Speeches
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Philippines-Australia Friendship Day
Mabuhay, and and good evening.
I begin by acknowledging the deep cultural heritage of the Philippines, including the many Indigenous communities whose traditions continue to enrich the Filipino identity.
I acknowledge the presence of Her Excellency the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Ms Hae Kyong Yu; the esteemed Secretaries of the Philippine Government; and the many distinguished guests joining us this evening, from business, education, civil society, and the diplomatic corps. Your presence reflects the strength of the partnership between our nations.
It is a privilege to join you tonight to mark the Australia–Philippines Friendship Day, and I am delighted that our bilateral relationship is at a point of historic strength, built on 79 years of diplomatic relations.
This evening’s gathering brings us together to share experiences, build connections, and reaffirm the people-to-people relationships that lie at the heart of our cooperation.
Throughout my career in diplomacy and public service, I have seen how these links are often the most important aspects of international engagement. They cultivate trust, foster mutual understanding, and lay the groundwork for lasting collaboration.
As Governor of South Australia, I take pride in the contribution our state makes to this relationship, through our world-class universities, our vibrant Filipino-Australian community, and growing partnerships across education, innovation, and trade. These ties reflect South Australia’s values as an outward-looking, inclusive, and forward-thinking state.
The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, marked in 2021, was celebrated under the theme “Mateship and Bayanihan” (buy-uh-NEE-hun). Mateship, Australia’s expression of loyalty and solidarity, resonates deeply with Bayanihan, the Filipino tradition of communal unity and mutual support.
I welcome the positive momentum in our relationship. In September 2023, Prime Minister Albanese visited the Philippines, the first visit by an Australian Prime Minister in two decades, and together with His Excellency Mr Ferdinand Marcos, President of the Philippines, elevated our relationship to a Strategic Partnership.
In February 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. addressed a joint sitting of the Australian Parliament, the first Philippine President to do so, and deepened cooperation across several areas, including cyber cooperation, counter-terrorism, and maritime security.
Shortly after, President Macros joined other regional leaders at the ASEAN–Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to working alongside Southeast Asia.
And in October last year, DFAT Secretary Jan Adams launched the Philippines–Australia Development Partnership Plan 2024–29. This clearly signalled Australia's vision as being a long-term, reliable partner supporting the Philippines’ development priorities.
I also had the pleasure of meeting His Excellency Mr Antionio Morales, Ambassador of the Philippines, at Government House, earlier this month, marking his first visit to South Australia.
We had a productive discussion on the importance of strengthening ties in education and training, innovation, trade and investment, and agribusiness.
While these formal milestones are significant, we are reminded that our greatest strength lies in our people. Trade and economic ties are vital, but they are made lasting by the friendships, exchanges, and the mutual understandings that support them.
Later this evening, we will be treated to a performance by Kontra-GaPi, whose music and movement offer a vivid window into the cultural richness of the Philippines. I look forward to their performance.
On this Friendship Day, let us celebrate all that we have achieved, and the relationships that will carry us forward.
Maraming salamat, thank you very much, and happy Friendship Day.