Chalmers says Carney’s Davos denunciation of Trump is being widely discussed

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Canadian prime minister Mark Carney’s passionate denunciation of Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos was a "stunning speech" that was "widely shared and discussed" inside the Australian government.

Carney told assembled leaders at Davos that "we are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition" and warned against invoking the rules-based international order "as though it still functions as advertised," saying great power rivalry now uses economic integration as coercion. He spoke before what the report described as the US president’s backdown on threats to take control of Greenland.

Chalmers told ABC radio he found the speech "very impactful, very thoughtful," and said Carney’s "powerful point" was that old certainties are breaking down, citing escalating trade tensions, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, NATO discussions and market behaviour. Chalmers said Australia’s interests are best served "by cooperation and by managing our differences within international law and international institutions."

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull told ABC radio Anthony Albanese should give the same message, saying Australia should not be bullied and should work with other middle powers to stand up to a bully. The source does not say whether Albanese will respond to Turnbull’s call or what, if any, action the government will take.

Key Topics

Politics, Mark Carney, World Economic Forum, Davos, Jim Chalmers, Donald Trump