Frank exchanges with Trump not for public view: Turnbull

Canberra

US President Donald Trump has a "very big personality" with a "very big job", according to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

"We've had several conversations now, they've been constructive, frank and forthright," Mr Turnbull, 62, said on Tuesday in an interview in Sydney. He said his government's approach to dealing with the White House had not changed with the election of Mr Trump.

"We pursue our national interest methodically, calmly, consistently, we make our case very frankly, and forthrightly, when we're speaking to our American friends," Mr Turnbull said. "As you'd expect, with good friends, we are fairly circumspect about what we say in public."

An important ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific, Australia has for years walked a line between supporting American interests in the region and engaging with China, its biggest trading partner. But like other nations, Australia has grappled with acclimatising to Mr Trump's style of leadership, which has included sudden policy changes, criticism of other countries and a penchant for making late-ni…