President Donald Trump is expected to impose tariffs on $7 billion worth of Australian farm produce which enters the United States each year.
Voters want to know what the contenders for the prime ministership will do to protect the national interest. Neither Albanese nor Dutton so far have any answers for them.
The US president’s comments suggest he is growing frustrated with his inability to strike a quick peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war,which he promised in the election campaign.
Julia Gillard has been praised for maintaining a dignified silence since leaving politics. But wouldn’t we like to hear more from her?
Just as inflation is moderating,and the Reserve Bank is cutting interest rates,the prospect of a global trade war is threatening to upend the government’s careful budget plans.
Australia’s voters increasingly are anxious. The political party that can best address this compounding anxiety will win the forthcoming federal election.
The tariffs war ignited by Donald Trump will eventually run out of steam,but it’s what we do before then that really matters.
After criticism from Penny Wong,a Dutton spokesperson said:“It was a phrase that shouldn’t have been used,and no offence was intended from Mr Dutton.”
The government needed to present Trump with a deal he couldn’t refuse. But what could Australia offer him?
Canada’s political leaders vow an eye for an eye against the US president’s tariffs. Why are Australia’s leaders more circumspect?