James Paterson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Andrew Greene at the Nightly has reported today that the Japanese government was 'surprised' to see confidential correspondence to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet about the Prime Minister's melon mess leaked to the media. Minister, do you know how the media obtained this sensitive diplomatic correspondence?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) | Link to this | 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.

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Paterson, first supplementary?

James Paterson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) | Link to this | Hansard source

Will the government launch an investigation into how confidential correspondence from one of our closest and most important partners to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet was leaked to the media?

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

I have seen the reports. I don't know what—I refer to my earlier answer in relation to the correspondence. What I would say to you is we have a very close and trusting relationship with the government of Japan.

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Paterson, second supplementary?

James Paterson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, isn't it true that, in a desperate attempt to clean up the Prime Minister's self-inflicted melon mess, the government is now risking a critical bilateral relationship by leaking confidential correspondence? Wouldn't it be easier for the Prime Minister to just admit he got it wrong and say sorry?

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

Can I make this point—that the—

Opposition Senator:

An opposition senator interjecting—

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

I am answering the question. Thank you for the advice; I appreciate it! The risk to relationships is borne by all parties in this chamber, and there are those opposite who have engaged—

Opposition senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Order!

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

who are so desperate to score political points that they are confecting a diplomatic issue to do so. We've seen that with Senator Cash's public statements. I would invite those opposite to, with the government, engage in bipartisan support of the Japan relationship, which is what it has historically enjoyed.