Julie Bishop says nation will work constructively with US leader, as Pauline Hanson, Cory Bernardi and George Christensen celebrate results

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

As the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency approached, Australian parliamentarians and policymakers began to react.

There is considerable uncertainty over the final result, and will be for some time, but at the moment Australians are coming to grips with the major political, economic and social ramifications of a Trump presidency.

US election 2016: Donald Trump wins Florida and leaves Clinton reeling – live Read more

Before the final result came through, the foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, said Australia would work constructively with whoever would become the US leader. She said: “It’s important for the Australian government to be ready to work with whomever becomes the next president of the United States and at this stage it appears to be Donald Trump.”

ABC News (@abcnews) Foreign Minister @JulieBishopMP says it appears @realDonaldTrump will become the next US president #ElectionNight https://t.co/hKohYjqP1X

But earlier on Wednesday she told reporters: “If Hillary Clinton is elected president she will be the first woman to hold this significant global position and that would be a cause for celebration for women around the world.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The minister for foreign affairs, Julie Bishop, shows the Australian prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, her phone with information of the US election during question time on Wednesday. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Unsurprisingly, Australia’s conservative political caste were the most enthusiastic about a Trump victory.

Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR) Congrats to the new president who appreciates that middle America is sick of being taken for granted.

The One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, tweeted that her “door will always be open”. She has welcomed the prospect of a Trump win with with open arms.

Pauline Hanson (@PaulineHansonOz) @realDonaldTrump Mr President my door will always be open. Congrats on behalf of Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party of OZ. #MAGA #auspol

Stephanie Anderson (@stephanieando) One Nation has been popping the champers out the front of Parliament House to congratulate "President Donald Trump" https://t.co/eNUqqcKQ5W pic.twitter.com/kR1WW0FXoN

Cory Bernardi has enthusiastically endorsed Trump’s presidency. As the results continued to flood in, he added his voice to calls for the Labor leader, Bill Shorten, to resign if Trump is elected.

Cory Bernardi (@corybernardi) Hey @AlboMP , do you think now is about the right time for @billshortenmp to consider his position? #Trump #MakeAmericaGreatAgain

Cory Bernardi (@corybernardi) Make Australia Great Againhttps://t.co/xdHZpbjmgZ #MakeAustraliaGreatAgain

George Christensen has also strongly endorsed Trump’s presidency. He posted on Wednesday: “The New York Times is predicting America will be made great again today.”

Others responded more humorously.

Craig Reucassel (@craigreucassel) I feel sorry for Michelle Obama. Now she has to write Melania Trump's victory speech. #ElectionNight

And many with anger. The Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said Trump was a “thug”.

Sarah Hanson-Young (@sarahinthesen8) I feel sick. How can a thug who brags about sexually assaulting women get this much power? #AmericaDecides pic.twitter.com/uF0KFYUMD3

Some have pointed to the very real impact on Australia’s economy.

Paul Barry (@TheRealPBarry) Bye bye super. https://t.co/AtDh5HvE4S

Bob Katter sees it all as the death knell for free market capitalism.

Hon Bob Katter MP (@RealBobKatter) The looming election of Trump and the decision of Brexit puts the official tombstone over the free-marketeers #auspol #USElection2016

Even Shane Warne offered up his own election analysis.

Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) Surely people are voting against Clinton & not for Trump. Which means Trump will win as no one trusts Hilary. Is that a fair statement ?

Rod Bower, Anglican priest in the Central Coast, was less sanguine.