Howard to wait and see on Trump

Former Prime Minister John Howard doesn't think people should jump to conclusions about US President Donald Trump.

Mr Howard said he was taking a "wait and see", as he walked though Perth with West Australian Premier Colin Barnett in support of the Liberal government's re-election campaign.

"He has developed an unconventional approach to communication but I am a great believer in paying on results," he added.

"I think some of the appointments he has made in his administration are very good.

"He has talked sense on a lot of things, on other issues I haven't agreed."

The fact the US appeared to be honouring a refugee swap deal with Australia - albeit with "gritted teeth" - demonstrated the importance of the long standing alliance between the two nations.

Mr Howard also said he remained a strong supporter of the right for Israel to exist as an independent country.

This week Mr Trump retreated from America's long-running support for the establishment of separate states for Israel and Palestinians after he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington DC on Wednesday.

The WA election will be held on March 11.

Mr Howard said he did not support Mr Trump's constant attacks on the media over its coverage of him.

"I never think it's a good idea to generally attack the media. They have got a job to do in a democracy. I tried not to," he told reporters.

"I'm not here to advocate or condemn Donald Trump. He's the president of the United States and I hope he makes a success of the job because it's the most important political position in the world and is very important to Australia."