Anthony Albanese has been underestimated by his opponents for his entire political career.

The question now is whether, after the prime minister’s triumphant meeting with US President Donald Trump this week, the federal opposition is finally going to wake up to itself and change tack.

Trump and Albanese meet in the White House.Credit: Getty Images

Because its current approach is not working.

In Washington, Albanese secured the vocal and enthusiastic support of Trump for the AUKUS submarine deal. That endorsement was the No. 1 goal for the Australian government, and it was met.

It is still not clear how the United States will ramp up production of Virginia-class submarines from the current level of about 1.2 subs per year to the required rate of about 2.3, but Australia has already handed over $1.6 billion to expand US production lines. The new submarine maintenance facility being built in Perth will keep more subs from the US fleet in the water for longer, partially ameliorating the current maintenance backlog.

Trump and Albanese inked a multi-billion dollar critical minerals deal that has China, the world’s dominant producer of these minerals and which is squeezing America’s access to them, squarely in its sights. These are actual projects with funding attached, rather than a vague agreement and good feelings.

Albanese didn’t get everything he wanted. He sought tariff relief for Australian exporters, who are currently paying a 10 per cent tax (and 50 per cent if they are exporting aluminium or steel to the US) but this request was........

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