MADELEINE KING: Welcome to all the Japanese delegates here in Perth, Western Australia. The relationship between Australia and Japan is one of enduring importance. We are important to one another. We have been for many, many years and will continue to be so into the future. I'm really happy to answer your questions.

JOURNALIST: As you mentioned, our likely next Prime Minister Ms Sanae Takaichi is also former Economic Security Minister and in critical terms, what kind of collaboration do you expect for the future?

MADELEINE KING: Well, I look forward to that process being finalised and congratulate the new leader of the LDP on her amazing achievement. I know Japan and Australia have already worked together extensively on rare earths and critical minerals, with the investment of JOGMEG into Lynas. We can be strong partners in making secure supply chains as an alternative to the current market that we see. So, I hope when the time is right, our governments will have really productive discussions, as we always do, as well as with businesses in Japan that invest in this industry.

JOURNALIST: Next year marks 50-year anniversary of NARA Treaty and Ms Takaichi is from Nara.

MADELEINE KING: Nara is beautiful.

JOURNALIST: What is your comments for the upcoming likely new year?

MADELEINE KING: Well firstly can I say how beautiful Nara is? It's a beautiful place. I've been there myself many years ago. I think for the incoming Prime Minister no doubt she will meet with our Prime Minister in celebration of that important 50-year relationship. A relationship built off the back of trust and industry working with government to create jobs and prosperity and energy security importantly in Japan and in Australia.

JOURNALIST: And she's the first female leader for the LDP. What do you think about the [indistinct] big step in Japan?

MADELEINE KING: Yes, it is. Having the first female Prime Minister is a remarkable step and a really important one and I think for the young women in Japan it must be inspiring to know that you know, you can work hard to be elected and become Prime Minister, a leader of one of the great nations of the world that is host to the great cities of the world, that has such an important role to play in global politics. So, I congratulate the incoming Prime Minister, and I look forward to meeting her myself one day I hope.

JOURNALIST: Recently we have seen a step forward in North West Shelf Gas Project and for the new Japanese leadership, what kind of collaboration do you expect from the new cabinet from Japan on gas security?

MADELEINE KING: I look forward to the announcement of the new cabinet. I have found as the Australian Minister for Resources we have always had excellent dealings with the METI Minister and the METI Department. We will continue to collaborate. Australia is keenly aware of its role in Japan's energy security. As I said in my speech, without Japanese investment into our LNG industry, Australia, Western Australia would not have access to gas, to power our industries, and our homes. So, I know we'll work together, whether it be on the Northwest Shelf, but on other projects as well, whether that be in LNG but continuing in iron ore and also coal on the east coast, as well as critical minerals and rare earths.
All good?

JOURNALIST: Thanks very much.

MADELEINE KING: So, much. Thank you.