Turnbull Meets With Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have held a press briefing, following their talks in Sydney.

Abe

The two leaders spoke of their commitment to free trade and open markets. Turnbull said that both countries are committed to the Trans Pacific Partnership because “protectionism is not a ladder to get us out of the low growth trap, rather a shovel to dig us deeper into it”.

Abe said: “To ensure free and open international order based on the rule of law, our bilateral cooperation and trilateral cooperation with the United States is of course important.”

  • Listen to the Turnbull-Abe press briefing (21m)
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Transcript of remarks by PM Turnbull and PM Abe, in Sydney.

TURNBULL: Welcome, Prime Minister, it is wonderful to be hosting you and your party here in Sydney.

We’ve already had a very good constructive discussion this morning as we walked around beautiful South Head. [Read more…]


Keating Warns Against Tillerson’s South China Sea Adventurism

Former prime minister Paul Keating has criticised remarks by the US Secretary of State-designate, Rex Tillerson, regarding what he terms “adventurism” over the South China Sea.

Keating issued a statement following remarks by Tillerson at his confirmation hearings in Washington DC. Tillerson said that a “signal” should be sent to China over its access to islands in the South China Sea. He said that American allies should be there to “show back-up”.

Keating says Australia should have no part of such adventurism, as it should have had no part in the Iraq war 15 years ago.

Statement by Paul Keating.

Keating


John Howard Responds To Chilcot Report On Iraq War

The former prime minister, John Howard, has defended his government’s 2003 decision to join the US-led invasion of Iraq.

Howard held a press conference today, in response to the UK’s Chilcot report on the war that characterised the invasion as ill-conceived and based on faulty intelligence.

The essence of Howard’s defence was that no lies were told at the time and that it is only in retrospect that the decision can be faulted. He said he was on record as having criticised aspects of the invasion, particularly the dismantling of the Iraqi army. [Read more…]


Liberal Party Free Time Advertisements: 2016 Federal Election

These are four freetime advertisements for the Liberal Party, broadcast on ABC television.

The advertisements feature Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Treasurer Scott Morrison.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is statutorily obliged to provide free radio and television time to the major political parties during elections. [Read more…]