The Albanese Government has failed to secure an exemption from US steel and aluminium tariffs.
Shadow Trade and Tourism Minister Kevin Hogan said the Prime Minister needs to look workers in the eye, and explain why he could not be bothered to go to the US to meet President Trump personally, to put Australia’s case.
“Prime Minister Albanese has only had one serious phone conversation with our most important ally. I think the fact he now can’t even get the President on the phone says everything about his weak leadership,” he said.
“During the Coalition’s time in Government, Australia successfully negotiated exemptions from United States steel and aluminium tariffs.”
“It was an even more favourable opportunity for this government to secure an exemption. The US enjoys a substantial trade surplus with Australia, and we are investing heavily in US defence industry through AUKUS.”
Liberal Candidate for Paterson Laurence Antcliff said Tomago Aluminium is vital to the local economy, employing over 1,000 full time staff, 200 contactors, and injects $800 million locally through wages, local suppliers, and other operational expenditures that support businesses in the region.
“Nowhere is this failure more evident than here at Tomago. It is an insult to all our local workers and their families that the Prime Minister could not be bothered to engage personally,” he said.
“The time for inaction is over, they must immediately engage with the US administration to secure tariff exemptions and safeguard local jobs.”
“Australia has always been a strong ally of the United States, and in return, we deserve fair and equitable trade arrangements. The Albanese Government’s refusal to fight for our industries sends a dangerous message: that Australian businesses and workers are expendable.”
