Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese just got back from his own splashy visit to New York. There, he was twice able to participate closely in the United Nations leaders’ week. He focused on Australia’s potential to be a leading actor on the global stage. He praised it for its efforts on important international matters—such as its stellar leadership on climate change and the recognition of Palestine. Just like his predecessor steered Australia through turbulent diplomatic waters, the goal of Albanese’s administration also seeks to fulfill such promises between international engagements and domestic concerns.
Having Albanese here replayed a still lingering chord about Australia possibly contributing to a post-conflict peacekeeping force in Gaza. He added that the decision would be taken at an appropriate time. His administration seems to understand that intention’s not enough, and plans to leverage the region’s existing and promising leadership to support a bigger global presence. This logic dovetails with Australia’s story as a good global citizen.
Albanese was accompanied by a delegation of his cabinet ministers. Central to this effort was Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who was instrumental in presenting Australia’s story to the world. They illuminated key policies that will play well with the Australian electorate. These are several including the recognition of Palestine and ambitious targets regarding climate change.
Albanese’s government has committed to cut emissions by 62 to 70 percent below 2005 levels by 2035. He was a fierce advocate for climate action. He reiterated that his government is absolutely committed to doing more, and he’s got to do more in this area. He pointed to China’s recent advances in renewable energy, noting, “we, of course, would like there to be more, but it is a step forward, and indeed, China has exceeded its previous targets.”
Looking back on his week in New York, Albanese told us that he was very pleased with the results. He even called his trip a “Mission accomplished.” He was fairly bursting with pride after recently obtaining a definitive meeting date with U.S. President Joe Biden — October 20 in Washington — firmed up. This meeting is a demonstration of the deepening ties between Australia and our ally the United States, especially in today’s world of persistent geopolitical contention.
Despite all of these successes, Albanese bemoaned the failure to arrange a meeting with former President Donald Trump during his visit. This lack of attendance casts light on the unpredictable and often treacherous terrain of international relations and the domestic political currents that dictate where leaders choose to tread.
Beyond the high level diplomatic meets and greets, Albanese sought to make time to engage with Australians living abroad. After completing his official responsibilities, he made a beeline for the Australian-owned Old Mates Pub in Lower Manhattan. There, he jabbered nonstop and filled thirsty locals’ mugs with frothily poured beers. Such gestures reaffirm his commitment to staying in touch with Australian citizens, and how they engage with the world around them.
Albanese’s agenda included getting in touch with the Coalition of the Willing. This important partnership seeks to address the global security crisis that reaches far beyond Ukraine. He appreciated the progressiveness of these discussions and hoped for more productive discussions to follow on a larger scale.
Additionally, Albanese’s government is actively lobbying Turkey to withdraw from its bid to host next year’s climate change conference (COP), with Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen engaging Turkish officials on this matter. This initiative signals Australia’s stated desire to play a bigger role as a climate leader while treading the line in tricky and fraught international negotiations.
Albanese’s administration is doing everything it can to push progressive policies on climate and international relations. At the same time, his political opponents are sounding alarms on the home front. Andrew Hastie, an influential member of the opposition, praised the government’s change of tack saying, “It’s time to put Australians first. He went on to bemoan how today’s policies are making Australians feel more and more like foreigners in their own land.
“We’re starting to feel like strangers in our own home.” – Andrew Hastie
Hastie’s comments are a window into a growing anxiety among the Australian public. They believe that the federal government’s priorities are out of sync with what their communities truly need. He charged the administration with letting policies create the possibility of “silent, soulless cars” overwhelming their streets.
