Anthony Albanese is considering Donald Trump’s invitation for Australia to join the US president’s proposed “board of peace” initiative, despite concerns it could undermine the work of existing organisations including the United Nations.
The prime minister confirmed Australia had been invited to join the new international body at the weekend. The board was originally envisaged as part of Trump’s plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, much of which was destroyed during Israel’s war against Hamas.
A draft charter shows Trump will serve as chair, with countries expected to serve three-year terms. Those paying US$1bn to the US would be granted permanent status. The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Canada, Argentina, the European Commission and Middle East powers have also been invited.
Albanese said the correspondence arrived on Monday and would be considered “respectfully and through our proper processes”. Shadow foreign affairs minister Michaelia Cash said the Coalition would await more details before committing, while Greens’ defence spokesperson David Shoebridge called the proposal “profiteering off genocide”.
