Washington | The Secret Service had cordoned off the block, fresh flowers were arranged in the guest rooms overlooking the White House, and glittering Tiffany’s silverware was laid out on the antique Georgian tables.

Outside, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon stepped out of the official car that had delivered them from the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base in nearby Maryland to their new home for the week – Blair House.