WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is back in Australia and for Anthony Albanese the job is done

With a raised fist, Julian Assange signalled his defiance, as he took his first steps back on home soil last night. For him, the fight for press freedom and a personal pardon will no doubt continue, now as a free man.

While noting the "independence" of the US Justice Department and the "separation" of the political and judicial arms of American democracy, the prime minister didn't want anyone doubting the influence he brought to bear. He's simultaneously arguing justice was blind to the building pressure from Australia, while also claiming credit for that pressure succeeding.

While views are clearly still mixed on Assange and his actions, Albanese formed the view long ago that most Australians agree the punishment has well and truly outweighed any crime. Wilkie told Greg Jennet on Afternoon Briefing yesterday about meeting Assange in 2004, where the young man asked him about "developing a safe online portal for whistleblowers to ventilate their concerns".Whether seen as a hero or villain, support for bringing Assange home eventually stretched across the political spectrum like few other issues. It ensured an unambiguous message was delivered to the United States — Australia wanted an end to this saga and its citizen set free.

"The US is seeking to exercise extra-territorial jurisdiction over all of you without giving you constitutional free speech protections." Trump last month suggested he would give "very serious consideration" to pardoning Assange, but he's unpredictable and there's every chance this "deal-maker" would want something from Australia in return.David Speers is National Political Lead and host of Insiders, which airs on ABC TV at 9am on Sunday or on iview.

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