TV interview with Sarah Abo, Today

Sarah Abo, Host: Well, millions of Americans have put their faith in billionaire businessman Donald Trump to heal the economy amid major frustration over cost-of-living pressures. For more, we're joined by Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong in Canberra. Senator Wong, good morning to you. Thanks for your time today.

Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Good morning. Good to be with you.

Abo: Thank you. This was an emphatic victory for Donald Trump. What was it like for you and the government, watching blue turn red? The White House, the Senate, maybe even the House too?

Foreign Minister: Well, it certainly was an emphatic victory. And what I would say is we congratulate President Trump on his election. We look forward to working with him. You know, this is an alliance based on shared interests, shared democratic values and, and timeless friendship.

Abo: He did campaign very successfully on the key issue of the economy, on inflation as well. At the end of the day, there was a lot of noise about other issues. We all heard them loud and clear here as well. But it really came down to cost of living. And those are the same pressures that we're feeling here in Australia as well. Is that a sign of what's to come here?

Foreign Minister: Look, I think it is a reflection of where we are. Countries around the world have been dealing with high inflation, some of it higher and more stubborn than here in Australia. Cost of living has been an issue everywhere, and it's certainly an issue here in Australia. People are finding it hard to pay the bills. It's very tough going out there for so many Australian families. That's why we delivered a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer, cheaper medicine, stronger Medicare, energy bill relief, all of which Mr Dutton opposed. But obviously there's a lot more to do, and we understand that, and we will continue to focus on helping people out with the cost of living.

Abo: Does it concern the government at all, though, Senator, when we're looking at potentially a federal election early next year, I mean, Americans clearly thought Donald Trump could handle the economy better. The same sentiment might be borne out here, and it's not necessarily about whether the other mob can do it better. It's kind of sometimes about punishing those in power now because of the pain that voters are feeling under a current government.

Foreign Minister: And look, we understand people are feeling pain, which is why we've made it such a priority in our budgets, delivering surpluses, seeking to put downward pressure on inflation, and delivering cost-of-living relief. And what I'd say to Australians is we've made a contribution, we know we need to do more, but please remember Mr Dutton has opposed the cost-of-living measures which have made a difference to Australian families.

Abo: Alright, let's move on quickly. And Donald Trump in the White House, how does that affect our relationship with the US? And I mean, I'm thinking of what our leaders have said in the past about Trump. Kevin Rudd saying he was a traitor to the west, the most destructive president in history. Even the PM saying his presidency should be treated with trepidation. Let's have a listen. We've got that here:

2017 VIDEO - TOM GLEESON, COMEDIAN: You are going to win the next election. You might even be Prime Minister, who knows? But like, again, like, how do you deal with Trump? Like...

ANTHONY ALBANESE: With trepidation.

GLEESON: Yeah, but how do you get by? Like, what do you... How do you temper your language?

ALBANESE: Well, you've got to deal with who was elected. So, we have an alliance with the US. We've got to deal with him. But that doesn't mean that you're uncritical about it. He scares the s*** out of me.

Abo: Does he still scare the beep out of you guys? How do you deal with it?

Foreign Minister: Well, first what I'd say is the alliance is bigger than any individual or any past comments. It's based on shared interests, shared objectives and a long-standing friendship. That's the first point I'd say. It is the case President Trump campaigned on change, so we wouldn't be surprised, shouldn't be surprised if there will be change. What I'd say is Australians should be confident. We should be confident in ourselves, in our ability to work together for our interests as Australians.

Abo: Does Kevin Rudd now survive as ambassador? Key Republicans have called for him to be sacked.

Foreign Minister: Kevin's done an outstanding job as ambassador and he's done an outstanding job with both Republicans and Democrats. I mean, you've seen through the AUKUS legislation. Through the AUKUS project, Kevin being able to work with both Republicans and Democrats to deliver the legislation and reforms we have needed to deliver the project. He's a very effective ambassador.

Abo: All right. We'll just have to feel our way through that one, I suppose. Let's get into your wheelhouse now on foreign policy. Does a Trump presidency mean we have to tread more carefully? I mean, we're now pulled between our biggest defence ally in the US and our biggest trading partner in China. How concerned are you about their relationship and how it impacts us?

Foreign Minister: Well, first, fundamentally, this doesn't change the dilemma or the challenges that you described, which is we have a very strong economic trading relationship with China, but our principal strategic partner is the United States. And since the government has come to power, we've sought to stabilise our relationship with China, but recognise that there are differences that we will have to manage and it will always be so. Similarly, the United States is our principal strategic partner. We share very, very clear strategic objectives. We both want a region which is stable, a region which is peaceful, and there's bipartisan support for AUKUS, which is a key part of that. So, from where I sit, those things, those big structural positions, haven't changed substantially.

Abo: It does sound as though AUKUS might be safe. But, Senator, what about tariffs? I mean, Trump loves tariffs. We think, you know, we're hearing anywhere between 10%, 20% to 60% on all imports. That could be quite alarming.

Foreign Minister: Well, first, let's have a look at what a Trump administration does and the way in which that's operationalised. And obviously, we will be advocating for Australia's interests in relation to trade as well as in relation to other matters.

Abo: Penny, could I just ask, on your personal reflections on the outcome of this election, do you think Americans are ready for a female president, or was this borne out completely differently? Is that separated from the result that we're seeing?

Foreign Minister: I'm always a bit nervous when a reporter asks me, can you ask for your personal reflections, but as Australia's Foreign Minister, what I would say is the American people made a decision. Millions of Americans voted for President Trump, millions of Americans, not as many, voted for Ms Harris. But this is democracy and our job is to work with the President of the day and we look forward to doing so.

Abo: Alright, Foreign Minister, thank you so much for joining us this morning.

Foreign Minister: Great to speak with you, Sarah.