Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) | Hansard source

Senator Paterson, I would also say to you, as someone who does care about our relationships with the region and who—I hope—would not be party to putting out really what is misinformation, which is what we have seen from some of those opposite, that I would hope that you understand the importance of ensuring we have a strong relationship with Japan. I would encourage you to not participate in the confection of a diplomatic issue, which we are seeing from those less responsible on your side of the parliament.

In relation to what you have raised, I have seen those reports publicly. I don't know what correspondence is being referred to. What I would say is what I said in response to Senator Sharma. The Prime Minister of Japan, Prime Minister Takaichi, is a friend of Australia's and a friend of the Prime Minister. I can say to you that the Prime Minister was personally committed to ensuring that Prime Minister Takaichi felt at home during her visit to Australia, including joining her at the Nara Peace Park. It was a very successful visit, and it is a very important relationship. I hope it is treated as such by all parties.