Taking pot shots at prime ministers has long been a national sport in Australia.
What they wear, how they speak, too many interviews or too few interviews, carrying a hose or not carrying a hose.One thing that triggers particular controversy is the frequency of prime ministerial travel.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has travelled prolifically since he took office in May 2022 and this weekend he will embark on his 18th overseas visit in 18 months.There are of course the regular international meetings such as APEC, the G20, the East Asia Summit, the UN General Assembly, the Pacific Islands Forum and more recently the Quad Leaders Summits.
He was the elder statesman of the Commonwealth when it mattered much more than it does now and played a leading role in the Suez Crisis on behalf of Britain and France. His wife, Dame Pattie, cautioned him before the trip that he would be out of office within six weeks of his return and she was proved correct as he lost support within the coalition and had to resign.Bilateral visits are important to build relationships with the leaders of allies and partners which is why new prime ministers always make early visits to the US, China, Japan, and the Pacific.
The nation is a strong case for the importance of middle powers and their ability to exert influence on the international order.
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