Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has addressed U.S. President Donald Trump's recent speech at the United Nations, where he labeled climate change a "con job" and warned world leaders that their nations were "going to hell." In an interview, Wong stated that Trump's remarks were not surprising. "The content of his speech is really the same sorts of things President Trump has been speaking about to the American people prior to his election and since," she said.

During his address, Trump criticized renewable energy, calling it a joke that threatens the free world. He claimed, "The carbon footprint is a hoax made up by people with evil intentions." Wong emphasized that Australia holds a different perspective on climate change. "Australia does take a different view. We accept the reality of climate change," she noted.

Wong highlighted the importance of maintaining strong international relationships, suggesting that Australia should enhance its partnerships beyond the United States. "What we have to do as Australians is make sure we really invest in our relationships and partnerships, not just with the United States but with a number of other countries," she said.

Despite differing views with Washington, Wong welcomed the upcoming face-to-face meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Trump, scheduled for October 20. When asked how Albanese would prepare for discussions with a leader whose views contrast sharply with his own, Wong responded, "I'll leave you to engage in the adjectives."

Wong was unable to confirm whether a Quad meeting involving the U.S., Australia, Japan, and India would occur, stating, "I don't understand that those details have been finalized… we hope there will be a leaders' meeting later in the year."

In addition to her comments on climate change, Wong addressed Israel's reaction to Australia's joint recognition of Palestine, alongside France, the UK, and Canada. Following this recognition, Israeli officials threatened to implement "immediate countermeasures," including the annexation of the West Bank and actions against the Palestinian authority. Wong remarked that these threats could indicate Israel's stance on achieving peace in Gaza. "The world is seeing the extent to which the Netanyahu government seems to be prepared to go to avoid a ceasefire and peace," she said.

When asked if the Israeli government was reluctant to pursue a ceasefire to continue its operations in Gaza, Wong stated, "If the hypothetical threats you are putting to me are carried out I think that would be the conclusion the world would draw."

Wong also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during the UN meeting, following the expulsion of Iran's ambassador to Australia last month. "I think it was the right thing to do, to meet directly with my counterpart and look him in the eye and tell him precisely why we made the decisions we made," she said.

In August, Australian security agencies reported that Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps had directed two antisemitic attacks in Australia, including a firebombing at the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne. When asked if Araghchi denied these claims, Wong replied, "I think you would anticipate Iran would not agree with our assessment. I made very clear that the government has confidence in the advice of our security agencies and has acted accordingly."