Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the opposition, may I extend my warmest welcome to the Singaporean prime minister Lawrence Wong and his delegation. I met with Prime Minister Wong and the delegation earlier today. I was joined by the shadow minister for energy and emissions reduction, the shadow minister for defence and the member for Flinders in this place. When I met with the Prime Minister, Senator Cash described Singapore as 'family', and I think that is absolutely the right description. We are the closest of neighbours, with deep people-to-people connections across so many aspects of our society.

The defence relationship, which the coalition took to the next level in 2015 with the inking of the comprehensive strategic partnership, is helping to strengthen our two nations and to support regional security. Our exchange of students and our joint research and investment in new technologies—including in the energy sector—are building the backbone for a stronger and more prosperous South-East Asia. It was a privilege to have Prime Minister Wong in the parliament, and I know I speak for all members when I say that, when you are in Australia, you are indeed among family.

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