Australia politics live: Joyce claims One Nation ‘one of the gayest parties’ in country; Japan’s ambassador to Australia downplays Albanese’s melon comments

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

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visit the Canberra Nara Peace Park in Canberra on May 4, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Saeed Khan) 12 Aug 2026 05:24PM (Updated: 12 Aug 2026 05:26PM) TOKYO: Tokyo on Wednesday (Aug 12) played down comments by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Alb

As One Nation joined the Coalition demanding an apology for Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi, her ambassador issued a statement saying Japan took no offence.

As One Nation joined the Coalition demanding an apology for Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi, her ambassador issued a statement saying Japan took no offence.

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.

Anthony Albanese appeared to gesture in front of his chest while talking about the gift on a podcast last month

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".

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