Opposition leader Bill Shorten called on Mr. Turnbull to be open about his interaction with Mr. Trump, saying The Washington Post version of the call was worrying.
“We shouldn’t be finding out about what’s happening to Australian policy through the news of foreign countries,” Mr. Shorten said.
Mr. Turnbull has likened himself to Mr. Trump in that both are wealthy businessmen who came to politics late in life. Mr. Turnbull also has a reputation for blunt conversation and tough negotiations behind closed doors. He has resisted pressure this week to join other Western leaders in condemning Mr. Trump’s temporary ban of immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries.
“When I have frank advice to give to an American President, I give it privately, as good friends should, as wise Prime Ministers do when they want to ensure they are best able to protect Australians and Australia’s national interest,” Mr. Turnbull told reporters on Tuesday.
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(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:scoopnest.com)
