US election: Anthony Albanese says Australia must brace for ‘change’ after Donald Trump’s win
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia should expect “change” under incoming US President Donald Trump after his stunning return to power.
The Federal Government has moved quickly to congratulate Mr Trump, who won on his America-first agenda platform that included slapping huge tariffs on Chinese imports.
“President Trump has run a campaign based on change and he’s made it clear he’s going to do things differently, so we shouldn’t be surprised as things change,” Mr Albanese said from Parliament House in Canberra.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“But equally, we should be really confident in ourselves and our place in the world and our ability to deliver on our interest together as Australians.”
Mr Albanese said the Federal Government would work closely with the incoming Trump administration to “realise the benefits of what is a very strong economic and security partnership”.
“Australia and the United States are old allies and true friends,” he said.
“Our nations are bound by a history of shared sacrifice, a commitment to common values and, above all, an enduring respect and affection between our people.”
Earlier, Foreign Minister Penny Wong sought to play down past criticisms of Mr Trump from Labor figures, including Mr Albanese, who in 2017 admitted Mr Trump “scares the s... out of me”.
“We’ve got an alliance between two nations that is grounded in our big strategic objectives and our great democratic values,” Senator Wong told Channel 7’s Sunrise.
“And that alliance has stood the test of time and it is bigger than any individual or any past comments. We look forward to working with Mr. Trump.”
Asked how the Government would navigate a second Trump presidency, Senator Wong also said Australia should brace for upheaval.
In an opening statement to Senate estimates on Thursday, Senator Wong said the Federal Government looked forward to working with the incoming Trump administration.
“Our government will work closely with the new Trump administration to realise the benefits of our strong economic partnership,” she said.
“We will strive to strengthen co operation between our two nations in our region.”
More to come
