Macquarie Group Climate event

Thanks, Shemara, for the introduction.

And thanks to Macquarie Group for the invitation to say a few words today. – 

It’s been a great week of recognition for Australia here at the UN.

On Monday I was invited to open Climate Group’s Climate Week NYC 2026 program – in acknowledgement of Australia’s leadership in renewable energy and our work with our Pacific partners, drawing attention to their vulnerability to climate change.

And just prior to coming here, I co-hosted – with the leaders of France, Spain and Kenya – a forum about the importance of building an AI world that recognises the rights and needs of our children.

This is a vital issue – about the welfare and potential of the next generation. Which makes it an important economic issue too. 

The employees and business owners of the future must be proficient in AI and strong, well-rounded thinkers.

Australia is recognised as a first mover on this issue, following our world-leading child social media ban, which is being adopted by other countries and jurisdictions on an almost daily basis.

It’s part of the push by countries and companies to ensure that the digital world – especially AI – is shaped by human priorities, so it can gain the social license it needs to continue its transformative economic role.

All up, I think the world is seeing Australia as a smart, adaptable and successful middle power, succeeding because we’re not afraid to get ahead of the curve on the issues that matter to the future.

And that makes it a great place to invest and do business, especially in the emerging high-tech as well mining sectors.

Including in renewable energy and cleaner manufacturing.

Macquarie is a great Australian institution. 

Proudly, an Australian success story. 

And I’m guessing one with friends looking for great investment opportunities.

For that, you need look no further than home.

As the world transitions to clean energy – the biggest economic transformation since the industrial revolution – there’s nowhere you’d rather be than Australia.

Our advantages are obvious.

We’re blessed with world-leading universities and researchers. 

A skilled and innovative workforce. 

The rare earths and critical minerals. 

Space to build, and abundant sunlight to provide clean and reliable energy. 

Right now, Australia has what the world needs.

And everything investors are looking for when they’re deciding where to put their capital.

Come and join us to create the future. 

We know that in addition to abundant natural and human resources, investors need certainty. 

Australia can offer it. 

Last year in New York, I unveiled Australia’s Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. 

By 2035, we are aiming to achieve a 62 to 70 per cent reduction on 2005 emissions.

It’s ambitious. And it’s achievable.

Renewables, firmed by gas, will help us get there. 

Our progress is extraordinary.

Australians are installing around 10,000 batteries each week.

Thanks to our Cheaper Home Batteries program, in the past year we’ve added more home battery capacity than the US has ever installed – despite having only one-twelfth their population.

In May 2022, renewables supplied around a third of our energy grid – last year it was around half. 

And it has broken records in every quarter of 2026 – creating a seven-and-a-half-million tonne reduction in emissions over the year to March.

In April 2022, around 29 Australians a day bought an electric vehicle. 

Just four years later, that number has jumped to 515.

And, last month, electric vehicle sales overtook petrol car sales for the first time ever.

My government is backing private investment in renewable energy too. 

Through our Capacity Investment Scheme, we’ve developed a revenue underwriting system to decrease risk and accelerate investment in renewables.

It will add an additional 26 gigawatts of solar and wind generation – backed by 14 gigawatts of new clean energy storage. 

It’s turning our pipeline of renewable projects into jobs for our regions, and cheaper, more reliable power for millions of households.

Australia is also home to the world’s largest green bank – the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

Since its inception in 2012, it’s unlocked some $70 billion of private investment in clean energy. 

And, just this month, we announced our new Launchpad program – committing $30 million to support local startups to commercialise their clean energy technologies.

At every stage, we’re backing Australian ideas and innovation. 

Leaning into our unique advantages. 

Giving investors over the world the certainty they need to buy in. 

And positioning Australia to seize the opportunities of the world’s shift to clean energy.

At every step, my government is doing all we can to capitalise on our advantages as the world moves to net zero.    And building up our own energy security in the process.

Central to that plan is making more things in Australia.

Securing our supply chains, and safeguarding Australia’s place in a rapidly changing global economic and strategic landscape.

Our Future Made in Australia agenda outlines our vision for a clean energy and advanced manufacturing future. 

And to use our energy, technology and innovation to help our Pacific neighbours grow and build their own sovereignty too.

For Future Made in Australia to work, we’re seeking global investment partners in the industries that matter most to net zero and where Australia enjoys an enduring comparative advantage: 

Industries that hold such great potential for business – not least for US companies.

We know many are enthusiastic.

The Australia-America Clean Industry Delegation, which travelled to Australia last year and visited Newcastle, certainly was.

I’d love to see more exchanges of this kind – so you can see for yourself what we have to offer.

And the limitless potential for you to share the benefits of the energy and technology shifts in cleaner energy and manufacturing, and AI and data centre expansion. 

The message I’ve brought to New York this week is that right across the board – whether we’re talking about energy and climate, or building a more peaceful and secure world – Australia is not a bystander. 

We’re using our middle-power leadership to inspire action. 

To advocate for free and fair trade, for the jobs it creates, and the investment it drives.

All within a more secure, prosperous and stable world. 

We want to do it in partnership with the world – including with the businesses you represent.

To the Australians in the room: thank you for all you do as ambassadors for Australian investment and opportunity. 

And to all, thank you for your optimism for emerging industries and your interest in developing them in Australia. 

We’ll certainly welcome you Down Under.

PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.