James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The government did not support this motion being taken as formal as it is not the role of the Australian Senate to provide a running commentary on the United States presidential election. Mr Trump's comments from 2005 have been condemned in the strongest terms. He has apologised for his remarks and acknowledged that they were inappropriate. The election in the United States is a matter for the people of the United States of America. We respect their democratic process. The Australian government will seek to work constructively with whoever is elected President of the United States.