Key events
‘We know there is a lot of work’: Wong on the reconstruction of Gaza
Finally, asked if Australia would provide support for the reconstruction of Gaza, Penny Wong pointed to humanitarian assistance Australia had already committed.
And we certainly will look at what the international community seeks in terms of further support for stability in the region. We know there is a lot of work.
Australia should be ‘realistic’ about Trump’s promise of America First agenda – Wong
Asked if Donald Trump’s second term would include more disruption than the first, Penny Wong again declined to wade into commentary. But she said “President Trump has made it very clear he’s going to do things differently”.
He’s made it clear is going to implement an America First agenda, and we should be realistic about that. We should also be confident in who we are, in our values, our place in the world, and our ability to deliver on our national interests, and that’s what we will be focused on in these coming weeks and months.
Wong declines to comment on domestic US policy amid visit to Washington
Let’s circle back to Penny Wong, who also spoke with ABC RN as part of her breakfast program rounds this morning.
The foreign minister was asked about some comments Donald Trump made during his inauguration – that the official policy of the US government would be there are only two genders, male and female.
Asked for the Australian government’s position on this, Wong said she wouldn’t wade into US domestic matters as foreign minister:
I think the prime minister was asked this in the campaign. I’ll refer you to his answer, but I don’t intend – particularly while I’m here in Washington – to comment on President Trump’s domestic policy announcement …
I have a job to do here in Washington, and that is to advocate for Australia’s interests, our security interests and our economic interests. And that’s what I’ve been doing.
Minns and NSW police to address media later this morning
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, is expected to address reporters on the antisemitic graffiti and fire at a childcare centre in Sydney later this morning.
NSW police said they would also speak about the arrest and charging of a woman yesterday over a separate incident, as investigations continue into the alleged malicious damage of vehicles and buildings at Woollahra last month.
NSW multiculturalism minister condemns ‘unconscionable’ targeting of childcare centre
The NSW minister for multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, has described the antisemitic graffiti on a childcare centre in Maroubra overnight as “unconscionable” and “heartbreaking”.
He said the centre is located less than 200m from a synagogue, saying in a statement:
This despicable act has no place in our society. Antisemitism must be unequivocally condemned.
The cowardly thugs who perpetrated these acts deserve to be met with the full force of the law, they are a blight on our multicultural society.
We will be meeting with the NSW Faith Affairs Council prior to the next parliament sitting to review stronger legislation.
Albanese condemns alleged ‘evil hate crime’ in Maroubra overnight
Josh Butler
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has commented on the damage and antisemitic graffiti caused to a childcare centre in Sydney’s east overnight.
I utterly condemn this evil hate crime. My government will support NSW police to hunt down the offenders and ensure they face the full force of the law through Operation Avalite.
It comes a day after Peter Dutton and the Coalition promised tougher penalties and mandatory minimum jail sentences for antisemitic attacks.
Wong says Albanese would have opportunity at appropriate time to meet Trump
The foreign minister, Penny Wong, has been making the rounds on breakfast TV after Donald Trump’s inauguration early this morning, also appearing on ABC News Breakfast.
Asked if Anthony Albanese would meet with Trump before the federal election, or if Trump may visit Australia during his second term, Wong said:
This is all interesting discussion, but the president has only just been inaugurated … In terms of future meetings, I’m sure that the prime minister will have the opportunity at the appropriate time to meet the president.
Wong confident on Aukus and Kevin Rudd’s future
On the Aukus deal, Penny Wong said commentary from the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, during his confirmation hearings were “very positive”.
He talked about this being an example of how you can make sure alliances and partnerships expand our collective strength in support of peace and deterrence.
She also defended Kevin Rudd’s role as ambassador to the US, following comments he had made in the past about Donald Trump, and said Rudd was “central to the invitation” for the Australian government.
He’s been central to the opportunity I have to meet with the national security adviser and the secretary of state, and he’s been central to the bipartisan support for Aukus that we have seen. Kevin has been doing an excellent job, and he’s certainly developed very strong relationships across the aisle with both Republicans and Democrats to the benefit of our country.
When will Australia get clarity on tariffs?
Penny Wong said the new US administration had just been sworn in and “I’m sure they will work through their agenda”.
Other governments, and certainly the Australian government, will continue to engage, to put our view and to work through any announcements that are made in relevant areas in the days to come.
US-China relationship a matter for them, Wong says
Asked how Australia can “tread carefully” when it comes to the US-China relationship, Penny Wong said those two nations’ relationship was a matter for them.
The foreign minister said her focus was on “making this relationship between China and Australia more stable”.
We’re pleased that the trade impediments have been removed, and that’s obviously been of benefit to Australian jobs. I’ve also been clear, as has the prime minister, that there are things on which we are simply going to disagree on and those things are not going to change.
