CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s center-left government on Thursday distanced itself from the postponement of Donald Trump Jr.’s speaking tour. in Australia
His promoters said the former US president’s eldest son was postponing visits to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane because his Australian visa was only approved on Wednesday, 24 hours before he was due to board a flight.
“It seems America is not the only country making things difficult for the Trumps,” said Turning Point Australia, a local version of the US conservative political organisation.
Some conservatives accuse the Australian Labor Party administration of delaying Trump Jr.’s visa process.
But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government was not responsible for Trump Jr.’s change of plans.
“Donald Trump Jr.’s visa was dealt with in the normal way, and like anyone else, he had a right to come here,” Albanese said. “The postponement of his trip is up to him.”
More than 20,000 people had joined an online petition opposing Trump Jr’s visit to Australia. because of what they perceived as his anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said Trump Jr.’s visa application. received standard and equal treatment.
“Any matter that goes into the postponement of Mr. Trump’s speaking tour is a matter for him and the promoters of the tour,” Giles said.
Trump Jr. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Home Secretary Clare O’Neil deflected blame on social media, calling Trump Jr. of “big baby” and “sore loser” in the now-deleted tweets.
“Now trying to blame the Australian government for his poor ticket sales and canceled tour,” O’Neil tweeted less than an hour later.
Turning Point said they had sold 8,000 tickets for the events scheduled for July 9-11. Turning Point advised buyers to hold on to their tickets and promised that new Australian dates for their headlining tour will be announced soon.
The government has refused to disclose details of the visa or when it was applied for, citing privacy concerns.
Turning Point spokeswoman Elizabeth Walker said she did not know the date of the visa application. But he said the application had been in the works since May.
He said it was a subclass 408 temporary work visa that would allow Trump Jr. access. in Australia for six months.
