MARK DREYFUS MP

The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 is a significant step forward for Australian privacy law. It begins the much-needed work of updating our privacy laws to be fit-for-purpose in the digital age.

At a time when democracy is being challenged around the world, the contest of ideas has never been more important. All of us invested in the democratic project need to do more than wring our hands – we need to demonstrate what we are doing to act against anti-democratic tendencies.

Reflections on the fundamental role international law has played in the development of Australia’s domestic law and in achieving justice and reform here at home, as well as how Australia engages constructively with international legal institutions and processes in support of the international rules-based order.

Combatting corruption and its impact is a high priority for me as Attorney-General and should be a priority for us all.

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that, as well as enjoying longer, fulfilling lives, older people can live free from abuse.

Today, we pause to remember the 298 people on-board Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on the 17th of July, 2014.

Today, we honour their lives, remember their dreams, and grieve with those left behind.

Today, we remain unwavering in our determination to ensure truth, justice and accountability for the victims and their loved ones.

The National Risk Assessment on terrorism financing and the National Risk Assessment on money laundering are detailed assessments of the risks, threats, vulnerabilities and consequences of these crimes in Australia

Australians will remember the shock of waking on the morning of 18 July 2014 our time to learn the shocking news. An ordinary, scheduled passenger flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur had been shot from the skies above the east of Ukraine.

All aboard – 283 passengers and 15 crew – had lost their lives in unspeakable circumstances.

It is an honour for me to meet with you again today in your beautiful country. And it is my great pleasure to be here to present the Police Patrol Vessel Minigulai to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, on behalf of the Australian Federal Police.

I will speak to you this evening about our shared challenges, our different approaches to tackling those challenges, and how our collaboration strengthens a crucial value that underpins democracy in both our nations - the rule of law. The rule of law is the foundational framework for a society where power is wielded - not arbitrarily, but with accountability and predictability.

For a society and a nation to be free, prosperous and successful, there must be respect for the rule of law.