Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on Commonwealth nations to strengthen democracy, support smaller and vulnerable states, address climate change and ensure artificial intelligence remains under human control, as leaders gathered for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.
Addressing the opening of the meeting and related forums in Saint John’s on Tuesday, 3 November, Albanese said the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries represented around one-third of the world’s population, providing an important platform for cooperation and shared action.
He said the world was facing considerable pressure from military conflicts, economic uncertainty, climate change and rapidly evolving technologies.
“The starting point lies in the values we share as members of the Commonwealth,” Albanese said, highlighting the importance of international law, democracy and ensuring all countries, regardless of size, have a voice.
He said Australia supported Commonwealth democracy initiatives, including election observation missions and governance reform programmes, and warned that political polarisation was placing additional pressure on social cohesion and democratic processes.
Albanese also referred to increasing threats against elected representatives, particularly women, and highlighted the recent attack on Australian MP Dr Helen Haines, who he said had suffered grievous injuries and remained in a serious condition.
“It has brought home to us the urgent need to protect our elected representatives, so they can continue to do their jobs.”
He said Australia supported calls at CHOGM to improve the safety of people serving in democratic institutions.
Albanese also called for greater support for smaller nations facing economic, social and climate challenges, particularly Pacific and Caribbean island countries.
He said Australia wanted to amplify the voices of small states and middle powers, help prevent crises and conflicts, protect civilians and strengthen partnerships that build national capability.
The Prime Minister said the Commonwealth could play an important role in promoting peace and restoring global trade, noting that conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East were taking a heavy human toll and affecting the global economy.
“Returning our nations and our world to the path of prosperity and rising living standards requires an end to those wars.”
Australia had consistently called for Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine, a ceasefire in the Middle East and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to restore freedom of navigation and trade.
On artificial intelligence, Albanese said governments needed to ensure that technology served humanity rather than controlled it.
“AI is here to stay. We can choose to shape it or let it shape us,” he said.
“Being created by humans, AI must be controlled by humans for the benefit of humanity.”
He highlighted Australia’s social media minimum-age requirements, Digital Duty of Care legislation before Parliament and national AI standards as examples of efforts to establish safeguards around emerging technologies.
Albanese also warned that algorithms could contribute to anger, division, misogyny and violence, while artificial intelligence could be used by hostile nations to spread misinformation and interfere in elections.
On climate action, he said Australia was working towards its emissions targets, modernising its energy system and expanding renewable energy capacity. He noted that around a quarter of Australia’s landmass and ocean was protected and highlighted the country’s support for Pacific-led climate initiatives.
Australia was also working with Türkiye to increase the visibility and participation of Pacific nations in the COP31 proceedings, he said.
At a separate Commonwealth Nature Initiative event, Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to the global goal of protecting 30 per cent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030. He highlighted Australia’s Sustainable Ocean Plan, ratification of the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty and support for the Global Environment Facility.
He also referred to cooperation with Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Timor-Leste to address discarded fishing nets and marine debris.
During a press conference, Albanese said Australia’s participation in CHOGM was important for its economic and national security interests, particularly at a time of global uncertainty.
He noted that the Commonwealth’s 56 countries represented 2.7 billion people and that their combined economies were expected to approach US$30 trillion next year.
“One in four Australian jobs depends upon trade,” he said, explaining why international engagement and economic partnerships were important to Australia’s living standards.
Albanese also confirmed he would raise the issue of working holiday visa arrangements for British backpackers during discussions with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. He said regional employers, particularly in hospitality and agriculture, had raised concerns about the requirement for backpackers to gain experience in regional Australia.
He said Australia was not seeking a complete reversal of the existing arrangements but wanted to highlight the benefits of backpackers experiencing regional areas as part of their time in the country.
On questions about slavery and reparations, Albanese said Australia understood the historical and ongoing impact of slavery on Commonwealth countries. While Australia was not directly involved in discussions between the United Kingdom and affected countries, he said it wanted those discussions to take place transparently and constructively.
Asked about the possibility of financial reparations, he said the matter was for discussions between the UK and the countries directly involved.
Albanese also reiterated Australia’s interest in securing a seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2029–30, with the decision due in June 2028. He said engagement with Commonwealth members and other middle powers provided an opportunity to build support for Australia’s candidacy.
Concluding his address, Albanese said Australia would continue to work with Commonwealth partners as a reliable and practical partner.
“We always listen with respect, partner as equals, and protect what matters most: our people, our planet, and the rules that keep us all safe.”
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