Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has played down the threat of US tariffs on Australia while sending well wishes to outgoing Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.
His resignation came amid reports the final nail in the coffin was Trudeau’s response to Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs.
Canada is also battling cost-of-living pressures, which has raised questions over whether Albanese will face a similar fate when Australians go to the ballot box later in the year.
Polling shows his support has continued to slip.
Albanese’s time in the top job has been relatively short compared to the Canadian’s almost decade-long tenure, preventing discontent from building to the same level.
Throughout their terms, the two prime ministers have met at diplomatic events and made joint statements on international issues such as the war in Gaza.
Albanese sent his well wishes to Trudeau and highlighted the camaraderie between both nations, particularly during their respective bushfire seasons.
“I regard him as a personal friend, but he is a great friend of Australia,” he said in Rockhampton on Tuesday.
“Every time there has been a natural disaster in Australia, we have had Canadians on the ground here … those skills and that equipment has been welcomed.
“I wish Justin Trudeau all the very best in whatever he chooses to do next in his life.”
On the issue of tariffs, Albanese said he had a “positive discussion” with incoming US president Donald Trump.
“We were very constructive. We spoke about Australia’s relationship with the United States, when it comes to defence and national security but also on the economy,” reported The Australian.
“The United States has had a trade surplus with Australia since the Truman presidency and it is in the United States’ interests for us to continue to implement the Free Trade Agreement, which has the support on a bipartisan basis in the Australian parliament.”
Australia and Canada’s ties have been strong for decades, with their military forces fighting side-by-side in several wars and diplomats working together through international forums such as the UN and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
Trudeau worked closely with both Labor and Coalition governments during his time in office, Albanese said.
He will stay on as prime minister and his party’s leader until a new chief is chosen.
The 53-year-old was considered a poster child of international progressive politics when he was first elected as Canada’s 23rd prime minister in 2015.
His government banned assault-style weapons, legalised recreational marijuana and medical assistance in dying, and established a federal carbon tax.
But as Canada headed towards its 2025 federal election, his popularity plummeted.
-with AAP
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