Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged the Senate to support the government’s Digital Duty of Care legislation, saying it would make major technology companies more accountable and give Australians greater control over what they receive on their devices.
Speaking at a press conference in Canberra on Thursday, 29 October, Albanese said the legislation, which passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday, would establish greater accountability for technology platforms and address the influence of algorithms on the content Australians see online.
“It’s not about government having a greater role, it’s about people having a greater role,” Albanese said, arguing that individuals should have more control over what appears on their devices rather than leaving those decisions to internationally based companies.
The Prime Minister described the proposed legislation as a further step in Australia’s efforts to respond to the growing influence of digital technologies, following the introduction of the social media accounts ban for children under 16.
Albanese said the government was also focused on securing parliamentary support for its domestic gas reservation package, which was scheduled for debate and a vote in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
The proposed scheme would allow up to 20 per cent of gas exports to be reserved for domestic use, with the government arguing that the measure would increase supply for Australian households and businesses, support manufacturing and put downward pressure on prices.
Resources Minister Madeleine King said the reforms would establish an enduring domestic gas reservation framework, providing greater certainty for consumers, industry and the gas sector.
Industry Minister Tim Ayres described the proposal as a major economic reform intended to protect industrial jobs and strengthen Australia’s manufacturing competitiveness.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Australia was the last country with a gas industry without an effective reservation policy.
Albanese also defended the government’s proposed European Union Free Trade Agreement, calling it a significant opportunity for Australian exporters.
He said the agreement would make 98 per cent of Australian goods and services exports to the European market tariff-free, opening access to a market of approximately 450 million people. The government estimates the deal could boost Australia’s economy by $10 billion.
The Prime Minister highlighted potential benefits for critical minerals, manufactured goods, services, defence-related industries, fruit and vegetable producers, wine exporters and the beef and sheep meat sectors.
Responding to criticism from the Coalition, Albanese said Australia had secured improved terms through negotiations with the European Union. He said the agreement would allow beef and sheep meat exports to Europe to increase substantially, with the arrangements subject to a five-year review.
He also rejected objections to climate-related provisions in the agreement, noting that references to the Paris Agreement were included in other Australian free trade agreements.
“Trade is a good thing,” Albanese said, arguing that Australia’s economic growth and productivity depended on engagement with international markets.
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns about inflation and the prospect of further interest rate increases, acknowledging that households were under pressure.
He pointed to government savings, budget management and cost-of-living measures, including free TAFE, cheaper medicines, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and changes to bulk-billing incentives.
Albanese said global inflationary pressures, including higher oil prices and conflict in the Middle East, were affecting economies around the world. He maintained that Australia had performed comparatively well on employment and economic growth, while acknowledging that reducing inflation remained a challenge.
On government spending, he said the government would continue to identify savings as part of the upcoming Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, but ruled out major cuts to health, education, hospitals and schools.
The press conference also covered concerns about the Northern Minerals rare earths project in Western Australia, where the government is examining options after foreign shareholders allegedly disregarded court decisions. Resources Minister King said the deposit was important to Australia’s critical minerals supply chain and that the government was considering measures within its remit to support its development.
The government’s legislative agenda also includes tax changes, with Albanese defending reforms intended to better align the taxation of income from work and assets. He said adjustments had been made following consultation and that discussions were continuing with the Australian Olympic Committee over concerns about the impact of proposed changes on athletes.
Albanese said the government would continue pursuing its domestic economic agenda while strengthening Australia’s international trade and regional relationships.
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