The Coalition has taken a high-stakes gamble that tax cuts and record low interest rates will supply the necessary voltage to the economy

If you were placing bets at the start of Scott Morrison’s prime ministership, I doubt many people would have picked that he would make international relations such a priority. Early in Morrison’s lecture to the Lowy Institute on Thursday night, the prime minister struck an almost apologetic tone about the foreign policy fetish, although I sense a focus-group inspired box being ticked rather than a heartfelt mea culpa.

“As a politician, my instincts and passions have always been domestic,” the prime minister said. “Despite my activity of the past year, I am not one who naturally seeks out summits and international platforms. But as prime minister you must always be directed by the national interest. As has been the case for prime ministers past, so much of Australia’s future right now is being shaped by events and relationships beyond our borders”.