Anthony Albanese has officially rejected assertions that hand gestures he made while referring to melons gifted by the Japanese PM were related to her anatomy.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has announced the federal government will be moving to vaccinate birds in captivity over the coming days and weeks against the H5 strain of bird flu.Â
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While parliament was on winter break, Labor held its national conference. Greens MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown says ordinary members pushed for Labor to adopt a tax on gas exports, and asks if the government would consider it.
Anthony Albanese says he's surprised to get a question about it from the Greens, given their conferences are held in secret.
He goes on about how good the conference is (paraphrasing) and the policies its agreed to over the years.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor asks the prime minister if the average mortgage holder is paying $25,000 more in interest under his government.Â
Anthony Albanese hasn't answered the question and accused the opposition leader of identifying grievance and not providing solutions.
But Taylor, up on a point of order, asks the PM to stay relevant to the question.
Speaker Milton Dick says he should stick to the question and that he will be keeping a close eye on his response.
But Albanese has turned the attention back on the Coalition, pointing out comments from the shadow treasurer.
The speaker has kicked Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson for repeatedly interjecting during the prime minister's answer.
Back in the Senate, the melon issue is still at large.
Liberal frontbencher James Paterson asks about reports that Japanese officials were surprised when private correspondence between the Japanese and Australian governments was leaked to the media.
