Scott Morrison says he and United States President Donald Trump both understand that some voters feel like globalisation has left them behind.
In an interview with the New York Times, published over the weekend, the prime minister said some feel forgotten as the global economy grows.
"And that's what we get. The president gets that. I get it," Mr Morrison told the newspaper.
Mr Morrison spoke with President Trump after taking over from Malcolm Turnbull and described him "very practical" and someone "who's not going to waste a day".
Despite worries about President Trump's ability to keep his White House administration together, the newspaper said Mr Morrison was positive about the relationship between the two countries.
"We look through the dust,'' Mr Morrison said.
The newspaper also reported Mr Morrison has a model of a migrant boat in his office, with the caption "I stopped these" attached.
