‘Build big, be a global stabiliser’: Anthony Albanese’s grand second-term vision

Anthony Albanese will push back against the ‘corrosive proposition’ that governments and institutions are incapable of meeting demands in his first major speech since the election on Tuesday.

Anthony Albanese will outline Labor's second term priorities at a National Press Club speech on Tuesday.

You can now listen to The Australian's articles. Give us your feedback.

You can now listen to The Australian's articles.

Anthony Albanese will push back against the “corrosive proposition” governments and democratic institutions are incapable of meeting demands fuelled by significant global uncertainty in his first major speech since Labor’s landslide election victory.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday, the Prime Minister will address the frustration of Australians who have experienced government service delivery failures or fallen “through the cracks”.

After more than one-in-three voters opted for a minor party or independent candidate at the May election, Mr Albanese will say his second term is an opportunity to prove “ a good, focused, reforming Labor government can make a real difference to people’s lives”.

“We are living in a time of significant global uncertainty – and that reaches beyond just economic instability,” Mr Albanese will say.

“It is the more corrosive proposition that politics and government and democratic institutions, including a free media, are incapable of meeting the demands of this moment. Some simply dismiss such sentiment. Others cynically seek to harvest it. Our responsibility is to disprove it.”

Ahead of travelling to Canada for the G7 summit next week, where he is expected to meet with Donald Trump and discuss trade, defence and strategic relationships with world leaders, Mr Albanese will pledge to “aim high and build big” on Labor’s election policy platform.

“Our vision is for a society that is a microcosm for the world – where all are respected and valued and our diversity is recognised as a strength,” he will say.

“Where our international relationships in the fastest-growing region of the world in human history benefit us, but also provide a platform for us to play a positive and stabilising global role in uncertain times.

“Our government’s vision and ambition for Australia’s future was never dependent on the size of our majority. But you can only build for that future vision if you build confidence that you can deliver on urgent necessities.”

Mr Albanese, who won a historic 94 seats in the lower house, will say his agenda is based on “ensuring the actions of today, anticipate and create conditions for further reform tomorrow”.

“Our second-term agenda has been shaped by the lives and priorities of the Australian people.

And it is built on Australian ­values. It is the mission and the measure of a Labor government to give those enduring ideals of fairness, aspiration and opportunity renewed and deeper meaning, for more Australians.”

“To deliver reforms that hold no one back – and drive progress that leaves no one behind.

This is no small task. It demands we aim high and requires us to build big.”

Following a second election win on May 3, which made him the first prime minister since John Howard to claim consecutive terms, Mr Albanese’s reform agenda includes universal childcare, strengthening Medicare, Labor’s $43bn Homes for Australia plan, achieving emissions-reduction and net-zero targets, and boosting sovereign manufacturing.

Mr Albanese, who in April announced an initial $1.2bn investment for a new critical minerals strategic reserve, will invoke his election night declaration that “this is a time of profound opportunity for our nation”.

“Because when you consider the resources and energy and technology that a world moving to net zero needs; when you look at the change in comparative advantage that is under way, where having the space to co-locate refining and processing and manufacturing matters more than the cost of labour; when you think about what global investors in data centres and clean energy are looking for – truly, there is nowhere else you would rather be than right here in Australia.”

Mr Albanese, who is expected to address his wider outlook on the economy and national security amid calls from the White House for Australia to lift defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, previously attacked Peter Dutton for snubbing the National Press Club.

New Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will deliver her own keynote speech at the National Press Club on June 25, in which she will address the way forward for the Liberal Party. While her speech is not expected to unveil any immediate policy overhauls, the Liberal leader will use her ­address to explain how the Coalition can build on its core values to develop a platform that speaks to all Australians.

Ms Ley, who will be the first Liberal leader to address the NPC since February 2022, said “addressing the National Press Club is an important opportunity to talk to Australians about the work the Liberal Party will do over the next three years to reflect, respect and represent modern Australia”.

“Aspiration is the thread that connects every single part of Australian society and, by focusing on that, the Liberal Party can once again earn the trust of communities across the country,” Ms Ley said.

Ahead of the Climate Change Authority providing its advice within weeks on a new 2035 emissions-reduction target, Mr Albanese will say “we are working to meet the environmental challenges of climate change and seize the economic opportunities of renewable energy”.

“We have legislated our 43 per cent emissions-reduction target by 2030 and our commitment to net zero by 2050. We are delivering our energy policy – renewables, backed by gas, batteries and hydro.”

The government, which is pushing to co-host the UN COP31 climate change summit with Pacific nations in 2026, must finalise its updated Nationally Determined Contributions and 2035 target by September.