Former ambassador Joe Hockey says he is nervous about the AUKUS security partnership and urges Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to strengthen ties with the United States by regularly contacting President Donald Trump. Across reports, Hockey argues that Albanese should develop a routine of cold-calling Trump to deepen the personal and diplomatic relationship with the US leader.
The comments position AUKUS as a source of concern for Hockey, though the coverage focuses most closely on his recommendation regarding how Australia’s prime minister should engage the US president. The reports describe Hockey’s stance as part of a broader view that Australia should maintain direct communication with Washington to support the partnership’s political and strategic foundations.
While the outlets differ in presentation, they agree on the core points: Hockey expresses apprehension about AUKUS and calls for closer, proactive engagement between Albanese and Trump, including direct outreach through phone calls.
