Dutton calls on Prime Minister to discuss tariffs with Trump after Turnbull dispute.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to “pick the phone up” and speak with U.S. President Donald Trump about trade tariffs amid the dispute with former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Turnbull and Trump have recently exchanged criticisms after the former Australian prime minister criticized the president’s policies in multiple interviews.

The United States is planning to implement global steel and trade tariffs starting from March 12, but Australia is seeking an exemption.

Dutton refrained from criticizing Turnbull when asked if his former Liberal colleague had impacted negotiations with Trump and the United States.

“They’re the important discussions going on—or that should be going on at the moment—because without those discussions we won’t get an exemption from the trade tariff, and we should. I think that’s in the hands of the prime minister at the moment.”

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Dutton urged Albanese to take action to secure Australia’s exemption from the tariffs rather than avoiding the issue.

He emphasized the importance of reaching a deal due to the negative impact of the tariffs on Australian jobs and industries.

Dutton also expressed disagreement with the “analysis” of Turnbull’s leadership and highlighted the need to focus on resolving the issue rather than engaging in a back-and-forth.

When asked if he would reach out to Turnbull and request him to “back off,” Dutton firmly answered, “No.”

During a press conference on March 11, Dutton reiterated his call for the prime minister to directly contact Trump, stressing the significance of the tariff matter for Australia’s steel and aluminum sectors.

“We rely on steel and aluminum for various structures in this country, and subjecting them to a 25 percent tariff is detrimental. It is up to the prime minister to address this issue,” Dutton stated.

While Turnbull was successful in negotiating with Trump during his previous presidency to avoid such tariffs, Albanese continues to work on securing an exemption.

Trump criticized Turnbull on Truth Social for his alleged lack of understanding of China and leadership capabilities, implying that many Australians share that view.

“I always thought he was a weak and ineffective leader and, obviously, Australians agreed with me,” he remarked, alluding to Turnbull’s departure from office.

This came in response to Turnbull criticizing Trump’s character and suggesting that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping would take advantage of the president’s behavior. Turnbull has long been a vocal critic of Trump.

Turnbull also mentioned that Australia’s relationship with China has improved significantly.

In another press conference, Dutton emphasized the urgency of securing a tariff exemption for Australia’s steel and aluminum industry, stating that it would be challenging to secure it this time.

Prime Minister Talks Up Trade Surplus with United States

Australian Ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, has been advocating for an exemption with U.S. officials.

Despite no official update from the government on Australia’s situation, Albanese highlighted the nation’s strengths in an interview.

“We’ll continue to engage constructively and we’re continuing to work. It is in Australia’s interest, but it’s also in the economic interests of the United States for Australia to be exempted from tariffs that of course just increased prices for the purchaser of those goods,” Albanese told reporters in Lismore on March 10.

Albanese pointed out that the United States has had a trade surplus with Australia since the Truman presidency.

“We are partners with the United States through our free trade agreement and will continue to advocate for Australia’s national interest,” he concluded.