Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to counter the "damaging" notion that democratic systems are failing, especially during a time of widespread global instability.
In his first major address since the centre-left Labor Party's re-election in May, Albanese emphasized Australia's role in promoting regional stability.
Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, he pointed to the global rise of far-right and far-left populist movements, attributing them to growing public disillusionment, a feeling that economic systems and democratic institutions no longer serve ordinary citizens.
"We are facing a period of major global uncertainty, not only in terms of economic turmoil, but more critically, due to the dangerous belief that governments, politics, and democratic frameworks, including a free press, are no longer capable of rising to today's challenges", Albanese said.
While acknowledging that some actors exploit this distrust for personal gain, he asserted that his government was committed to proving these views wrong.
Albanese also condemned the recent shooting of an Australian journalist with a rubber bullet during protests in Los Angeles, calling it "horrific". He confirmed that the Australian government had formally raised concerns with U.S. authorities, stating the incident was unacceptable.
The prime minister is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time next week at the G7 summit in Canada. Key topics are expected to include trade tariffs and Washington's push for Australia to increase its defence spending from 2% to 3.5% of GDP.
Albanese, however, has refrained from endorsing a specific defence spending figure, emphasizing instead the importance of addressing Australia's specific defence needs, such as boosting local missile production.
"Australia should determine its own defence investments", he stated, highlighting that the country's regional ties, particularly in Asia and the Pacific, are also essential for national security.
He reaffirmed that Australia remains committed to deepening its relationships across Asia amid rising strategic tensions in the region.
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