A so-called “blue tsunami” that has seen the Democrats seize control of both houses of congress in the US midterm elections has sparked discussion over possible petrol price relief in Australia as well as renewed debate on AUKUS.
US President Donald Trump has conceded his war against Iran which has driven up oil prices and inflation was partly to blame for the Republican party’s comprehensive losses this week.
“I think what everyone agrees on in the wrap–up of the election is that the cost of fuel was a big factor in those results. Here in Australia, we didn’t start the war but are copping it,” Labor frontbencher Jason Clare told the ABC on Thursday.
“I’m sure I speak for every Australian when I say the sooner the war ends the better and the Strait of Hormuz opens and things get back to normal as soon as possible,” the education minister added.
Shortly after the United States and Israel first launched their military strikes against Iran in February, the Australian government was one of the first in the world to publicly back the move.
In a joint statement issued at the time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia: “stood with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression”.
“We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security”.
Meanwhile Greens Leader David Shoebridge has used this week’s comprehensive defeat of President Trump’s Republican party to again call an end to the AUKUS submarine partnership.
Senator Shoebridge on Thursday reacted to the US election result by taking aim at Mr Albanese’s relationship with the US President, re-posting selfies the two leaders took during recent meetings.
“Just when the US people are putting a barge pole between themselves and President Trump, Albanese is giving him a bear hug,” Senator Shoebridge posted to X along with selfies the two leaders took during recent meetings.
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