American presidential candidate Donald Trump’s odd bluffs, offending Tweets and extreme ideas may be better suited for reality TV, but the Republican presidential candidate is actually showing quite a bit of support in polls. While the candidate has many cringing at his ideas like forcing Mexico to pay for a wall, many favor the celebrity’s willingness to speak his mind, no matter who he offends. But what would a Trump presidency mean for Australia and Australian businesses? Recently, experts weighed in on what Trump’s policies could mean for Australia.
While the latest polls show Democratic candidate and former first lady Hillary Clinton with a 45.6 percent lead to Trump’s 41.7, many never thought the celebrity and businessman would make it this far. If a Trump presidency does indeed turn into reality — and the often-shifting politician doesn’t change his stance — some experts say that his comments towards China could have a negative impact on Australia’s economy.
University of Sydney United States Study Center lecturer David Smith told news.com.au that a Trump presidency could have a negative impact on Australia’s economy by creating a trade war. Trump’s talk of a 45 percent tax on Chinese imports could put Australia in the awkward position of choosing sides between two of their biggest trade partners.
Dr. Adam Lockyer, a Macquarie University security expert, agreed. “As soon as we’re forced to make a choice [between the US and China], we loose,” he told the news outlet. “The guiding principle of Australian foreign policy is ‘Don’t choose between the US and China.’ Doing so will either affect our security or our economy — or both.”
While the talked-of China tax could have a significant impact on Australia’s economy, his anti-immigration comments could also encourage similar movements from existing groups opposed to immigration in Australia. “What Australia and the world urgently need is compassionate but decisive leadership that is able to manage the mass humanitarian problem with financial and cultural sensitivity,” writes Deakin University’s Benjamin Isakhan and Zim Nwokora.
Other experts don’t think a Trump presidency would be quite so drastic on life on the opposite side of the globe. Tanya Plibersek pointed out that Trump’s comments may be no different than Prime Minister John Howard’s comments prior to President Barack Obama’s election. “I think our relationship has withstood many years and would withstand a Trump presidency as well,” she told news.com.au.
Others are taking comfort in the fact that Trump is rather inconsistent — even if he is elected, his previous statements suggest he could change his stance on several issues, including the ones that would have a direct impact on Australia. Until the election actually happens on Nov. 8, the discussion over how the candidate could affect Australia’s economy, security and policies is just theory.
What do you think — how would a Trump presidency affect Australia? Let us know in the comments!