Speeches
Monday, 28 September 2026
Reception for Australian-ASEAN Business Forum
I warmly welcome you to Government House on the eve of this year’s Australia-ASEAN Business Forum.
To the government representatives, business and industry leaders and delegates who have travelled from across our region, welcome to South Australia.
And to Mr Francis Wong, who founded this Forum in Adelaide in 2014, thank you for bringing it here again after last year's successful event.
It is well known to all of you that Australia became ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner in 1974.
The relationship has developed and deepened since then, something I have both watched and taken an active role in since starting my own diplomatic career in 1985.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, an anniversary that falls at a time of significant economic and geopolitical ferment, both regionally and globally.
One thing that has become very clear to me through my travels in the region over the last five years, including to seven ASEAN member states, is that now is a time when trusted partnerships, diversified markets, and resilient supply chains are more valuable than ever.
I of course retain a close personal and professional interest in the bigger picture, but, meeting as we are today in South Australia, and in one of my last events as Governor, allow me to focus on the role that my State can play as a trusted partner, contributing at a sub-national level to the achievement of bilateral goals and relationships at the national level.
The Australia-ASEAN relationship is already on a very solid footing, both politically, and with ASEAN Member States collectively being Australia's second largest trading partner, two-way trade reaching almost $200 billion last year.
For its part, South Australia has much to bring to the table.
We are a world leader in the clean energy transition, drawing just over 75 per cent of our electricity from renewables and targeting 100 per cent net renewable electricity next year.
That transition depends on critical minerals, and with two-thirds of Australia's copper reserves, South Australia can be a vital partner as electrification accelerates across the region.
We are a reliable supplier of grains, seafood, meat, and wine, contributing to our region's food security.
As home to the Australian Space Agency and the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, South Australia is also becoming an Asia-Pacific hub for AI and digital infrastructure.
While government ties are essential and important, the links forged between businesses, universities, schools, and communities are the building blocks of our shared future.
During my regional visits, I have witnessed and supported the important role of education in bringing this future to life.
For example, visiting Indonesia in June, I was deeply encouraged by the partnerships Flinders University and Adelaide University are building there.
More than 6,400 students from Southeast Asia are studying in South Australia, and we have schools partnering with schools in Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia.
Our Southeast Asian communities, students included, enrich the life of our State.
In terms of facilitating the direct contacts that help build relationships, I am pleased to see more direct flights from Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines and welcome the fact that a new State Government office will be opening soon in Ho Chi Minh City.
Friends
These are just a few examples from the ever broadening and deepening connections between us, and this Forum has an important role to play in going even further.
The Forum is where conversations become partnerships, and partnerships create impact.
I encourage you to make the most of your time in Adelaide, to forge new opportunities and deepen friendships.
I am confident the connections you make here will contribute to a stronger, more prosperous Australia–ASEAN relationship.
Separated by geography but united by shared ambition, may we continue working together to strengthen the ties between Australia, South Australia and Southeast Asia.
I wish you a productive and enjoyable Forum.