Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has called on Anthony Albanese to either “back him or sack him”, referring to Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, following a tense moment at the White House.
Speaking to the ABC, Ms Ley pointed to what she called a “sharp exchange” where Mr Trump appeared not to recognise Mr Rudd.
Ms Ley also took issue with the PM’s response, pointing out that Mr Albanese laughed at Mr Trump’s remarks instead of defending his envoy.
“For the Prime Minister to actually laugh at that sledge, in front of everyone at that table, shows me the relationship is not where it needs to be.”
She says the PM now faces a choice – either publicly reinforce his support for Mr Rudd or acknowledge the appointment is no longer serving Australia’s interests.
“The Prime Minister now has to back him or sack him because the relationship is vital and the next steps, whether it be AUKUS, whether it be ongoing work in tariffs, higher profile for the Quad or all of the other issues that may come to pass in what is our most important relationship,” Ms Ley says.