The Albanese Government is failing one of its most basic tests of leadership – securing a face-to-face meeting with the President of the United States.
The US President has met over 30 other world leaders. UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer was able to secure a reduction in tariffs on steel and aluminium from 50 to 25%. This is a clear benchmark for Australia to meet.
It has now been more than 300 days since the US election. The two leaders have even been in the same location multiple times, yet Albanese has still not had a formal bilateral meeting with our most important strategic and economic partner.
Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism, Kevin Hogan, said the delay showed a worrying lack of influence and focus from the Prime Minister.
“For decades, Australian leaders have made it a priority to build strong ties with Washington. To go nearly a year without a meeting is unprecedented and deeply concerning,” Kevin Hogan said.
“The list of urgent issues is growing – from trade and market access to regional security, to the future of AUKUS,” he said.
The United States is Australia’s largest two-way investment partner and a vital security ally. Without strong engagement at the highest level, Australian interests’ risk being left behind.
“At a time of increasing global uncertainty, the Prime Minister’s failure to do the hard work and secure a seat at the table with the President is a failure of leadership. Australia deserves better.”
