FOREIGN AFFAIRS
The world is less stable than it has been for decades.
At this time of uncertainty Donald Trump’s decisions about trade and defence bring significant uncertainty to our 80 year alliance.
I absolutely condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This unlawful military action has resulted in a huge number of civilian deaths and a humanitarian crisis, as thousands of Ukrainians are internally displaced or have fled abroad.
Trump’s seemingly flexible position on Ukraine and embracing of Russian positions should not affect Australia’s support of Ukraine’s national sovereignty and the upholding of international law.
As Australia considers its role in a new coalition of countries willing to support Ukraine, I will continue to advocate for decisions that will help Ukraine maintain its international rights without overcommitting Australia’s defence capability.
In this rapidly changing international context, we need leaders who are clear about the need to defend our national interests, including the rules-based order, democratic principles and free trade.
Middle East Update for Curtin Constituents
Defence and AUKUS
READ: Crossbench Calls for AUKUS Inquiry (13 June 2025)
As an island nation, submarines are essential to our defence. Our commitment to AUKUS was based on our deep long-term alliance with the US and the interoperability of our defence systems.
Donald Trump’s unpredictable approach to geopolitics creates a growing risk that the US cannot or will not be able to deliver submarines to Australia under AUKUS.
It will be politically difficult for either major party to acknowledge the risks of AUKUS. But we cannot afford to wait and see.
It is inevitable that Australia will have to be more self reliant in defence both because of increasing international uncertainty and the demands of the US. There is a task ahead building social licence for higher (and prioritised) defence expenditure.
As an Independent, I can ask the hard questions that both parties would rather avoid. The next government will need to be very clear about what Australia stands for and our national interest.
Trade and tariffs
As a trading nation, Australia benefits significantly from the free trade philosophy that has been hard won by Australian governments of both persuasions.
Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on the US’s trading partners will harm the global economy. But Australia will not benefit from retaliation or escalation – it is in Australia’s interests to retain as many aspects of free trade as possible.
We faced damaging, politically-inspired trade restrictions from China that were dealt with successfully by patient diplomacy. Australia needs to continue to build fair trading relationships with as many nations as possible to reduce the risk of being at the mercy of any other nation.