Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Does Australia have a State of the Nation Address like the Philippines?

Parliament House in Canberra
Parliament House in Canberra Credit: SBS Filipino

While the Philippines holds an annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) mandated by its Constitution, Australia has no direct counterpart. Instead, the government communicates its priorities through the Governor-General’s Speech during the Opening of Parliament and the Federal Budget Speech in May.


Published

By TJ Correa

Presented by TJ Correa, Edinel Magtibay

Source: SBS



Share this with family and friends


While the Philippines holds an annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) mandated by its Constitution, Australia has no direct counterpart. Instead, the government communicates its priorities through the Governor-General’s Speech during the Opening of Parliament and the Federal Budget Speech in May.


Key Points

  • Australia does not have a single equivalent to the Philippine SONA, but similar functions are covered by other formal speeches.
  • The Governor-General’s Speech at the Opening of Parliament outlines the government’s legislative agenda and is followed by speeches from the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader.
  • The Federal Budget Speech, delivered by the Treasurer, presents the government’s economic plans and national priorities.

📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino

🔊 On Air – Tune in to SBS Filipino on radio stations across Australia and website live stream, and TV Channel 302 from 10 AM to 11 AM AEST daily.

📲 Catch up episodes and stories – Visit sbs.com.au/filipino or stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube Podcasts, and SBS Audio app.

📣 Follow Us on Social Media – Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Instagram.


Latest podcast episodes

Follow SBS Filipino

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS News in Filipino

Watch it onDemand

Stream now