In his address, Albanese praised Curtin and his establishment of an alliance with the US, while also highlighting that Australia determines its own path forward.

“Without question, Albanese is signaling to both Washington and the Trump administration that Australia holds the reins to its own future,” stated Professor James Curran from the University of Sydney to 9News.

Several months after Donald Trump’s inauguration, Anthony Albanese is yet to book a face-to-face with the president.

“I don’t believe Mr Albanese has done all he can here to strengthen Australia’s position in relation to the United States,” Shadow Attorney-General Julian Leeser said.

Curtin re-wrote Australia’s foreign policy playbook and is honoured as the founding father of Australia’s alliance with the US.

“Here we are talking about the opportunity to run a more independent course from Washington,” Curran added.

“I’d say this will ruffle feathers of Uncle Sam.”