Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I also rise to speak very briefly on the urgency motion moved by Senator McKim here today. And well, well, well: 2025 has started, and the Greens are already up to their old tricks again. It is so typical to see this type of juvenile behaviour occurring, when we started on a positive note earlier today here in Canberra. The types of motions that we typically see from some of the crossbench really are disappointing—to waste the Senate's time debating these types of motions. But here we are.

What we saw in the United States in the presidential election last November was the very essence of the democracies that we all take for granted and are very proud of around the world. We must respect the democratic processes and outcomes that took place in the United States. These democratic values that we share form the very basis of the very strong relationship Australia has with the United States—that is, adhering to the rule of law and respecting those fundamental freedoms and free and fair elections, regardless of the result. The American people have spoken, and we must respect their right to determine their own future for themselves, just as the Australian people will at our own federal election this year. Regardless of the results, we will have fair and free elections, and, if need be, there will be an orderly transition of power. That is the best way we can conduct any democracy.

It's also fair to say that President Trump is like no other president we've seen before. From what we saw when he was last in the Oval Office and from what we will see over the next four years, it's fair to say that his approach is always not very conventional. Having said that, we need to respect the outcome of the election last year. President Trump has also made it very clear that he's going to do things very differently. We shouldn't be surprised as he implements his 'America first' agenda.

As two nations, the United States and Australia have so much in common. But we are also two very different sovereign independent nations with our own ways of how we conduct business. Just as we respect the rights of American citizens to determine their own future, we have those same rights here in Australia. Equally, as Australians we are confident in our values, in our place in the world and in our ability to deliver on our national interests. So, contrary to what the Australian Greens are arguing in the motion, it's not all doom and gloom.

My message to everyone, particularly those on the crossbench, is to keep calm and carry on. If anything, we should be more concerned about some of the rhetoric that is occurring from the crossbench and from the Greens. Words and actions do matter in this place, and, unfortunately, what we have seen over the course of the last 18 to 24 months is quite alarming, particularly around issues of antisemitism and other issues affecting our community right now, causing instability in social cohesion. We've debated and discussed how important it is to make sure that we continue to embrace and invest in our very proud multicultural and diverse community here in Australia.

It is also interesting to see that the Australian Greens, despite the motion before us, have a track record on foreign affairs and defence which I think is quite alarming. They have consistently used divisive tactics to get a message across solely for short-term political gain. They want to slash defence spending and withdraw from the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, which is much more than just submarines; it is about industry and jobs and manufacturing. It's also about investments in critical minerals, which will help us get to net zero, and I think that is a real positive for this country.

The Greens have always believed that we should have no relationship with the US. If it were up to them, Australia would cut ties with most of the world. Our relationship with the US is fundamentally important, and we'll continue to strengthen this alliance. It is one that is based on enduring friendship and shared values. In fact, Australia was one of the very small number of countries to receive an invitation to the recent inauguration, and that is a true demonstration of our alliance. We'll also work cooperatively with the US and the administration regardless of who that might be, as America's success is our success, and I know that Australia looks forward to working with the Trump administration over the next four years to advance our country's interests and to deliver prosperity and security for all in the region. (Time expired)