Today I’m talking about Donald Trump and tariffs. What do they mean for the American economy? Should Australia care and should we adopt similar policies?

The argument between free trade and protection was fierce in Australia from the 1870s to the 1980s. It was one of the defining issues when we federated in 1901.

I don’t mind that we’re now debating issues that have previously been bipartisan and largely silent for decades, such as trade, defence and immigration.

However, it needs to be a respectful discussion with the national interest at its heart.

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