As world leaders prepare to gather for the G7 in Canada, officials still haven’t confirmed whether the much-anticipated face-to-face, with defence and trade expected to top the agenda, will actually take place.
A military parade planned for this weekend and the unrest in Los Angeles are both threatening to limit the president’s schedule at the G7.
But deputy Nationals leader Kevin Hogan won’t take no for an answer.
“It is a non-negotiable. Albanese just has to simply meet the president this week,” he said today.
” … There would have to be a lot of questions asked if the prime minister can’t organise a physical meeting to the side of the G7 meeting this week.”
Australian officials are confident they will secure a face-to-face meeting.
Former Liberal senator and ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos said Albanese wouldn’t be wanting to “give too much away” in any tariff negotiations.
That includes any modification to biosecurity laws for the importation of American beef into Australia.
Privately and publicly, America has floated greater access to Australia’s critical minerals as a possible lure to reduce tariffs on our products.
There’s also pressure for increased defence spending but that’s not likely a deal breaker.
“It’s not about chasing a particular number,” Defence Minister Richard Marles told Sky News today.
“It’s about chasing capability, making sure we have what we need to meet the strategic moment and you resource that.”
