Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he’s had a “very constructive” chat with incoming US President Donald Trump, the day after the Republican claimed victory to secure a second term in the White House.

Albanese had a phone call with Trump on Thursday, congratulating him on the win, while also talking about AUKUS and trade.

“Just after 10am this morning, I spoke with president Trump and I congratulated him on his election victory. It was a very constructive discussion,” he said in Question Time on Thursday.

“We affirmed the strong relationship between our two nations and committed to working together for the benefit of our people, including through AUKUS. Our government’s approach has always been about investing in our capabilities and investing in our relationships.

“That’s true at a national level and it’s also true at a personal one. As Prime Minister, I have made it a priority to invest in relationship with world leaders to build trust and respect in Australia’s best interests. I built that with President Biden and I will do so with president Trump.”

Earlier, Albanese said while the approach of the incoming US administration would be different to previous presidents, the bond between Australia and the US would be strong.

“Our government will work closely with the new Trump administration to realise the benefits of what is a very strong economic and security partnership,” he said.

“President Trump has run a campaign based on change. He’s made it clear that he’s going to do things differently, so we shouldn’t be surprised as things change.

“But equally, we should be really confident in ourselves, our place in the world as well, and our ability to deliver in our interests together as Australians.”

Trump has become the first US president to win non-consecutive terms in office since Grover Cleveland in 1892, defying the odds to return to the White House after being criminally convicted.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said while there would likely be different approaches between the two countries on some policies, they would continue to work closely together.

“It’s an alliance which has, throughout its history, have been times where leaders and governments have disagreed,” she told ABC Radio.

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— Kevin Rudd AC (@AmboRudd) November 6, 2024

The PM also backed the performance of Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd, despite Rudd’s previous comments criticising Trump.

On Thursday, Rudd announced he had deleted some of the more controversial social media comments.

Trump has previously described Rudd as “a little bit nasty” and “not the brightest bulb” after being asked about the critical comments.

Opposition foreign spokesman Simon Birmingham questioned at Senate estimates why Rudd waited until after Trump’s election to delete critical tweets, given he had been a diplomat for some 18 months.

Department officials pointed to Rudd’s statement, saying it was out of respect for the office of president, to which Trump had now been re-elected.

They defended Rudd’s tenure amid criticisms he would be ineffective under a Trump presidency due to his critical statements, acknowledging the passing of key bipartisan legislation in Congress to enable AUKUS during his tenure.

“He has very extensive networks and we have no indication there will be any negative impacts in the United States to this deletion,” deputy secretary Elly Lawson said.

Wong also said Rudd had proven able to work with both sides of US politics, including on the AUKUS legislation.

Birmingham also questioned why Albanese didn’t set up a meeting with Trump while he was in America for the Quad meeting, given Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had done so.

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, who was in office during Trump’s first term as president, said Albanese needed to stand up for Australia’s interests.

“He’s unconventional in the sense that the only real decision maker in his White House was and will be himself,” he told ABC Radio.

“What Trump respects is strength, so if you suck up to Trump, you’ll just have to do more sucking up.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also extended his congratulations to the Republican leader on behalf of the federal Coalition.

He described the US as an “overwhelming force for good”, declaring the world was at its best when Australia’s close ally was strong and at its best.

Greens leader Adam Bandt said Trump’s re-election was a “bad day for the world”, including women, people of colour and members of the LGBTQI community.

-with AAP