The Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, and I have renewed and expanded cooperation between Australia and Michigan to work together to prepare for a transport future that is greener, safer, better connected and more accessible for communities.
The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) we have signed will underpin the ongoing partnership between the Australian and Michigan automotive and technology sectors as well as policy makers.
It outlines our shared commitments to reducing emissions in the transport sector to help combat climate change, improving collaboration on future technologies for the sector, and enhancing supply chain connectivity.
Like Michigan, Australia has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
This MOU will drive our two jurisdictions' future collaboration on ensuring our transport sector plays its part on the emissions reduction journey.
New and emerging transport technologies can unlock improvements in accessibility, safety, congestion and productivity, which is why our Government already plays a strategic leadership role to support their safe and legal uptake in Australia.
As a long-standing global centre of automotive industry innovation, Michigan is a strategic international partner to further advance our transport technology work.
Importantly, this MOU also outlines Australia's commitment to improving how our automotive sector engages with First Nations businesses - including on future transport business opportunities.
That reflects the Albanese Government's commitment to ensure Australia's foreign policy reflects the country's full identity.
I look forward to Australia and Michigan continuing to collaborate to ensure a better and safer transport future that underpins prosperity for both our regions.
