Prime Minister

Maria Kovacic

At the request of Senator Paterson, I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Prime Minister, by no later than midday on Monday, 17 August 2026, the following documents:

(a) the official correspondence from the Government of Japan to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, reported by media outlets to have been dated 13 July 2026, concerning the Prime Minister's comments in an interview with podcaster Nikki Osborne;

(b) all correspondence between the Prime Minister's office and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet concerning the official correspondence from the Government of Japan referred to in paragraph (a), including emails, letters, text messages, instant messages, handwritten notes, minutes, briefings and submissions; and

(c) all internal documents held by the Prime Minister's office concerning the official correspondence from the Government of Japan referred to in paragraph (a), including emails, letters, text messages, instant messages, handwritten notes, minutes, briefings and submissions.

Katy Gallagher

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher

As Minister Wong has made clear in this place and the Prime Minister has made clear in the other place, it's entirely inappropriate for the opposition to seek to score political points on Australia's relationship with Japan. The Prime Minister of Japan is a friend of Australia and a friend of the Prime Minister, and the relationship with Japan is closer than it has ever been. The government opposes the motion, and I call on those opposite to reflect on their position on this matter.

Sue Lines

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 586, standing in the name of Senator Paterson, moved by Senator Kovacic, be agreed to.