Radio interview, ABC Adelaide

Jules Schiller, host: Anyway, we do have the Foreign Minister. We, we'll get to her right away because I'm sure Sonya Feldhoff, that she has a very busy morning. Penny Wong, welcome to the program. Thanks for joining us.

Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Good morning. Good to be with you both.

Sonya Feldhoff, host: Penny Wong, how have you reflected on the result in the US overnight? Because you're going to be one of the main people dealing with the new administration.

Foreign Minister: Well, Sonya, first we congratulate Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States. There's a strong, long-standing and bipartisan alliance between our two countries. We're old allies and true friends. It's an alliance grounded in history and driven by shared democratic values.

Schiller: Penny Wong, a lot of South Australians would be keen to know about what this means for AUKUS. Obviously, this is a long-term deal and we've got four years of the Trump presidency. What's your read on how that is going to play out?

Foreign Minister: It's a good question. Obviously, we were very focused on assuring bipartisan support for AUKUS in the lead up - prior to, in the lead up to this election and I'm very pleased that we have seen that. I'm very pleased that we've seen Republican support in the Congress both at the principle of AUKUS and also for legislation that helps deliver it. I'm very pleased that we've seen public statements in support of AUKUS by senior Republicans. This is bipartisan support in the United States as well as in Australia and that is a good thing for the country.

Feldhoff: Have you heard about Donald Trump's personal support of the package or not?

Foreign Minister: What I can say is I met with senior Republicans, including people close to Mr Trump, when I was in New York earlier a couple of months ago. And it was very clear from what they said and the importance they place on AUKUS as a benefit to both our countries, but more importantly to peace in the region.

Feldhoff: There has been speculation that while the deal is likely to still go ahead that we may, it may cost us more under a Trump administration?

Foreign Minister: Oh, look, there'll be a lot of speculation in days to come. Obviously we have a joint project between us and the United States and also the United Kingdom. This is a multi-generational multi-government project. And you know, we want to deliver it for peace and also because of what it means for jobs and our capability. And South Australians understand that.

Schiller: I mean, we are going to the polls for our own federal election next year Penny. I'd like to know what you read into this. I was watching CNN and they brought up an interesting graphic of the counties and townships that had the biggest discrepancy between wage increases and CPI increases. So, that had gone backwards. Now we have a cost of living crisis here. Did you take that into account? Were there other issues that you think are relevant to us?

Foreign Minister: We do have real pressures on cost of living here in Australia. You know, obviously countries around the world have been experiencing the sort of inflation, many of them higher inflation over a longer period than we have seen. But we know cost of living pressures are really tough here in Australia, which is why we delivered a tax cut for every taxpayer, cheaper medicines, energy bill relief, all of which were opposed by Mr Dutton. So, we'll continue to focus on cost of living as a key priority, the first priority in the lead up, not just to the election, but because it's tough for families.

Feldhoff: Is that a concern for the Albanese government? Because, I mean, we've already got one text here saying, as a conservative, I am emboldened by watching what has happened unfold in the United States.

Foreign Minister: Look, there are people in Australia who will have very personal, different views about the politics of the US. What I'd say is the alliance is bigger than political views. It's bigger than individuals. It's about shared strategic objectives, friendship and democratic values.

Schiller: Do you think because Peter Dutton has already raised the issue of immigration, he hasn't been specific as to what his policy is yet, but because Donald Trump was reelected and you know, immigration was such a prominent topic that he, you know, he used to talk about in his rallies. Do you expect immigration to be a big issue in our election?

Foreign Minister: Well, I certainly expect Mr Dutton to talk about it because he always does. And I expect him also to talk about different parts of the Australian community. We saw how he approached the discussion on China. We've seen his previous comments. Mr Dutton's political tactics are consistent.

Schiller: But are you happy with our immigration policy at the moment? Do you think that we need to reduce our intake?

Foreign Minister: Look, we've made some changes on international students because we saw a very large increase post Covid. Obviously, immigration always has to be managed, but it also is one of the things that has built this country. One in two of us is either born overseas or has a parent born overseas. And you see people from all over the world making a contribution to a multicultural, a culturally diverse Australian society. It's been one of our strengths.

Feldhoff: Yeah. Do you think your government is on track with where the electorate is thinking on this? If cost of living is so huge, do you, do you continue doing what you're doing, or is this a pause for a reset when we see what's happened unfold in the United States?

Foreign Minister: Look, we have been focused on cost of living for a very long time because, you know, we understand it is not only do you see the figures, you know, people, people are finding it tough to pay the bills. We've seen what's happened to how inflation has affected family budgets. And that's why I said we've delivered a tax cut for every Australian worker. We're delivering cheaper medicines, energy bill relief, cheaper childcare. But we're not - you know, a contribution, but there's a lot more to do. And you saw the Prime Minister make an announcement about HECS debts and repayment levels. That's another cost of living measure, particularly for young people.

Schiller: Do you think Kamala Harris gender played an issue? This is the second time a female candidate has gone up against Donald Trump and lost. Do you think it's harder for a woman to become president in the States?

Foreign Minister: Well, I'll leave it to commentators. I would say many millions of people did vote for Ms Harris.

Schiller: Do you think it seems to have played an issue here.

Foreign Minister: Look, you know, the American people have made their decision and millions of people voted for Ms Harris, and millions of people voted for Donald Trump, and President Trump has won a decisive victory.

Feldhoff: How do you think this plays out for the ongoing war in Ukraine? Because Donald Trump has been very vocal about what he might do in that regard.

Foreign Minister: Well, it remains to be seen what a new Trump administration will do in relation to Ukraine. Obviously, we have a view that the international community does need to make clear to Russia it can't simply tear up the UN Charter and disrupt a country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. And that's why we have been so steadfast in our support for Ukraine.

Schiller: Just finally, Penny Wong. Tariffs. Donald Trump has talked about tariffs which could lead to a trade war with China, which we could be a casualty of. Is that a concern for your government?

Foreign Minister: Look, what I'd say is Mr Trump has run a campaign based on change. He certainly made it clear he's going to do things differently, including in relation to trade. So, we shouldn't be surprised if things change. But Australia should be confident in ourselves, in our place in the world and our ability to work together to deliver on our interests.

Feldhoff: Penny Wong, thank you for your time.

Foreign Minister: Great to speak to you both. Thank you.