ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has made it clear he would be prepared to go to extreme lengths to secure an exemption from the steel and aluminium tariffs imposed on Australia by US President Donald Trump.
“I would rim him,” Dutton told lunchers at the Noosa Business Leader Summit today.
Dutton’s comments come as the US reinstates 25% tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium, reversing a previous exemption secured by then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in 2018. The tariffs are expected to have a significant impact on Australian industry, with local producers already warning of job losses.
Turnbull, who said on the ABC’s 730 on Monday night that leaders should “stand up to bullies,” dismissed Dutton’s approach as unnecessary.
“Negotiation is about strength, not submission,” he said.
“I can’t imagine a world where an Australian Prime Minister is prepared to rim another world leader. It just doesn’t compute for me.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the tariffs “a slap in the face” and said diplomatic efforts were ongoing. Dutton, however, suggested that a more personal approach might be required.
“We’ve seen how Trump operates,” Dutton said.
“He rewards loyalty. He respects those who do what needs to be done. I am a doer.”
More to come.
