Australian PM to Meet California Governor Newsom to Discuss Clean Energy

President Joe Biden (R) talks with California Gov. Gavin Newsom after disembarking Air Force One at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco on Nov. 14, 2023, as he arrives to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ week. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet with Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom to discuss clean energy technology.

The leader is in the United States for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in San Francisco.

Mr. Albanese is planning to discuss Australia’s partnership with California on climate and clean energy with Mr. Newsom.

“Governor Newsom and I were due to meet at the San Diego meeting earlier this year, he unfortunately contracted COVID at that time, so wasn’t able to be present,” Mr. Albanese said.

“But we have an important agreement between Australia and California, a very large economy in its own right, about clean energy technology as well.”

Mr. Newsom has been touted as a possible future presidential candidate, although he has not officially joined the 2024 race at this stage.

In August, Australia and California signed a partnership agreeing to work together on climate change.

Australia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Kevin Rudd, and Governor Newsom, signed the joint statement on Aug. 15 in Sacramento.

Via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the governments will collaborate on clean energy, clean transportation, green finance and investment, as well as decarbonising the aviation industry and more.

The Australian Department for Climate Change said both countries were “prone to similar weather events and disasters such as wildfires, drought and flooding.

“Through the MOU we will collaborate on policy, work together on projects, and encourage public-private partnerships. We will also exchange scientific knowledge and technical expertise,” the department said.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Mr. Albanese should have cancelled his visit to the United States to deal with community safety issues at home.

“The prime minister is flying off overseas again, when he should be staying in this country,” he said, pointing to an alleged “rise to social disharmony” in the country and anti-semitism.

US President Says Newsom ‘Could Have the Job I’m Looking For’

President Joe Biden was full of praise for Gov. Newsom during his remarks at the welcome reception for APEC leaders on Nov. 16.

The president, in comments that generated laughter from the audience, hinted Mr. Newsom could have a shot at the top job in the future.

“I want to talk about Governor Newsom. Want to thank him. He’s been one hell of a governor, man. Matter of fact, he could be anything he wants. He could have the job I’m looking for,” President Biden said.

Gov. Newsom has also been in the spotlight for his efforts in cleaning up San Francisco ahead of the APEC conference.

San Francisco has been the site of tents for thousands of homeless in recent years, but the city was spotless ahead of APEC.

“I know folks say they are just cleaning up this place because all those fancy leaders are coming into town. That’s true, because it is true,” Mr. Newsom said.

“Anytime you put on an event, by definition, you have people over at your house, you are going to clean up the house.”

Meanwhile, in California, President Biden held several hours of meetings with Xi Jinping, after which he was asked if he would still consider the Chinese leader a “dictator.”

“Well, look, he is. I mean, he’s a dictator in the sense that he—he is a guy who runs a country that—it’s a communist country that is based on a form of government totally different than ours,” President Biden said.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, leader of the centre-left Liberal Party of Canada, also met with Mr. Newsom to discuss climate change.

“Canadians and Californians have felt the impacts of climate change—and understand the opportunities that come with climate action,” Prime Minister Trudeau posted on X. 

“Gavin Newsom and I spoke about that and many other priorities today, and about how we can keep working together. Good to see you again, my friend.”

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, shakes hands with California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom while meeting on Feb. 9, 2018 in San Francisco, California. Jeff Chiu-Pool/Getty Images

Albanese Meet With Microsoft CEO

During his visit, Mr. Albanese also met with Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella.

During the “constructive meeting,” the prime minister and Mr. Nadella discussed a recent $5 billion investment by Microsoft into Australia.

Further, the two announced a decision to use artificial intelligence (AI) within the public service via a partnership with the tech giant.

“The government will conduct a six-month trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Making Australia, one of the first governments in the world to deploy generative AI services,” Mr. Albanese said.