Albo’s Gov Applauds Canadian PM’s Bold Critique of Trump

Darwin, 23 January: The Albanese government has praised Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for his direct and forceful criticism of former US President Donald Trump, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers describing Carney’s speech as “stunning” and noting that it has been widely discussed within the government.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Carney warned that the rules-based international order is “in the midst of a rupture, not a transition,” and urged middle powers such as Australia to cooperate in shaping global affairs.

“Great powers can afford to go it alone… middle powers do not,” Carney said. “When we only negotiate bilaterally with a hegemon, we negotiate from weakness. We accept what is offered. We compete with each other to be the most accommodating.”

The speech gained international attention amid ongoing fallout from Trump’s Greenland acquisition threat, which, had it materialized, could have undermined NATO and strained US relations with long-standing European allies.

Chalmers called the address “very thoughtful, obviously very impactful,” adding that it has been “widely discussed and shared, not just here in Australia but around the world.” He acknowledged that traditional certainties Australia relied upon have been eroding due to economic crises, trade tensions, NATO discussions, and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“The job for us—and for our Canadian friends—is to work out how we can shape all of this change in our own interests,” Chalmers said. “We must maintain our commitment to international institutions and law, resolve differences calmly, and recognize that the geopolitical landscape is fragmenting.”

Chalmers emphasized the opportunities for middle powers in a changing world, noting that Australia benefited greatly from the long period of global stability after the Cold War and before the Global Financial Crisis. “We need to work out not just how to shield our people from the downsides of this churn and change, but how to maximize our opportunities,” he said.

When asked whether the United States’ dominant role in international organizations such as the UN and NATO has become problematic, Chalmers said cooperation remains the best way to protect Australia’s interests.

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to follow Carney’s example, asserting that middle powers must stand up to coercion and maintain sovereignty.

“Carney has stood up to him [Trump], Macron has stood up to him, and today we see Trump has backed down,” Turnbull said. “Anthony Albanese should give the same message: we will not be bullied. As a middle power, we will work with others to stand up to the bully.”