Anthony Albanese, leader of Australia's Labor Party, addresses supporters after incumbent Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Scott Morrison conceded defeat in the country's general election, in Sydney, Australia, on May 21, 2022.
While votes are still being counted and the makeup of the government has yet to be finalised, Mr Albanese was sworn in so he could attend a key meeting of the "Quad" security grouping in Tokyo on Tuesday. Along with Mr Albanese, deputy Labor leader Richard Marles and three key ministers in waiting - Ms Penny Wong in foreign affairs, Mr Jim Chalmers as treasurer and Ms Katy Gallagher in finance - were also sworn in."It's a big day in my life but a big day for the country, when we change the government," Mr Albanese told reporters outside his Sydney suburban home.
Mr Albanese said he spoke to US President Joe Biden on Sunday night and was looking forward to meeting him during the Quad summit on Tuesday alongside the prime ministers of Japan and India. He will return to Australia on Wednesday."This visit aligns with what the Albanese Government sees as the three pillars of Australia's foreign policy: our alliance with the United States, our engagement with the region, and our support for multilateral forums," Mr Albanese said in a statement.