Overview

• In his first major post-election speech at the National Press Club, Albanese pledged to rebuild citizens’ trust in democratic institutions by demonstrating government competence.
• He announced an August productivity roundtable led by Treasurer Jim Chalmers that will bring together business, union and civil society leaders to chart economic reforms.
• The government reaffirmed its commitment to key election pledges including cheaper childcare, expanded bulk-billed urgent care clinics and a student debt discount.
• Albanese is set to meet President Trump on the sidelines of the G7 in Canada to discuss tariff exemptions and has rejected demands for an arbitrary defence spending target in favour of capability-based planning.
• He signalled efforts to strengthen partnerships in Asia as part of Australia’s broader security and economic strategy in the region.