Outcome not timing the main game for Trump talks: PM
A positive result from a meeting with Donald Trump is more important than how soon a one-on-one with the US president can be arranged, the prime minister says.
Anthony Albanese says Australia will press the case for a total removal of US tariffs when he meets with Mr Trump.
The pair were due to come face-to-face at the G7 summit in Canada earlier in June but that opportunity was lost at the eleventh hour when the US president left early due to the Middle East conflict.
Mr Albanese has faced criticism for a lack of urgency in lining up the meeting,but he said the final result of the discussion mattered more than timing or location.
"Where the meeting takes place is less important than what comes out of the meeting, frankly, and I know there is a laser-like focus on this," he told ABC TV on Monday.
"I'd be prepared, of course, to meet with President Trump when a suitable time can be organised."
An in-person meeting could take place at the next Quad summit, the annual conference involving leaders from Australia, the US, Japan and India.
The possibility has also been floated of Mr Albanese stopping by the US in September during the next meeting of the UN General Assembly.
Mr Albanese said he would continue to press the case for a removal of all tariffs on Australian exports to the US.
"In supporting Australia's national interest, I'll continue to advocate for the best outcome possible," he said.
"I look forward to having a meeting and continuing the constructive dialogue that I have had with President Trump up to now."
Nationals deputy leader Kevin Hogan said it was "frankly embarrassing" the prime minister was yet to secure a meeting with Mr Trump.
"Resolving trade tensions - particularly tariffs affecting Australian agricultural and manufactured exports - must be a top priority," he said.
Tariffs of 10 per cent on all Australian exports, as well as 50 per cent for aluminium and steel products, are due to come into effect on July 9.
The UK was able to strike a deal to ensure steel and aluminium exported to the US are subject to 25 per cent levies but the federal government has called for tariffs on Australian goods to be removed altogether.
Penny Wong has flown out for Washington DC for a meeting of Quad foreign ministers, which will include talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The one-on-one with Mr Rubio will be a key opportunity to argue for tariff removal to members of the Trump administration.
The Quad summit coincides with calls from the US for Australia to lift its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP.
Australia is on track to lift its defence budget to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34, with the federal government holding firm on its spending commitments.
The prime minister said he would make the case to the US that Australia was bolstering its defence budget.
"We'll invest in whatever capability Australia needs to defend ourselves, and that is the way that you make sure that you maximise the defence of this country," he said.
"We've got significant upgrades in our defence capacity coming on board."
