Albanese ‘not up to the job’ and is ‘scared’ of big world events: Dutton’s Trump pledge

Dismissed as Trump-lite by his critics, Peter Dutton has vowed to take on the US President and “lobby” him over support for Ukraine.

Peter Dutton has vowed to take on US President Donald Trump over Ukraine war if he is elected Prime Minister, slamming Anthony Albanese as “weak”, “scared” and “out of his depth.”

The Prime Minister reiterated Australia’s support for Ukraine after last week’s fiery meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

But he declined to comment directly on how the confrontation might affect Australia’s relationship with the US.

Dutton expressed disappointment with recent interactions between Trump and Zelensky and highlighted the need for European countries to increase their defence investments. Picture: SAUL LOEB / AFP

“We will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Because this is the struggle of a democratic nation versus an authoritarian regime led by Vladimir Putin, who clearly has imperialistic designs not just in Ukraine but throughout that region,’’ he said.

Pressed specifically about the exchange between Trump and Zelensky, Mr Albanese avoided discussing Trump directly, saying: “I am responsible for Australia’s foreign policy. Australia’s foreign policy is determined by Australia.”

Speaking in Queensland on Monday, Mr Dutton said “the world needs to unite behind President Zelensky to stand up against a murderous dictator in Vladimir Putin.”

“Vladimir Putin has no regard for human life, he’s demonstrated that with his own people, let alone what he’s done against the Ukrainian people,’’ he said.

Peter Dutton criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for being ‘weak’ in handling Australia’s relationship with the US and support for Ukraine against Russia. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

“So, we stand very strongly behind and with President Zelensky, and we’ve done that proudly from day one, and there will be no deviation from that whatsoever.

Mr Dutton said he was “disappointed by the scenes out of the White House.”

“I believe that President Zelensky requires the support of European countries, of the United States, and countries like Australia, as well,’’ he said.

“Australia is a well-respected international player, we have a defence force the envy of the world, we do need to provide more support to the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, but we need to recognise also that European nations need to invest more heavily in their own defences and the defences right across Europe. 

“People have got short memories, and it’s not that long ago since the Second World War.

“When the Prime Minister says that we live in the most precarious period since the Second World War, he’s right. What we know is that bullies don’t respect weakness, and we are going to stand up with like-minded countries in support of peace in Europe, and make sure that Russia can feel the pressure of having to settle a deal quickly, so that Ukraine and her people can get on with a normal life as quickly as possible.”

Mr Dutton was also asked about Redbridge polling out today showing that two thirds of voters want a Prime Minister who can manage Australia’s relationship with President Trump.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky prepare to hold a plenary meeting at a summit held at Lancaster House in central London on March 2, 2025. Picture: JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP

“Well, I’ve worked very closely with the Obama Administration, with the Trump Administration, with the Biden Administration, and we have good relationships with a number of people in the 47th presidency in the West Wing, and we can work very closely and effectively with them,’’ he said.

“My job as Prime Minister of this country would be to stand up for our interests. Our interests are paramount, and that is the approach that I would take, but there’s no doubt that we can have a very strong relationship – not just with the United States, and to stand up for our interests, but we also have a very strong relationship with other key allies as well – with India, with Japan, with Canada, with New Zealand, with the United Kingdom, and many others. 

“I think the world now, more than ever, needs like-minded countries to come together. You do need strong leadership, and unfortunately, the Prime Minister – as he’s demonstrated with the complete capitulation with the presence of the China warships in our region – he doesn’t know what to do. The problem for our Prime Minister is that he’s completely out of his depth and weak, and Australians understand it, they sense it, and they know that, frankly, our Prime Minister’s scared at the moment. He doesn’t know what to do.”

US President Donald Trump. Mr Dutton affirmed his commitment to advocating for Ukraine and ensuring that Australia’s foreign policy reflects its national interests, contrasting his approach with that of Albanese. (Photo by Tierney L Cross / AFP)

Mr Dutton said he still trusted the US as an important ally.

“Yes, of course I do,’’ he said. “The ANZUS alliance is incredibly important. Australia stood shoulder to shoulder in battles with the United States over the last hundred years.

“Whatever happens into the future, Australia’s interests are best served by a strong relationship with the United States and the United Kingdom, with our other Five Eyes partners, and with our other allies, including Japan and India.

“In relation to Ukraine, the Australian view at the moment is different to the United States, and my job as Prime Minister will be to lobby the President of the United States to reconsider his position in relation to Ukraine, because I think it’s in all of our collective best interests if we’re able to provide support to Ukraine, and that’s something I’m dedicated to.

“Nobody can really predict what will happen, what threats will come our way over the next century, and that’s why we need strong leadership in this country. It’s why I think people understand that the Prime Minister is just not up to the job.”