Labor Warns Trump-Style Policies Shaping Opposition Agenda

Asked how much the ‘Trump factor’ was shaping the election, Gallagher pointed directly to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s agenda.

Australian Finance and Women Minister Katy Gallagher holds a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on May 9, 2023. Martin Ollman/Getty Images

The United States has dominated Australia’s election season, with President Donald Trump frequently mentioned to frame centre-right to right-wing parties in a negative light.

The latest comments have come from Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, who said opposition policies were “under American influence.”

Asked how much the “Trump factor” was shaping the election, Gallagher pointed directly to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s agenda.

“I think when it comes to the Trump influence or the American influence, certainly in policies where we’ve seen, particularly from the opposition, the Americanisation of, say, Medicare or working from home, those types of things have definitely been a factor in this campaign,” she told ABC’s Breakfast program.

She said Australia faced its own distinct challenges.

“I think the contest here, and people are pretty switched on to it, is between Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton,” she said.

Call for Stability Amid Global Turmoil

Gallagher stressed that international instability was making Australians more focused on stability at home.

“In these uncertain times, there’s certainly a feeling around the need for stability,” she said.

“If you were to look at international events, I think that’s probably an issue, and the need to hold the course and continue to build on the work the government has done in the last three years.”

Historically, Australian voters have chosen to stick with existing parties if there is global instability.

Trump and Tariffs Dominate Final Debate

Trump’s shadow loomed large even during the final leaders’ debate on April 27.

Both Albanese and Dutton expressed confidence that the United States would support Australia if conflict broke out. The questions have come after the Trump administration implemented 10 percent tariffs on Australian imports.

Prime Minister Albanese answered with a “yes” when asked if America could still be trusted.

“The U.S. system of course is very important. When I went to the United States for the official visit, I met with over 100 congresspeople and senators across Democrats, Republicans,” he said. “There’s universal support for the relationship with Australia and I think that gives us confidence.”

Albanese, however, highlighted key differences with Trump.

“I support free and fair trade, he doesn’t. He thinks tariffs are the way forward for the United States,” he said.

Opposition Leader Dutton echoed the sentiment, saying, “we can trust whoever is in the Oval Office.”

“I’ve been very fortunate to work closely with the Obama administration, with Trump mark one, with the Biden administration,” Dutton said.

“And I have found, even though we might have political differences, there is a strong support for the alliance.”