Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will warn that democracies face a growing threat from political violence and polarisation when he addresses Commonwealth leaders in Antigua and Barbuda.
He is expected to cite the attack on independent Australian MP Dr Helen Haines, who suffered grievous injuries and remains in a serious condition, as an example of the dangers confronting elected representatives.
Albanese will speak at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St John’s, the capital, before formal talks begin on Tuesday. The summit brings together leaders from 56 nations.
“Across the world, political polarisation is reducing social cohesion, placing additional pressures on democratic processes,” Albanese says in a draft of his address.
“Threats against elected representatives are also increasing, especially against women. And inevitably, some of these threats have been followed through.
“Serving and former parliamentarians have been injured and even murdered. Just a fortnight ago, an Australian member of the House of Representatives, Dr Helen Haines, was attacked, suffering grievous injuries. She remains in a serious condition.”
The Australian prime minister is expected to offer support to smaller Commonwealth states seeking to strengthen their democratic institutions, while also promoting Australia’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2029-30.
He will say Australia wants to amplify the voices of smaller countries and help resolve conflicts, describing that as the approach it would bring to the Security Council if its candidacy succeeds.
Climate change and technology on Commonwealth agenda
Albanese’s wider agenda at the five-day summit includes climate change, social media regulation and artificial intelligence. He will tell leaders that climate change represents an existential threat for many Commonwealth member countries.
“Australia understands that for many member countries, climate change is an existential threat,” he says in the draft speech. “We are playing our part in tackling climate change domestically. Our domestic emissions targets are ambitious, but achievable.”
The meeting has opened with social events attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla. The King is expected to address a debate over slavery, while UK counterpart Andy Burnham has indicated he is open to issuing a formal apology.
Albanese is due to meet Burnham on Monday for talks expected to cover fuel security, defence and arrangements for young British people visiting Australia on working holidays.
The visit comes as Australian borrowers are expected to face another interest rate rise on Tuesday. Opposition leader Angus Taylor criticised Albanese for being overseas, saying the prime minister had “lost control of the economy”.
Albanese has also targeted backpackers as part of efforts to reduce Australia’s annual migration intake. British working holidaymaker numbers have reached record levels under a Coalition-era free trade agreement, which allows them to live in Australia for up to three years without having to work in regional areas.
