As the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency approached, Australian parliamentarians and policymakers began to react.
There is considerable uncertainty over the final result, and will be for some time, but at the moment Australians are coming to grips with the major political, economic and social ramifications of a Trump presidency.
Before the final result came through, the foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, said Australia would work constructively with whoever would become the US leader. She said: “It’s important for the Australian government to be ready to work with whomever becomes the next president of the United States and at this stage it appears to be Donald Trump.”
Foreign Minister @JulieBishopMP says it appears @realDonaldTrump will become the next US president #ElectionNight https://t.co/hKohYjqP1X
— ABC News (@abcnews) November 9, 2016
But earlier on Wednesday she told reporters: “If Hillary Clinton is elected president she will be the first woman to hold this significant global position and that would be a cause for celebration for women around the world.”
Unsurprisingly, Australia’s conservative political caste were the most enthusiastic about a Trump victory.
Congrats to the new president who appreciates that middle America is sick of being taken for granted.
— Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR) November 9, 2016
The One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, tweeted that her “door will always be open”. She has welcomed the prospect of a Trump win with with open arms.
@realDonaldTrump Mr President my door will always be open. Congrats on behalf of Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party of OZ. #MAGA #auspol
— Pauline Hanson (@PaulineHansonOz) November 9, 2016
One Nation has been popping the champers out the front of Parliament House to congratulate "President Donald Trump" https://t.co/eNUqqcKQ5W pic.twitter.com/kR1WW0FXoN
— Stephanie Anderson (@stephanieando) November 9, 2016
Cory Bernardi has enthusiastically endorsed Trump’s presidency. As the results continued to flood in, he added his voice to calls for the Labor leader, Bill Shorten, to resign if Trump is elected.
Hey @AlboMP , do you think now is about the right time for @billshortenmp to consider his position? #Trump #MakeAmericaGreatAgain
— Cory Bernardi (@corybernardi) November 9, 2016
Make Australia Great Againhttps://t.co/xdHZpbjmgZ #MakeAustraliaGreatAgain
— Cory Bernardi (@corybernardi) November 9, 2016
George Christensen has also strongly endorsed Trump’s presidency. He posted on Wednesday: “The New York Times is predicting America will be made great again today.”
Others responded more humorously.
I feel sorry for Michelle Obama. Now she has to write Melania Trump's victory speech. #ElectionNight
— Craig Reucassel (@craigreucassel) November 9, 2016
And many with anger. The Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said Trump was a “thug”.
I feel sick. How can a thug who brags about sexually assaulting women get this much power? #AmericaDecides pic.twitter.com/uF0KFYUMD3
— Sarah Hanson-Young (@sarahinthesen8) November 9, 2016
Some have pointed to the very real impact on Australia’s economy.
Bye bye super. https://t.co/AtDh5HvE4S
— Paul Barry (@TheRealPBarry) November 9, 2016
Bob Katter sees it all as the death knell for free market capitalism.
The looming election of Trump and the decision of Brexit puts the official tombstone over the free-marketeers #auspol #USElection2016
— Hon Bob Katter MP (@RealBobKatter) November 9, 2016
Even Shane Warne offered up his own election analysis.
Surely people are voting against Clinton & not for Trump. Which means Trump will win as no one trusts Hilary. Is that a fair statement ?
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 9, 2016
Rod Bower, Anglican priest in the Central Coast, was less sanguine.
