Full Story Newsroom edition: a win for Albanese, but when it rains it pours for Sussan Ley
Oct 23, 2025
Lenore Taylor, Editor of Guardian Australia, joins her colleagues Mike Ticher, Head of the newsroom, and Josephine Tovey, National news editor, to dissect the dynamic Australian political landscape. They discuss Anthony Albanese's successful meeting with Donald Trump and how it shapes his international standing. The panel also delves into the Coalition's internal strife, particularly Sussan Ley's challenges, and the distractions caused by debates over net zero. Key issues like stalled environmental reforms and housing prices emerge as pressing voter concerns.
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Albanese Scores A Diplomatic Win
- Anthony Albanese's US visit delivered clear political wins including a rare earths deal and AUKUS commitments.
- The trip's optics neutralised pre-visit warnings and strengthened his international standing.
External Factors Boosted The Meeting
- Timing and external events, like China's rare earths restrictions and Gaza ceasefire, improved Albanese's negotiating position.
- Relationships with figures like Marco Rubio and Penny Wong also smoothed US reception and media coverage.
Trump's Stance Eased Tensions Over China
- Trump did not press for a more muscular stance on China and downplayed the need for AUKUS deterrence.
- That stance validated Albanese's attempt to balance ties with both the US and China.