Fiame welcomes new Australian Prime Minister

By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 26 May 2022, 6:25PM

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has applauded the smooth transition of Australia's newly elected Prime Minister into office, following last week's federal election.

Outgoing Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison conceded defeat and congratulated new Prime Minister and Labor leader, Anthony Albanese last Saturday.

During a press conference earlier this week, Fiame said whichever party won the government would continue its partnership with them under the new leadership. 

She said some of the key policies of the Australian Labor Party is climate change which is an issue that the Pacific islands including Samoa feel strongly about. 

In welcoming the new leadership of the Australian Government, Fiame said it was great seeing the smooth transition of power for the new Australian administration.

She noted the result of the election was announced at 11pm last Saturday evening and Mr Morrison conceded defeat and congratulated the new party to lead government. 

“It was great to see that on the very next day there was a change in Government,” Fiame said as she made a comparison with Samoa's own transition of power last year after election, while acknowledging that it was not the same.  

“Things happen and we have observed that the change in government after election in Australia and I guess they are used to change but for us it has been a long time since a change.” 

Outgoing Prime Minister Mr Morrison told the Australian media he had contacted the Labor leader to congratulate him on his election victory on Saturday. 

"I have spoken to the Leader of the Opposition and the incoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and I've congratulated him on his election victory this evening," Mr Morrison said.

"On a night like tonight it is proper to acknowledge the functioning of our democracy I have always believed in Australians and their judgement and I've always been prepared to accept their verdicts and tonight they have delivered their verdict.

"And I congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party and I wish him and his government all the very best."

Mr Morrison said he took responsibility for the loss of the Liberal Party and confirmed he would step down as leader after taking control in 2018 following Malcolm Turnbull's exit. 

"That is the burden and that is the responsibility of leadership. As a result I will be handing over the leadership at the next party room meeting to ensure the party can be taken forward under new leadership which is the appropriate thing to do," he said.

"To all of those who have been elected again tonight, you carry forward that Liberal mantle. You carry forward that Coalition flag. And I can only see myself continuing to support you in those efforts because the country will need you in the years ahead."

The Liberals have lost at least eight seats to Labor including two in NSW (Reid and Robertson), one in South Australia (Boothby), two in Victoria (Chisholm and Higgins) and at least three in Western Australia (Hasluck, Pearce, Swan).

By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 26 May 2022, 6:25PM
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