Jackie Lambie Speaks Out: "Australia Needs Leadership Amid Trump Tariff Crisis"
Independent Senator Jackie Lambie has delivered a scathing assessment of Australia's political leadership in the face of Donald Trump's tariff announcements, calling for decisive action using strategic assets rather than retaliatory trade measures.
In a candid interview, Lambie proposed leveraging Australia's military and intelligence facilities as bargaining chips with the United States, challenging the conventional approach advocated by former Prime Minister John Howard.
"We don't need to go back with them in tariffs because we have four big things here. One of them is critical minerals... We have Pine Gap, which we can use, and we could use that tomorrow. I'm sure that would be a great bargaining chip." - Senator Jackie Lambie
The outspoken senator criticized both major party leaders for their response to the economic threat, describing their approach as ineffective and lacking courage. She specifically challenged Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's claims about his ability to negotiate with Trump.
"He's saying he's got good relationships in there. Well, why not? I just find it absolutely bizarre. He can't go back and say, you know what, we did this, we did a deal with him with Malcolm Turnbull." - Senator Jackie Lambie
Key Economic Concerns:
Lambie predicted recession months before tariff announcement
Noted unprecedented business closures in her electorate
Dismissed partisan claims about recession responsibility
Called for realistic assessment of Australia's economic trajectory
Lambie also delivered a passionate defense of women in combat roles within the Australian Defence Force, responding to controversial comments from a recently dismissed Liberal Party candidate.
"My body is broken for that. I would never, ever not do my time in the military again and become one of those combat females. It's one of the proudest moments of my life to say that I've been one of those combat females." - Senator Jackie Lambie
The senator's remarks highlight growing tensions in Australia-US relations following Trump's economic policy shifts and underscore mounting concerns about Australia's economic resilience amid consecutive global challenges.
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