The first photos of the historic state visit show Anthony Albanese being greeted by the Australian ambassador to China,the Chinese ambassador to Australia and a schoolgirl carrying flowers.
The foreign minister,who returns to Beijing this week alongside the prime minister,says Australia “can also make its views about risky behaviour clear”.
A last-ditch attempt to secure a free trade agreement with the European Union has fallen apart before formal negotiations could start on Monday.
The trade minister faced accusations of hypocrisy after appointing a former Labor senator and union ally to a trade job in San Francisco.
Trade Minister Don Farrell and key cabinet ministers will seek to convince Japan of Australia’s reliability as an exporter in high-powered trade talks.
The conduct of the Labor powerbroker did not go down well with retired Hawthorn star Dermott Brereton.
A Senate inquiry will ask Qantas boss Vanessa Hudson and her predecessor to reveal their talks with federal ministers,as well as Qatar Airways and the ambassador.
The Albanese government has come under pressure to explain its reasons for blocking the airline,which will keep European ticket prices sky-high.
Support for the Voice to parliament is slipping according to polling,but a key powerbroker says Anthony Albanese’s leadership won’t be under question if the referendum fails.
Anthony Albanese has reassured European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Australia wants to negotiate a trade deal with Europe.
While the broader union movement is backing a Yes campaign,the Victorian and Tasmanian branch of the CFMEU won’t be taking a position either way.