ANTHONY ALBANESE MP
LEADER OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
MEMBER FOR GRAYNDLER

RICHARD MARLES MP
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
MEMBER FOR CORIO

SENATOR PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY IN THE SENATE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
LABOR SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Labor welcomes the election of Joseph Biden to President-elect of the United States of America.

We also congratulate the Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris and acknowledge the significance of the first woman - and a woman of colour - to be elected to such a position in the US.

The United States has always been and continues to be a great democratic nation, it is also Australia’s most important ally.

The Alliance between Australia and the United States remains a cornerstone of Labor policy, as it has since John Curtin’s turn to America in World War II.

The Alliance sits at the heart of Australia’s security arrangements and is based on shared values and faith in democracy and freedom.

Joe Biden has made clear the value he places on America’s traditional alliances – something Labor welcomes.

Effective multilateralism is a core national interest and we look forward to the US reprising its leadership role in global institutions.

Labor also welcomes the incoming President’s commitment to engage with our region on critical issues.

Mr Biden campaigned on the promise of action on climate change – including a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

His victory means big players in our region – the US, China, Japan and South Korea - are committed to reducing carbon emissions and supporting growth in renewables.

Other countries have accepted the reality of climate change and are pursuing new industries and jobs of the future in renewable energy.

We look forward to cooperating with the United States on regional security, trade, climate change and reaffirming our commitment to shared values on democracy and human rights.

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.