It’s a new day in Washington DC and if Australia wants to maintain its security alliance with the US, it better take note.

The heated Oval Office exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside Vice President J.D Vance’s recent address at the Munich Security Conference, highlight the U.S. administration’s new priorities.

The Oval Office spat with Zelensky at the weekend is clear evidence the Trump Administration is serious about its “America First” agenda and that it will not keep underwriting wars on behalf of allies indefinitely.

At last month’s Munich Security Conference, Vice President Vance delivered a pointed critique of European leaders for undermining democratic principles, particularly freedom of speech.

He asserted, “I believe that dismissing people, dismissing their concerns or, worse yet, shutting down media… protects nothing.

“Democracy rests on the sacred principle that the voice of the people matters,” he said.

This critique is equally pertinent to Australian politicians who preside over laws that clearly infringe upon free speech, thereby failing to uphold Western ideals.

While Family First unequivocally supports efforts to combat anti-Semitism, it is crucial to acknowledge that recent “hate speech” laws may inadvertently encroach upon legitimate free speech.

Australia’s longstanding anti-discrimination and anti-vilification laws also encroach freedom of speech, as evidenced by Family First’s National Director Lyle Shelton’s five-year legal battle with LGBTIQA+ drag queens.

Laws which allow litigation for speech that is deemed to likely ‘offend’ or ‘insult’ only serve woke agendas and suppress legitimate speech.

In light of these developments, Australia must critically evaluate its domestic policies and defence posture:

Australia must reexamine and amend laws that infringe upon freedom of expression to ensure alignment with democratic principles.

Australia must urgently increase defence spending by committing to substantial and timely enhancements in military capabilities to meet emerging global threats and fulfil alliance obligations.

Australia’s weak response to China’s live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea will not have gone unnoticed in Washington DC.

By proactively addressing these issues, Australia can reinforce its dedication to the principles underpinning its alliance with the United States, ensuring mutual respect and continued collaboration in promoting global security and democratic values.

It would be foolish for Australian politicians to ignore the new Administration’s priorities and its clear warnings.

Time to wake up.

Family First agrees that defence spending must be increased, a missile defence system must be put in place and young people must be taught to love their country so they will be ready to fight for it should the need arise.