A Week of Agreements and Joint Statements

The past week has been marked by a series of joint statements and signed agreements – from the historical joint statement from the Government recognising the state of Palestine, to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, and in his capacity as the Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, agreeing to the initial signing of the Nakamal Agreement.

Join us at Nexus APAC as we highlight items you might have missed this week, and continue our endeavour to introduce the new members of the 48^th parliament.

Joint Statements

This week marked the signing of two historic joint statements. On Saturday, 9 August, Senator Wong joined her counterparts from Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom in publishing a joint statement condemning Israel’s new ground offensive in Gaza City. Subsequently, on Monday, 11 August, Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, announced that Australia would recognise the state of Palestine at the 80^th session of the United Nations General Assembly, joining 147 countries that already recognise Palestine.

This followed the Prime Minister’s visit to New Zealand on the 9-10 August with his Kiwi counterpart, Prime Minister the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, attending the 2025 Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

Following discussions, both leaders published a joint statement reaffirming Australia and New?Zealand’s close alliance, shared values, and commitment to deeper integration under the Trans?Tasman Roadmap to?2035. The leaders pledged to strengthen the Single Economic Market, align economic reforms, boost AI adoption, and achieve mutual recognition of digital identities. They also committed to coordinated net-zero transitions, closer defence cooperation, potential AUKUS Pillar II collaboration, and joint responses to cyber, security, and regional threats. Both pledged strong engagement in the Pacific Islands Forum, climate action, and disaster resilience. They reiterated their support for rules-based trade, multilateralism, and human rights, while addressing global conflicts and safeguarding people-to-people connections across the Tasman.

Agreements

On Tuesday 12 August, Senator Wong and Deputy Prime Minister Marles travelled to Vanuatu and agreed to the initial signing of the Nakamal Agreement. The Nakamal Agreement is a decade-long, $500 million development and security partnership that covers infrastructure, climate resilience, economic growth, and cultural links between Vanuatu and Australia. Funding would include data centres, security assistance, budget support, and climate adaptation.

While the initial agreement on signing is positive, key issues remain unresolved, particularly Vanuatu’s push for visa-free travel and Australia’s concerns over Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment scheme. The pact is expected to replace the unratified 2022 security deal; however, Vanuatu is unlikely to grant Australia veto rights over foreign security agreements.

New Members to Parliament

Mr Basem Abdo MP, Member for Calwell – Australian Labor Party

Mr Basem Abdo’s inaugural speech as the Member for Calwell was a personal reflection on migration, opportunity, and service, anchored in his own journey from Lebanon to Australia. Arriving in Sydney as a child, Mr Abdo spoke of the resilience of his parents, the values instilled by his community, and the transformative role of education in shaping his path.

He paid tribute to the multicultural fabric of his electorate, one of Australia’s most diverse, describing it as both a strength and a responsibility. Mr Abdo pledged to be a strong advocate for local infrastructure, community services, and programs that support social cohesion. His remarks also addressed national challenges, including cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, and the need for improved pathways to employment for young people.

Framing politics as a vocation of service, Mr Abdo underscored his commitment to listening to constituents and working across divides to deliver practical results. His speech blended personal narrative with policy priorities, presenting himself as both a product of and advocate for the opportunities Australia can offer.

He also credited two of the most powerful Labor Left unions, the Australian Services Union, and the Australian Metal Workers Union, highlighting the value of blue-collar working-class Australians.

Ms Mary Aldred MP, Member for Monash – Liberal Party of Australia

Ms Mary Aldred’s maiden speech as the Member for Monash was a blend of personal tribute, regional advocacy, and a statement of Liberal values. She honoured her late father, former MP Ken Aldred, as a formative influence on her political convictions, and credited her mother’s resilience and small business experience with instilling empathy and practical problem-solving skills.

Ms Aldred painted Monash as a region defined by agriculture, manufacturing, and strong volunteer networks, pledging to champion local priorities including the construction of a new West Gippsland Hospital, infrastructure investment to boost productivity, and a coordinated national approach to coastal inundation.

Framing her election as part of a duty to serve both her constituents and the nation, Ms Aldred committed to advocating for policies that foster enterprise, strengthen communities, and protect regional environments.

Ms Ash Ambihaipahar MP, Member for Barton – Australian Labor Party

Ms Ambihaipahar’s maiden speech as the Member for Barton reflected on identity, community, and social justice, framed by humility and gratitude. She began by acknowledging the traditional custodians of both the Parliament’s and her electorate’s lands, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples and the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation. She paid tribute to her predecessor, the Hon Linda Burney, highlighting her advocacy for First Nations peoples and mentorship.

Ms Ambihaipahar shared her multicultural upbringing in Barton, with Sri Lankan Tamil and Papua New Guinean heritage, emphasising the role of extended family and community in shaping her values of generosity, service, and inclusion. She recounted her career in law, union advocacy, and local government, highlighting her commitment to workers’ rights, workplace dignity, and fair pay.

She stressed the importance of volunteering, community service, and climate action, and pledged to combat racism and discrimination. Framing her election as part of Australia’s ongoing project of unity and equity, she committed to representing Barton with integrity, compassion, and dedication to social justice.

Mr David Batt MP, Member for Hinkler – Liberal National Party of Queensland

Mr Batt’s maiden speech as the Member for Hinkler highlighted his deep local roots, commitment to community service, and practical approach to regional advocacy. Born and raised in Bundaberg, he reflected on his upbringing in a hardworking, close-knit family and the lessons learned from his parents’ dedication to business, community, and faith. He paid tribute to his wife and daughters, describing the support of extended family and the importance of generational bonds.

Mr Batt recounted his career in policing, detailing his experiences as a detective and union representative, as well as his transition into local, state, and now federal politics. He emphasised his role in disaster management, particularly during the 2013 Bundaberg floods, and his ongoing commitment to community resilience.

Framing Hinkler as a region of natural beauty, agriculture, and diverse coastal towns, he pledged to advocate for equitable services, local infrastructure, small business support, and sustainable energy.