Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has marked his fourth phone call with US President Donald Trump since the Republican’s re-election, describing the conversation as “warm and constructive.”
Yet, despite repeated contact, there is still no confirmation of a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders, raising growing criticism at home.
According to the Prime Minister’s office, the two leaders discussed strengthening economic cooperation, opportunities in critical minerals, and shared security interests. Still, the opposition has accused Mr Albanese of failing to secure an in-person meeting at a time when Washington is reviewing the AUKUS defence pact and enforcing heavy tariffs on Australian exports.
Opposition senators highlighted that 300 days have passed since Mr Trump’s return to the White House without the leaders meeting in person. Liberal senator Jane Hume stated: “The Prime Minister needs to represent Team Australia decisively, secure AUKUS, and protect us from further tariffs.”
Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan was sharper in his criticism, warning that Australia is “missing out” on tariff carve-outs that other nations have secured. He noted that steel, aluminium, and copper already face 50 per cent tariffs, while pharmaceuticals worth more than $2 billion could be hit with duties as high as 250 per cent. “Other countries are securing relief while Australia falls behind,” he said.
Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth defended Mr Albanese, arguing that the four phone calls demonstrate “a clear connection” between the two leaders and that a meeting will occur when convenient for both sides. “This isn’t inaction, it’s diplomacy,” she stressed.
US Ambassador Kevin Rudd welcomed the call, tweeting that the US–Australia relationship is “going from strength to strength.” A former prime minister who once openly criticised Mr Trump, Rudd emphasised that the frequent calls show a resilient partnership.
Nevertheless, concerns persist. While Australia retains the lowest baseline tariff rate under Mr Trump’s trade regime, and beef exports continue to rise despite a 10 per cent duty, the prospect of additional tariffs looms large. Combined with uncertainty over AUKUS, this fuels political tension in Canberra.
For Mr Albanese, the challenge lies in balancing optics and outcomes. He wants to project steady engagement with Washington while avoiding accusations of diplomatic failure. For the opposition, the absence of a meeting provides ammunition to argue that Australia’s national interests are being compromised.
The central question remains: when, and under what circumstances, will an in-person summit take place? Such a meeting could define the next phase of the US–Australia alliance, with lasting consequences for trade, defence, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
