International relations

Minister Payne announces the appointment of Mr William Costello as Australia's next Ambassador to Timor-Leste.

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Fiona Hoggart as Australia's next Consul-General in Surabaya.

Australia acknowledges the peaceful conduct of New Caledonia’s third referendum on independence under the Noumea Accord, and the enduring importance of self-determination to New Caledonians.

Minister Payne and Minister Seselja announces an $85 million financial package to bolster Fiji’s economic recovery. This is an investment in Fiji’s future and reflects Australia and Fiji’s shared commitment to economic resilience, health security and stability in our region.

Like others, Australia is deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and condemns ongoing human rights abuses by the regime. Australia calls again for the de-escalation of violence, for the release of those arbitrarily detained, including Australian Professor Sean Turnell and other foreigners, and for the regime to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders in line with the Five Point Consensus agreed with ASEAN leaders.

Our countries thank the United States for presenting this draft resolution and are pleased to co-sponsor it. We strongly support the resolution, which recognises the importance of fair, periodic, inclusive and genuine elections, and the role of the UN in assisting Member States to arrange them.

Homelessness is indeed a pressing global challenge, affecting both developing and developed countries. As highlighted in the resolution, it is an issue which can affect the enjoyment of human rights. In turn, it is essential that, in addressing the issue of homelessness, Member States protect, promote and fulfil the human rights of all persons.

Australia is committed to responding to the unprecedented challenge posed by increasing global displacement. We affirm our continued support of UNHCR and its mandate – to protect refugees and other people of concern, and assist in finding durable solutions to their displacement. We reiterate the importance of working together to address global displacement, in line with the Global Compact on Refugees.

Australia deeply regrets that we are in the position of having to explain our vote on this resolution at all. There is no higher priority for countries right now than access to COVID-19 vaccines. We strongly support the principles that this resolution sought to highlight: that is, equitable, affordable, timely and universal access to vaccines. For all of us, our own health security is tied to that of our neighbours, so we all have a stake in facilitating access as soon as possible.

Our delegations recognize the numerous challenges presented by disinformation presents numerous challenges. We therefore thank Pakistan for having brought forward this topic. Indeed, we share the view that greater international collaboration to combat disinformation is needed.