At last, we have the Great Trans-Pacific Selfie. Proof of life of the relationship between Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump, and through it, the relationship between our two nations.

That it heralded news of a formal meeting next month means it is more than merely symbolic. That it comes during a week in which the prime minister has been asked relentlessly about the prospect of such a meeting means it is probably some kind of relief. That it comes in the wake of flashes of American anger over Australia’s decision to recognise Palestine at the United Nations makes you wonder what all that fuss was about.

Illustration by Simon LetchCredit:

Conventional wisdom has it that an Australian prime minister on the end of severe American warnings is diminished. It says that our leader should be ever keen to meet with the president and risks becoming a figure of ridicule if he cannot arrange it swiftly. And that’s because it assumes such meetings are Very Important. A thing which must happen.

But is it? I don’t ask rhetorically, and under normal circumstances I wouldn’t ask at all. But under these circumstances, where conventional wisdom seems to be little wisdom at all, I honestly wonder. Certainly, it’s a matter of tremendous media preoccupation. And no doubt, when asked by pollsters, Australians will say they care. But that’s quite different from it being a matter that consumes voters’ minds or determines Australia’s........

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