Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrapped up his week in New York by visiting the Old Mates Pub in Lower Manhattan, where he poured beers and reflected on his diplomatic efforts during the United Nations leaders' week. Albanese believes he successfully navigated both challenges and opportunities during his trip, despite some setbacks in securing a meeting with former President Donald Trump.

Initially, the chances of a meeting on the sidelines of the UN appeared slim. However, a firm date for a meeting was established for October 20 in Washington, which Albanese viewed as a positive outcome. The trip allowed him to promote significant policies back home, including Australia's recognition of Palestine and a new climate change target aimed at reducing emissions by 62 to 70 percent from 2005 levels by 2035.

Albanese was accompanied by a cabinet team, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who supported his initiatives. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen engaged with Emine Erdoğan, the wife of Turkey's president, to encourage Turkey to withdraw its bid to host next year's climate change conference. Communications Minister Anika Wells addressed the upcoming ban on children signing up for social media accounts, distancing herself from the fallout of the Optus triple-0 crisis.

During his speech at the General Assembly, Albanese advocated for Australia's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029-30 term. He also reaffirmed Australia's commitment to the Coalition of the Willing regarding Ukraine. When asked about Australia's potential involvement in a post-conflict peacekeeping force in Gaza, he stated, "we'll give consideration to that at an appropriate time."

Albanese found the Coalition of the Willing beneficial for establishing connections with other leaders, enhancing bilateral relations. His visit highlighted Australia's differing views from U.S. policy on issues like Palestine and climate change, although these differences are not expected to strain the Australian-American alliance.

Australia's recognition of Palestine aligns with Albanese's long-held position and responds to calls from the Labor Party. However, the impact of this recognition is uncertain, especially given Israel's current stance. On climate change, Trump's remarks at the General Assembly, which dismissed climate change as a hoax, were seen as extreme and largely irrelevant to the Australian debate. In contrast, China's announcement of a modest emissions reduction target by 2035 disappointed Albanese, who noted, "It is good that there is progress being made. We, of course, would like there to be more, but it is a step forward."

The opposition party is under pressure to clarify its stance on net-zero emissions, with a growing sentiment that a position must be established by Christmas. Meanwhile, within the Liberal Party, leadership contender Andrew Hastie has adopted a more Trump-like rhetoric, expressing concerns about immigration and the decline of the Australian car industry. His comments have sparked internal backlash, leading him to criticize unnamed colleagues.

Hastie has warned that the Liberal Party risks fragmentation unless it can unify and appeal to younger and female voters, who are increasingly leaning progressive. The party's future success may depend on its ability to adapt to the current political landscape.