Anthony Albanese’s six-week overseas travel schedule has drawn criticism as Australians face continuing cost-of-living pressures and the prospect of another interest rate rise.
The Australian Prime Minister left for Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, saying he had made the journey at the personal request of King Charles.
He is not expected to return until next Friday evening, leaving Treasurer Jim Chalmers to handle any political fallout if the Reserve Bank raises rates on Melbourne Cup Day.
Economists expect the bank to increase its cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.85 per cent after its Monetary Policy Board meeting on Tuesday.
Commonwealth Bank economists altered their forecast after the Reserve Bank warned that inflation was likely to stay higher than expected. Rising energy costs, increased investment in artificial intelligence and continuing economic constraints were cited as factors.
Coalition politicians have questioned whether the timing of the trip is appropriate, arguing that Mr Albanese should be concentrating on the economic difficulties facing people and businesses at home.
Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson said: “In between the cocktails by the pool the Prime Minister might spare a thought for the small businesses that are going broke under his watch, and the families that are breaking under his inflation addiction and interest rate hikes.”
Albanese defends Commonwealth summit visit
Mr Albanese has defended his attendance at CHOGM, presenting it as an opportunity to strengthen Australia’s relationships with Commonwealth countries and pursue diplomatic priorities.
More than 50 countries are taking part in the summit, which is being held under the theme ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth’.
The Prime Minister intends to promote Australia’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2029-30, while holding talks with leaders from Britain, Canada, Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean.
Before departing, he said the meeting would allow Australia to work with close partners on shared challenges including climate change, ocean preservation, trade and investment, and the growth of artificial intelligence.
“It’s also an important opportunity for Australia to advance our campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2029-30,” Mr Albanese said.
CHOGM is the first stop on a series of international visits. Mr Albanese will travel to Turkey for the UN climate conference before attending the East Asia Summit and Australia-ASEAN Summit in the Philippines.
He is then due to visit China for the APEC Leaders’ Summit and talks with President Xi Jinping, followed by the G20 Summit in the United States in December.
Mr Albanese is also expected to meet British Prime Minister Andy Burnham face to face for the first time, with proposed changes to backpacker visas due to be discussed.
The meeting comes as the Australian Government moves to tighten rules for temporary visa holders. British backpackers are exempt from the new measures under the free trade agreement signed in 2022 by the former Morrison government.
This is Mr Albanese’s second CHOGM, following his attendance at the 2024 meeting in Samoa. His visit is also the first by an Australian prime minister to the Caribbean since 2009.
