agreements struck between Beijing and Canberra.
Video of the incident shows a man in a blue suit and a woman in a brown coat repeatedly maneuvering in an attempt to prevent Cheng from being captured by news cameras.
Mr Albanese and Premier Li used the speech to assert that the relationship between Australia and China had been “renewed and revitalised” and the two countries were focused on stability in the Asia-Pacific.
Cheng was born in China but migrated to Australia aged 10 and was working as an anchor for the Chinese government’s English-language TV channel, CGTN, when she was detained in August 2020.
She was charged with providing state secrets to foreign organisations and detained by the Chinese Ministry of State, with Chinese authorities providing few details about the reasons for her arrest.
Following her release in October 2023, Cheng revealed she had broken an embargo relating to a Chinese government briefing before it was announced publicly by a few minutes, which led to her arrest.
Since her release she has returned to journalism as a host for Sky News.
Coalition to scrap offshore wind industry: Littleproud
Nationals leader David Littleproud pictured at a press conference in Wollongong. Picture: Rohan Kelly
Nationals leader David Littleproud has declared a future Coalition government would scrap an offshore wind industry in Australia and says renewables must be on rooftops where the environment can't be destroyed.
Asked on ABC radio if his position remained to scrap an offshore wind generation industry if elected to government, Mr Littleproud responded: “Yes, it is.
“We don't need to go down an all-renewables approach. We've signed up to net zero by 2050, but we don't need a linear pathway to achieve that. And unfortunately we're trying to do that at the moment with this government, which is hurting everybody.
“We'll be announcing an energy mix that does have renewables, but we want renewables in the right place. And I strongly believe the best environment for renewables is an environment it can't destroy. That's rooftops, particularly where the concentration of population and power is required.
“That also alleviates the need for 28,000 kilometres of transmission lines. We should have slow transition from some of our coal fired power stations to nuclear power plants that are zero emissions, and firm that up with gas and carbon capture storage, which is zero emissions as well.”
But his comments contradict remarks he and his Coalition frontbench colleagues have made previously, including in June last year when the Nationals leader said “we’re not against renewables … it should be offshore”.
Angus Taylor as energy minister also pushed the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill through the parliament, which provides a licensing scheme to enable the construction, operation and decommissioning of offshore renewable energy and offshore electricity infrastructure projects.
“Passage of this bill will also provide business certainty for other proposals that are under development, such as 'Star of the South', a proposed offshore wind farm off the coast of Gippsland, Victoria, and 'Sun Cable' in our north,” Mr Taylor said in September 2021 when introducing the legislation.
“Combined, these three proposals, Marinus Link, Star of the South and Sun Cable, are estimated to be worth over $10 billion and create over 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities during construction. There are also ongoing employment opportunities for the staff that would be required to operate and maintain the infrastructure. Much of this job creation would occur in our regions.”
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen declared an amended offshore wind zone in the Pacific Ocean off the Illawarra on the weekend, 20 kilometres from the coast.
Mr Littleproud said locals could decide at the next election whether they wanted the offshore wind zone by voting for Labor or wanted it stopped by voting for the Coalition.
“The next election will be a decision for the people of Illawarra and Port Stevens, whether they want Anthony Albanese and an all-renewables approach or they want to have a mix in their energy grid and whether they want this (offshore wind) stopped or not,” he said.
“What you'll see from us is that we'll be sending strong investment signals that we don't need that large scale industrial wind farms, whether they be offshore or onshore. Now the Gippsland one is a lot further ahead in terms of where you are here in the Illawarra and Port Stevens. But from what you'll see in our energy mix, we won't need large scale industrial renewable projects.”
Peter Dutton on Sunday said he wanted to understand what the government was proposing but, while he accused Mr Bowen of “botching” community consultation on the offshore wind zone, he did not say a future Coalition government would axe the project.
Thousands of CFMEU members in Melbourne have endorsed a new pattern pay deal that delivers 21 per cent in wage rises over four years, reinstates a host of conditions scrapped under the Coalition’s building code and allows union officials to enter sites without a legal permit if they have agreement of the employer.
The four annual 5 per cent pay rises will apply a month earlier each year under a back pay clause in the agreement that also locks in a 36 hour week, existing rostered days off, monthly paid union meetings and increases in funeral coverage from $9000 to $15000.
The agreement reinstates previously banned content under the building code including clauses requiring employers to convert casuals to permanent employment, limit the use of labour hire and ratios to employ a minimum number of apprentices.
Officials told the meeting that builders had agreed that CFMEU representatives would be able to enter construction sites without a right of entry permit provided they were invited by the employer.
Addressing the meeting, Victorian CFMEU construction secretary John Setka said he was sick of criticism that construction workers were overpaid, defending the $200,000 plus a year pay of traffic controllers who he said did a dangerous job.
Officials faced questions from the floor from members upset at new inclement weather provisions that means in limited circumstances some workers will have to perform alternative duties during bad weather rather than be able to go home early
During the meeting, Mr Setka did not reference his threats against the AFL and said he would limit his use of “f-bombs” as the media was listening to the meeting through speakers outside Festival Hall.
Australia-China relationship on ‘right track’: Li Qiang
Chinese Premier Li Qiang at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Chinese Premier Li Qiang says the relationship between Beijing and Canberra is on the “right track of steady improvement and development”, unveiling that Australia will be included in China’s visa waiver program.
Premier Li said he and Anthony Albanese had engaged in a “in-depth and fruitful meeting and reached a lot of consensus” on his visit, in his remarks following a signing of agreements between the two countries this morning.
The highest-ranking Chinese official to visit Australia since 2017 said both countries had affirmed their commitment to “maintaining the WTO centred multilateral rules based trading system”, following years of long running trade disputes over Beijing’s tariffs on Australian produce including beef and wine.
“We reaffirmed our commitment to defining this relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership,” he said.
“To mutual respect and trust and to viewing and handling this relationship in a positive attitude.
“The two sides agreed to maintain high-level interactions, strengthen exchanges between the legislatures, government departments and political parties.
“And fully resume various areas of institutional dialogues and bring their role into full play.
“We've also had a candid exchange of views on some differences and disagreements, and agreed to properly manage them in a manner befitting our comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Senator Don Farrell, far right, signs MOU documents along with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Premier Li also touched on tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, declaring that both Australia and China were striving to promote “peace, stability and prosperity”.
“We both stressed the importance of maintaining communication and coordination to jointly safeguard peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond in order to safeguard regional peace and development, which best serves the common interests of all of the countries,” he said.
“China and Australia will continue our coordination and cooperation at the United Nations, G20, APAC and other multilateral platforms.
“Both sides care about and support the development of the Pacific Islands countries and will step up communication and dialogue to explore ways to better help the development.
“The two sides will strengthen policy communication on climate change, and will uphold the eighth ministerial dialogue on climate change in Australia this year.
“At present, China is driving for its modernisation in all respects through high-quality development.
“A growing and more open China will bring more opportunities for bringing cooperation to Australia and the rest of the world.
“China will work with Australia in the spirit of mutual respect, seeking common ground on power sharing differences and mutual benefit to build a more mature, stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership. So as to bring more benefits to our two peoples.”
Chinese Premier Li Qiang signs the visitor book as Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese looks on at Australian Parliament House on June 17, 2024 in Canberra. Picture: Getty
Anthony Albanese says Australia and China have “renewed and revitalised” their engagement as the two countries stabilise their relationship, during a historic visit from Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
The Prime Minister said the relationship between Beijing and Canberra is most effective when the two deal “directly with each other”, following a ceremonial signing of several memorandums of understanding by high ranking Chinese government officials and Labor ministers.
Standing beside Premier Li, Mr Albanese said China remained Australia’s largest trading partner and played a vital role in keeping the region “open, stable and prosperous”.
“His visit is a substantial one, taking in three cities and touching on issues right across our relationship,” he said.
“We had a constructive discussion today at our annual leaders meeting building on our annual meeting last year in Beijing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends the Annual Leaders Meeting at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman
“My government has put dialogue at the centre of Australia's relationship with China, because it is always most effective when we deal directly with each other.
“That's how we make progress on our shared interests and protect regional stability, without dialogue we can't address any of the differences that arise between us.
“Australia and China have renewed and revitalised our engagement.
“We have agreed across a range of MoUs and arrangements today that will continue to shape and drive our practical cooperation as we continue the process of stabilising the relationship.”
Mr Albanese said the MoUs signed this morning would facilitate greater cooperation in research, education and the energy transition, as well as deepening the economic and trade relationship.
He also welcomed Premier Li for the offer to provide two new pandas to Adelaide Zoo.
Mr Albanese also alluded to recent tensions within the Asia-Pacific as China seeks to strengthen its foothold in the region, stating that Australia supports a dynamic where “no country dominates, and no country is dominated”.
“China is, of course, a regional and global power,” he said.
“It has a vital role to play in keeping our region open, stable and prosperous.
“We also exchanged views today on our region and the world, building our understanding of our respective positions and perspectives.
“Australia advocates that we should all work together to promote a regional balance where no country dominates, and no country is dominated.
“A region where countries large and small operate by the same rules – rules that we have all had a say in shaping.
“I've made it clear that with different histories, political systems and values, we will cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in the national interest.
“Premier Li, our discussions today have only strengthened my view that it is crucial for us to engage with each other.
“Given how close we are geographically, how interconnected we are economically, and the deep and enduring bonds between our people.
“As you know, I am determined to keep growing our relationship where we can.”
AFP and protestors gather on the laws ahead of the Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Tibetan parliamentarian-in-exile Tenzin Doring drove 12 hours from Brisbane to Canberra with his wife and two young children to be involved in the protest, describing it as a “very rare opportunity for us to express our view”.
His father and grandfather were political prisoners.
Mr Doring said he’d been able to stop some clashes between the pro and anti-Chinese protesters, with flags from the Tibetan and Hong Kong freedom fighters being snatched.
Mr Doring urged Mr Albanese to be bold and confident when speaking with the Chinese Premier and was hopeful he’d raise human rights issues for Tibetans and people in Xinjiang.
“Last time when Penny Wong the Foreign Minister (was in China), she said she raised human rights issues. The Premier is on the Australian soil. This is a right time and this is a perfect time because he is here,” he said.
“Every month we have news coming from Tibet of the settlement, relocation, human rights abuses … because they possess a photo of the Dalai Lama, because they possess the scriptures or teachings of the Dalai Lama.
“These are attacks on religious freedom as well. So we are calling for more freedom, religious and cultural freedom and of course, most importantly, release the political prisoners.”
Parties founded on religion would undermine social cohesion, according to Anthony Albanese, as he reminded rogue senator Fatima Payman that she owed her election to Labor pre-selection.
The Albanese government is talking down calls to expel Fatima Payman after the Labor senator crossed the floor to vote against her party on a motion to recognise Palestine.
