The US election is arguably the most-watched international vote in Australia. So it’s maybe unsurprising that our strongest individuals have had heaps to say about this yr’s nail-biter.
Those that should conduct diplomacy with whoever wins have been cautious to hedge their bets, whereas others, like mining magnate Gina Rinehart, have been shameless about choosing sides.
Anthony Albanese
Unsurprisingly, the prime minister has careworn that America’s alternative is America’s alone. In an interview with ABC’s AM radio present on Monday, Albanese stated his ministers “have interaction with individuals throughout the US political system” and that he has labored with President Joe Biden “constructively within the pursuits of each of our nations”.
“We’re seeing democracy going down there in the USA,” Albanese stated.
“The democratic values that we share [are] the premise of our elementary relationship. And it’s a relationship between nations, not a relationship simply between individuals.”
Peter Dutton
The opposition chief additionally had his statesman hat on when he was final requested in regards to the election. In June, Dutton informed Sky Information Australia he’s labored “very carefully with the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations”.
“I’ve received a superb working relationship with key individuals throughout each the Republicans and the Democrats. Whoever the People determine to decide on as their president can be an amazing good friend to Australia, and the connection will proceed to develop and strengthen because it should,” he stated.
“We have to guarantee that allies stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and that’s what we’ll proceed to do with the incoming president in the USA. That’s been lengthy standing, we are able to work with any person from both facet of the aisle.”
Richard Marles
The defence minister has stated he’s sure Australia’s alliance with the US, and the AUKUS submarine pact, can be protected regardless of who wins.
“What I’m actually assured about is that regardless of whether or not we’re speaking a couple of President Harris or a President Trump, the alliance is in actually good condition,” he informed 9’s At the moment Present on Tuesday morning.
“And the equities in that alliance, significantly our future submarines, for instance, ensuring we’ve received very shut defence relationships.”
Kevin Rudd
Earlier than he turned Australia’s ambassador to the US, Rudd was unafraid to talk his thoughts on US politics, labelling Trump “nuts” in 2017 and the “most damaging president in historical past” and a “traitor to the West” in 2022. Since taking his present job, Rudd has change into far more diplomatic.
“The actually benefit of the USA is model Australia is in good working order, and due to this fact we’re in place to work with whichever social gathering is elected,” Rudd informed Sky Information Australia in July.
“If the American individuals vote for Donald Trump and for JD Vance, the Australian authorities, led by Anthony Albanese, can be in there, working exhausting, positively, constructively, with [the] incoming Republic[an] administration [from] day one because it has been previously.”
Joe Hockey
Rudd’s predecessor as ambassador in Washington has stated polls could also be underestimating Trump’s enchantment amongst voters, arguing the ex-president’s coverage platform is extra extensively recognized than Harris’, in keeping with Sky Information Australia.
In an interview with radio station 2GB, Hockey stated the winner would be the candidate who has the higher plan on easy methods to “repair the economic system”.
“On the finish of the day, anybody who tries to select a winner here’s a idiot. It actually does come right down to an entire lot of different elements — a very powerful of all is what individuals take into consideration the economic system and who’s greatest to repair the economic system,” he stated.
Gina Rinehart
Australia’s richest particular person isn’t shy about her admiration of Trump. Talking to The Australian this week, Rinehart lauded him as “extremely patriotic and brave” and stated she was “very a lot … hoping for a Trump victory”.
“He understands should you embody insurance policies that welcome funding, like much less authorities tape, much less tax, you get funding again, you carry progress, you elevate dwelling requirements,” Rinehart stated.
“The world can be higher off with extra leaders like Trump, who perceive such truths.”
