Melon-gate was a non-issue in Japan. How did it get elevated to a crisis in Australia? | Malcolm Farr

Anthony Albanese’s comments about melons given to him by Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi continue to make headlines weeks after they were made

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The government continues to face an all-out effort, led by parts of the media, to depict Anthony Albanese as the Benny Hill of international diplomacy endangering Australia’s regional standing.

There is ongoing anger – or so we’re told – over a crude double entendre from the Australian prime minister made over a month ago that indirectly involved his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi and her gift of two melons during her recent Australian visit.