The Boao Forum has always recognised a simple truth: that our biggest challenges demand a collective response.
The calibre of people gathered here speaks to the power of this event.
As the Federal Member for Perth, I particularly welcome our guests from China, and around our region.
One kilometre down the road is Chung Wah, Western Australia’s first ethnic association.
Formed in 1909, at 128 James Street in the heart of Northbridge.
An absolutely vital hub for the Chinese community in Perth.
It has promoted the interests and heritage of the Western Australian Chinese community for more than a century.
After Australia federated, one of the first bills introduced to our Federal Parliament was the Immigration Restriction Bill.
Today we consider this bill to be the introduction of the ‘White Australia Policy.’
A discriminatory policy that held Australia’s national character back and it held our economy back.
It is part of the honest telling of Australia’s history, but it has no place in our future.
In response, Australian Chinese communities came together to provide welfare and support to members of their community.
Forming societies like Chung Wah to care for those who needed help.
It still operates in Northbridge as an incredible display of the Australian values of mateship, the fair go and lending a hand to those in need.
Just a little further down the road in West Leederville lived a young Bob Hawke when he was studying here in Perth.
Former Prime Minister Hawke contributed so much to Australia when in office.
But he never stopped.
Hawke was instrumental in establishing this forum.
Reflecting on the forum in 2018, Hawke said it couldn’t have happened:
“… without the absolute commitment of the Chinese Government.”
He also had a warning.
In Hawke’s view, we were at a turning point in history.
And our response to climate change would either:
“ … improve the standard and quality of life of all mankind … or destroy life as we know it.”
Today, this message is just as stark.
And the collective responsibility that inspired this forum is just as critical.
Every nation has a responsibility act on the existential challenge of climate change.
And to build a more prosperous future for us all.
Some falsely claim it is a choice.
The truth is that prosperity and climate action go hand in hand.
Australia's regional focus
Bob Hawke was not just instrumental in Boao’s creation.
His government forged Australia’s path of seeking security in Asia, not from it.
He positioned Australia as a middle power that was able to show leadership in the world.
To point to a better future.
And to work with our partners through inclusive, rules-based trade to get there together.
It is a legacy our government proudly continues.
As Australians, we are guided by the values of fairness, aspiration, and opportunity for all.
We do not leave these values at the departure lounge.
Instead, we carry them on to the world.
That is why we honour our commitment to the Paris Agreement.
We have set a target to cut our emissions from 62 to 70 percent of 2005 levels by 2035.
Because of the power this target has to drive investment in Australian industry and put downward pressure on power prices for all Australians.
We know it is ambitious.
But it is also achievable.
Due, in no small part, to our investment in renewable energy.
Renewables already generate more than 40 per cent of on-grid electricity in Australia.
Our goal is for renewables to generate 82 per cent of the nation’s electricity by the end of the decade.
While we seize these opportunities, we must also share them.
Australia can meet the challenge of climate change.
Australian resources and Australian ingenuity can power the world.
They can lower emissions and lift living standards too, at home and abroad.
Nowhere is this more pressing than our region – the Indo-Pacific.
A region that is at the frontline of the climate crisis.
We are proud to be supporting Pre-COP in the Pacific and leading negotiations at November’s COP31 climate conference, which will be held in Türkiye.
Part of our contribution to the Pacific family.
Pre-COP will bring the eyes of the world to the frontline impacts of climate change - and the innovative solutions that the Pacific have to offer.
We must not become overwhelmed by the complexity of the challenges ahead.
Because this is an opportunity to build stronger communities.
While ensuring we increase our energy independence and security at the same time.
Australia and China
I am also grateful for the strong Chinese representation at today’s event.
Your very presence takes our nations’ relationship further.
Australia and China’s economies have long been highly complementary.
For decades, Australian businesses, resources and ideas have helped shape China’s extraordinary economic transformation.
In turn, one in four Australian jobs rely on trade.
I do not need to tell anyone here who Australia’s biggest trading partner is.
It is a relationship that has a special significance here in Western Australia.
Three quarters of Australia’s exports to China come from this state.
And, in my electorate alone, 9,000 people work in the resources industry.
Just as Australia’s exports help power China’s remarkable growth we both have a role to play in helping the world on its path to net zero.
Green metals are essential to moving further down that path.
Steel and iron making account for some 9 per cent of global emissions.
China produces 50 per cent of the world’s steel.
Australia provides more than half of China’s iron ore.
Which is why Prime Minister Albanese agreed to establish a new Policy Dialogue on Steel Decarbonisation with China.
A shared commitment to reducing global emissions.
We understand that, ultimately, it is industry – so well represented here today – that will drive decarbonisation in the sector.
And our government will back you all the way.
Australia's domestic policy
I have spoken about the role Australia can play in the world’s journey to net zero.
It goes without saying, but our government is getting on with building Australia’s clean energy future.
Our visitors probably saw the evidence spread across rooftops on their descent into Perth.
Australia is the world leader in rooftop solar.
And now, through our Cheaper Home Batteries program, we are ranked third in the world for battery storage, too.
We are also backing renewable energy on a bigger scale.
Through our Capacity Investment Scheme, we are speeding up investment in renewable energy generation and clean dispatchable capacity.
Here in Western Australia, we are delivering the largest Capacity Investment Scheme tender in the state’s history.
It will deliver 1.9 gigawatts renewable generation and 482 megawatts of battery storage, through 10 new projects across our regions.
Generating enough electricity to power more than a million WA households.
Already, we have backed companies like Trina Solar, represented here today, to add 350 megawatts of capacity through its Killawarra hybrid project.
All of it adds up to more jobs, more investment, and – critically – lower emissions.
As the world transitions to net zero, we are also leaning into Australia’s unique advantages.
Through our Future Made in Australia package, we are backing onshore critical minerals processing.
Investing in our capability in solar and batteries.
Building our research and development capability.
And making it easier for domestic and foreign capital to invest in renewable energy projects — from green steel to low carbon liquid fuels, and more.
Put simply, we are positioning Australia to shape the future — not be shaped by it.
Like you, we are determined that this future will be fairer, more resilient, and more prosperous for us all.
Conclusion
Before I finish, I want to share a reflection.
Though many of the challenging chapters of our national history, like the White Australia Policy, are – thankfully – behind us, reminders still linger.
Reminders of the resilience of Australians – no matter their background – to weather and persist through the tides of history and the challenges they bring.
The Chung Wah Association’s headquarters are still located at 128 James Street in Northbridge.
Today, more than 700 people are actively accessing and using their services and programs delivered by professional bilingual staff, support workers and volunteers.
And every year they host the annual Perth Chinese New Year Fair in Northbridge.
Their strong commitment to promoting Australian multiculturalism and sharing their culture with other Western Australians persists today.
And they demonstrate clearly that there is no tension between taking pride in your cultural background and taking pride in our multicultural country.
From strong community foundations like these, our shared commitment to a prosperous future can continue to flourish and grow, too.
Australia’s national colours are green and gold.
And I see hints of both in our relationship with China.
About 600 kilometres east of here, in Kalgoorlie, there is a reflective garden.
It was built by Chinese craftsmen in the style of ancient Chinese architecture.
The green of native Australian flora surrounds the design, which honours the proud Chinese contribution to Western Australia’s story.
Something that dates back to our gold rush of the 1800s.
The garden stands as a monument to the Chinese migrants who helped Australian resources boom so many years ago.
After all, nothing goes together like green and gold.
Gold is an indelible part of our shared history.
And green energy will define our future.
Thank you to everyone here today – in China, Australia, and beyond – for helping us build it.
I wish you all the best for this forum.