Dr John Gorman’s pioneering medical research into the treatment of Rhesus disease has saved the lives of millions of babies around the world.

Australia has appointed Dr Gorman as an Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia in recognition of his exceptional achievements.

This is the foremost honour in the Australian honours system. It is awarded for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or humanity at large.

Today the Albanese Labor Government is announcing a historic new Partnership to support greater participation and economic opportunities for First Nations people and businesses in Australia’s tourism industry.

The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership, comprising First Nations tourism industry representatives from every state and territory, will provide leadership and guidance on respectfully embedding Australia’s rich cultural heritage in our tourism offerings.

Five National Women’s Alliances will work with the Minister for Women and Assistant Minister for Women to improve outcomes for women in Australia.

Following a competitive grant round five specialist organisations have been selected to form the National Women’s Alliances, sharing in $10.88 million.

National Women’s Alliances represent a diverse range of women and play a key role in understanding and sharing the experiences and issues affecting women in Australia and supporting Government to implement Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality.

Five National Women’s Alliances will work with the Minister for Women and Assistant Minister for Women to improve outcomes for women in Australia.

Following a competitive grant round five specialist organisations have been selected to form the National Women’s Alliances, sharing in $10.88 million.

National Women’s Alliances represent a diverse range of women and play a key role in understanding and sharing the experiences and issues affecting women in Australia and supporting Government to implement Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality.

It is always a pleasure to be part of dialogues such as this, and to get a chance to talk about the many ways the priorities of business and government intersect. 

Last time I addressed your members was in May last year when former Labor leader Simon Crean was still with us. 

Simon had been part of my entire journey through Australian politics. He was leader when I joined the party and I met him for the first time when I arrived in Canberra at the start of my career in public policy. 

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Alright, let's return to the Queensland election, someone that might be strapping on their helmet after not the best result for the Labor Party. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman and former MP, former New South Wales Liberal Party President, Jason Falinski. Gentlemen, thanks both for your time. Pat, what are you sort of musing over as we sift through the entrails? Is it shovel endless money out the door, just bribe voters and it might mean they don't dislike us too much, because that was some serious cash spent by Steven Miles.

The Australian Government is calling for organisations to apply for the Building Women’s Careers Program partnership grants.

The Government is investing $60.6 million in the program to drive women’s participation in VET and the workplace through innovative and scalable partnerships.

The grants will create partnership projects to help increase women’s access to skilled and well-paid careers and help address skills shortages across the economy.

PATRICIA KARVELAS, HOST: The Albanese Government is coming under pressure to do more on cost-of-living relief after a new report pointed to higher-than-expected inflation next year. The International Monetary Fund says Australia will have the second-highest rate of inflation among developed economies, leading the Opposition to brand Australia as being at the back of the pack. But, as the Opposition hones its economic attacks, it’s giving more mixed messages on whether it wants a new debate on abortion.

A new multi-purpose service centre will make life easier for residents of the remote Northern Territory community of Borroloola, including those living with chronic kidney disease.

The Albanese Labor Government has provided the McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust with $13.5 million for community development in Borroloola.

The investment will go towards building Borroloola Central, which will include a renal dialysis clinic, child and family centre, youth centre, Northern Territory Government service hub, and other important services including a pharmacy.

The values of co-operatives and mutuals are Australian values. A fair go. Egalitarianism. The unavoidable truth that the Australian people are stronger when we come together.  And Australian mutuals and cooperatives are there from our very first breaths.

HBF was there when my son, Leo, was born in 2017. You are also there when things don’t go to plan. The RAC was there for me when I was 17. Behind the wheel of my grandmother’s Ford Festiva. And I accidentally remodelled the front of the car while driving in the rain.