Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has recently engaged in a tense exchange with an ABC presenter over the current tariff negotiations between Australia and the United States. The tariffs, imposed by former President Donald Trump, are set to be implemented later this week. Turnbull, who had successfully secured a tariff exemption for Australia in 2018, has been outspoken in his criticism of Trump, describing him as "chaotic, rude, abrasive and erratic" in a recent interview. Amidst the negotiations, Turnbull suggests that the Albanese government should not bear the blame if the current US administration denies Australia a repeat exemption.
The Albanese government is actively seeking to secure a tariff exemption for Australian steel and aluminium exporters. These tariffs, which impose a 25% duty on imports, represent a significant economic concern for Australia. Turnbull has argued that the same arguments he used to secure an exemption in 2018 are still valid today. However, he acknowledges that circumstances in 2025 are different and potentially more challenging than they were in 2018.
Turnbull's Perspective on Tariff Exemptions
Turnbull has been vocal about his views on the ongoing tariff negotiations. He suggests that Australia should adopt a similar approach to that of Canada under its new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who has been critical of Trump's trade policies. Turnbull accuses the ABC of taking a "pusillanimous" stance towards criticizing Trump's global trade war.
"I secured an exemption in 2018. The arguments I successfully used then are being used again and they're good arguments. They remain the same," stated Turnbull.
Despite the confidence in his previous arguments, Turnbull concedes that the chances of securing an exemption are minimal.
"However, I've always said that I think the chances of getting an exemption are very, very low," he admitted.
Turnbull also reflected on the aftermath of the previous exemption, noting that the Trump administration regretted granting exemptions as it led to similar requests from other countries.
"The Trump administration regrets giving exemptions last time because once they gave an exemption to Australia, then they ended up having to give an exemption to somebody else and somebody else."
The ABC Interview: A Clash of Perspectives
During the interview with ABC's Sally Sara, tensions rose as Turnbull defended his comments and their timing amidst significant trade decisions. Sara pressed Turnbull on his statements and their implications during a critical period for Australia's trade relations.
"It's my job to ask questions about your comments and this is at a time where there's a significant trade decision underway …" Sara remarked.
Turnbull maintained that open discourse is essential, even if it risks offending Trump.
"Surely we should be free to speak the truth. Or are we going to muzzle ourselves for fear of offending Mr Trump?" he questioned.
The exchange highlighted differing views on how Australia should navigate its relationship with the U.S., with Turnbull advocating for honesty and transparency.
"We've got to be honest with each other," he asserted.
Broader Implications and Political Reactions
The political ramifications of these negotiations extend beyond the immediate economic impact. Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister David Coleman has weighed in, suggesting that the arguments made by Turnbull's government in 2018 hold even more weight today.
Meanwhile, Trump has engaged in a war of words with Turnbull on social media, branding him as "weak and ineffective." This rhetoric underscores the ongoing tension between Turnbull's outspoken criticism and Trump's defensive posture.
