The federal government has begun engaging its deep connections with the Republican party as Donald Trump prepares to enter the White House.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has already met with the incoming president's head of national security and believes Australia can have a strong working relationship with him.
"I had a long talk with Ambassador Joe Hockey this morning about the way forward in terms of our engagement," she told ABC radio on Thursday.
Ms Bishop expects Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will have a phone conversation with Mr Trump in the coming weeks to congratulate him on the win.
"Obviously it's a busy time for a new administration," she told the Seven Network, acknowledging that Mr Trump and his team would have 4000 positions to appoint.
