Malcolm Turnbull Slams Trump as a “Bully”, Urges Australia to Take a Tougher Stand
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has criticised both major Australian political parties for failing to stand up to former U.S. president Donald Trump, calling him a “bully” and accusing Australian leaders of pandering instead of defending national interests.
Speaking during the ABC’s final Your Say panel, hosted by Hamish Macdonald in Parramatta, Turnbull said he had long advised leaders to push back harder in negotiations with Trump.
“The Australian prime minister should go to Washington and stand up for Australia. I mean, it makes me want to vomit,” Turnbull said. “There has been a conga line of sycophants and lobbyists and grifters and advisors saying, ‘Oh, you’ve got to flatter Trump, suck up to him,’ and all they end up getting is more bullying.”
He praised Canada’s newly elected president Mark Carney for showing strength, contrasting Canada’s “elbows up” approach — a reference to ice hockey aggression — with Australia’s deference.
Debate Over Diplomatic Strategy and AUKUS
Hayley Channer of the US Studies Centre defended Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s diplomatic approach, saying a more strategic and soft-power-based engagement might be more effective in securing outcomes, such as in trade or critical minerals.
“When we do something that looks attractive to him [Trump], we can use our natural resources and soft power to actually get something out of the next four years,” she said.
The panel also addressed the AUKUS submarine deal, with Turnbull expressing doubt that Australia would ever receive the promised nuclear submarines, citing America’s own production shortages.
“Both sides of politics are in denial — it is bipartisan gaslighting,” Turnbull argued.
Former Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo supported continuing with AUKUS but urged the government to explore simultaneous “lateral” policies to avoid strategic vulnerability, given the U.S. Navy’s ongoing capability shortfalls.
Rising Regional Tensions and Electoral Oversight
The discussion also turned to Asia-Pacific security, with Macquarie University’s Lavina Lee warning that the threat of regional conflict has not received adequate attention during the federal election campaign.
“There are not enough frank conversations about the actual seriousness of the strategic competition… and the risk of conflict in the region — and it’s sooner rather than later,” she said.
She warned that in the future, voters may look back on the current election and question why leaders failed to prioritise national security in a time of increasing global tension.
