Australia politics live: Japan’s ambassador to Australia downplays Albanese’s melon comments; witness paid for Reformer’s trip to Fiji to avoid inquiry, Icac told

Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Education minister says funding agreement with Victoria ‘very close’ The education minister, Jason Clare, says a funding deal with Victoria to get public schools funded to Gonski levels over the next decade is “very close”. We’re ver

For a month the Japanese government has studiously remained quiet on Anthony Albanese's melons "joke". But the media frenzy in Australia could be a response it didn't want to make.

Asked whether he would say sorry for his "disrespectful behaviour" in parliament on Tuesday, the Australian leader said: "I reject the assertion in the question."

Watch the full exchange about a prime ministerial gift received by Anthony Albanese that has landed him in hot water.

Watch the full exchange about a prime ministerial gift received by Anthony Albanese that has landed him in hot water.

A joke gone wrong has ignited a diplomatic storm, and the Prime Minister’s own words are now being picked apart. Watch the clip here.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor said comments Anthony Albanese made about a gift from Japan's prime minister were "insulting".

Anthony Albanese apologised last month after suggesting he would 'sh*g' Kylie Minogue on the same podcast recording he discussed a gift from Japan's Prime Minister

The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in hot water for a second comment he made during the same podcast recording he suggested he would sleep with Kylie Minogue