Australia & US Forge ‘Innovation Alliance’ Across Various Sectors

Australia and the US have pledged an “innovation alliance” that will deepen ties across space exploration, clean energy, research and defence.

Speaking after a White House bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden reaffirmed their diplomatic partnership.

“Today we renewed our commitment to defend the values that are at the heart of this alliance and we continue to stand as one to forge a better future for both of us,” Mr Biden said.

The leaders have placed a strong emphasis on emerging technologies and cutting-edge research.

“Australia and the United States have a strong and growing partnership in new technology – from medical research to AI,” Mr Albanese said.

An almost $10 million commitment to CSIRO and its American counterpart will allow both research agencies to launch an artificial intelligence co-operation that will pioneer AI solutions for natural disasters and other societal challenges like future pandemics.

The Australian National University and the US Los Alamos National Laboratory, best known for its role in the development of the atomic bomb, have made a commitment to strengthen co-operation in education and research between the two nations.

This partnership will also extend beyond the stratosphere, where both Canberra and Washington DC have agreed to the responsible exploration of outer space.

A Technology Safeguards Agreement will allow US commercial space vehicles to launch from Australia, after it is signed on Thursday.

Diplomatic Focus on Clean Energy

Clean energy has also taken centre-stage at diplomatic discussions with Energy Minister Chris Bowen and his US counterpart endorsing an action plan that will address supply chain challenges.

Business and public finance leaders from both nations will also unite as part of an Australia-US Clean Energy Industry Council to advise on clean energy development and co-operation.

As airline companies make attempts to decarbonise, Australia and the United States have announced plans to develop sustainable aviation fuel.

Both leaders have committed to stronger action on climate change, promising to mitigate methane emissions and support developing countries in the Indo-Pacific to do the same.

The US and Australia will also accelerate the clean energy transition in the region by relying on the Quad relationship with India and Japan, with Canberra committing almost $50 million to research and development on clean energy manufacturing in the Indo-Pacific.

New National Environment Protection Agency

Australia will also have a new national environment protection agency that will allow bilateral co-operation on the issue.

These investments complement commitments previously announced on Mr Albanese’s trip regarding the role of critical minerals in achieving net-zero emissions.

Having fought side-by-side since World War I, the countries have also bolstered their military partnership, both announcing additional support for Ukraine, increased co-operation with Japan and reaffirming their commitment to Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.

Talks have opened on a “one stop security” pilot program to streamline screening requirements and shorten transit times for air passengers from trusted countries including Australia.

Mr Albanese and the US president are capping off their time together with a star-studded dinner at the White House.

Rapper The Kid LAROI and Vance Joy, the musician behind the 2013 Triple J Hottest 100 winner Riptide, are in attendance.

American comedian John Leguizamo, best known for playing Sid in the Ice Age movies, has also shown his face alongside former Disney chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg.