Opposition Leader Criticizes PM's Diplomatic Strategy After Failed Trump Meeting, Liberal Party Extends NSW Intervention

Opposition Leader SusSan Ley criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's diplomatic approach after his planned meeting with President Donald Trump collapsed when the U.S. president left the G7 summit early, while the Liberal Party federal executive extended its intervention in the New South Wales division for nine months.

Ley expressed the Coalition's disappointment that Australia failed to secure crucial discussions on AUKUS and trade protection, arguing the government should not rely on sideline meetings at international summits for critical bilateral discussions.

"It should not be left for Australia to just seek meetings as important as this on the sidelines of an international summit," Ley told reporters in Canberra. "So it is to the detriment of Australia that the meeting has not been achieved."

The criticism comes as escalating Middle East tensions forced Trump to depart the Canadian summit early, preventing discussions on key Australian interests including the AUKUS submarine partnership and protection from potential U.S. tariffs.

Coalition Offers Bipartisan Support

Despite the criticism, Ley offered Coalition support for future diplomatic efforts to advance Australia's national interests.

"The Coalition stands ready to support Prime Minister Albanese and any efforts that he seeks to make in order that we can advance Australia's national interest on these important issues," she said.

Lee identified AUKUS and tariff protection as critical issues requiring urgent attention from the United States, emphasizing these matters transcend party politics given their significance to Australia's strategic and economic interests.

"There are important issues that we need as a country in our national interest to seek reassurance from the US about. Of course AUKUS and protection for tariffs," she said.

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