Former Australian Ambassador to the United States, Arthur Sinodinos, has called on the Albanese government to reassure Donald Trump that Australia remains a committed and reliable ally, following a weekend speech by the Prime Minister that some observers have criticised as politically risky and ill-timed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking at the John Curtin Research Centre, praised former wartime leader John Curtin for pursuing an independent foreign policy “anchored in strategic reality, not bound by tradition.”
While Mr Albanese described the US alliance as “our most important defence and security partnership,” he also emphasised that Curtin’s foreign policy extended beyond simply “looking to America.”
The remarks, which made no mention of AUKUS, were delivered as the US continues its review of the security pact and as Albanese prepares for another meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping – his fourth – before holding any talks with Donald Trump.
Sinodinos defended the content of the speech, but stressed that it must be carefully explained to avoid misinterpretation in Washington.
“Given the context of Australia-US relations at present, the speech will need careful explanation to our American friends to avoid a misconception that was hyped that the speech would be a declaration of independence from the US,” he told The Australian.
“The speech is about Australia taking foreign policy decisions in its own interest including turning to the US in World War II, and frames that pivot in terms of our security interest in the region. The speech makes clear that the alliance has bipartisan support in Australia.”
Critics, including Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, questioned the timing of the remarks amid “global uncertainty” and ongoing strategic negotiations with the US, arguing that Australia should be strengthening its influence in Washington rather than creating ambiguity.
Source: The Australian.
