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Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has asserted that the Albanese government should not be blamed if the United States refuses to grant Australia an exemption from incoming tariffs on steel and aluminium. Turnbull, who successfully negotiated a tariff exemption with then-President Donald Trump in 2018, emphasized that the current circumstances in 2025 are markedly different.
“This time there will be no exemptions, and they will apply right across the board,” Turnbull stated during a tense interview with ABC Radio National Breakfast. He credited Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australia’s ambassador to Washington, Kevin Rudd, for doing “as good a job as they can” in advocating for an exemption but remained skeptical about their chances of success.
“I hope they are successful, but it’s just a different circumstance,” he said. “We have to face up to that.”
Concerns Over Global Economic Impact
While acknowledging that the tariffs, set to take effect on Thursday, would negatively impact Australian steel and aluminium exporters, Turnbull noted they would still have access to the global market. However, he warned of broader consequences, stating, “The real problem with Trump’s tariff wars is the impact they’re going to have on the global economy.”
Turnbull Clashes with Trump and ABC Journalist
Turnbull’s remarks came after a heated exchange with Trump, who labeled him “weak and ineffective” on social media. The former prime minister had earlier criticized Trump in a Bloomberg interview, describing him as “chaotic, rude, abrasive, and erratic.”
On ABC Radio, Turnbull was asked whether his public criticism of Trump could undermine Australia’s case for an exemption. In response, he strongly defended Australia’s right to free speech.
“Are you suggesting we should engage in self-censorship in Australia for fear of offending the huge ego of Donald Trump?” he asked. “Surely we should be free to speak the truth. Or are we going to muzzle ourselves for fear of offending Mr. Trump?”
Lessons from Canada’s Approach
Turnbull suggested Australia take inspiration from newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who secured his position after an aggressive campaign that was openly critical of Trump. He challenged the ABC’s stance on the issue, questioning whether the broadcaster had become “pusillanimous” in its approach to discussing Trump’s trade policies.
When ABC presenter Sally Sara pushed back, asserting her role was to question the timing of Turnbull’s comments amid sensitive trade negotiations, Turnbull defended his position.
“I secured an exemption in 2018. The arguments I used then are being used again, and they are still valid. However, I have always said the chances of getting an exemption now are very low,” he said, citing White House trade official Peter Navarro’s recent claims that Australian aluminium exporters were “killing” the US market.
Political Fallout and Coalition Criticism
Turnbull’s remarks have stirred controversy within the Australian political landscape. The opposition Coalition has maintained that the Labor government should be able to secure a similar exemption to that achieved in 2018. Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister David Coleman argued that the rationale for an exemption is even stronger today and expressed expectations that Albanese, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, and Trade Minister Don Farrell should succeed where Turnbull’s government once did.
“After all, the Coalition secured the same exemptions back in 2018,” Coleman stated in a speech to the Australia Institute.
As the deadline for the tariffs approaches, Turnbull’s comments have reignited debate over Australia’s trade strategy and its willingness to stand firm in the face of US pressure.
