Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I thank the Prime Minister for his words and echo his words in relation to President Biden, who has been a very strong friend of Australia for a long period of time. I met with him in New York a couple of years ago now. His dedication to the relationship and to the strengthening of our bilateral relations, particularly in relation to defence, is well known to all in this place.

When the coalition negotiated AUKUS with the United States and the United Kingdom, it was in our mutual and collective best interests, particularly in an uncertain time. All Australians, like many people across the world, are looking at the moment to see what the results might be over the coming hours. Whatever the outcome, we know that our relationship with the United States will endure, it will strengthen, and we will make sure that we work very closely with the incoming administration.

Obviously, the period between November and January is important, as the Prime Minister points out. Ambassador Rudd, of course, will be working day and night to establish those links and ties, and deepen relationships and start new ones. That will be his job over the next few months, I'm sure. But, most importantly, we want to see a safe environment in which people can vote, and we want to see the best outcome for the United States because, when our close ally is strong and at its best, the world is in the best possible position.

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