Albanese faces apology calls as Vietnam talks loom; Greens criticize opposition on gambling ads

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under pressure to personally apologize to his Japanese counterpart after a gesture he made regarding a gift of melons. The incident has resurfaced as Albanese prepares for talks with Vietnam's President To Lam in Canberra. The two leaders are expected to sign new agreements covering digital technology, vocational training, and economic resilience, as both nations navigate complex relationships with China and the Trump administration.

Discussions on economic resilience are particularly timely, with both Australia and Vietnam grappling with the global supply chain disruptions caused by the War in Iran. While hydrocarbons remain a focus, both countries are also prioritizing clean energy, critical minerals, and the green transition as areas for economic growth. However, President To Lam's visit is not without controversy, as protesters from Australia's Vietnamese community, opposed to the communist government, plan to voice their anger.

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We will obviously wait to see what the government is willing to put on the table, the ball is in their court.

Meanwhile, in domestic politics, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has accused opposition leader Angus Taylor of being "weak" in ongoing negotiations over Labor's gambling advertising reforms. The Greens are pushing for a ban on inducements and all gambling advertising, alongside the establishment of a national gambling regulator. Hanson-Young expressed skepticism about Taylor's willingness to deliver a favorable outcome, stating the ball is in the government's court.

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But let me also be clear. I'm not holding my breath that Angus Taylor is going to deliver a good result here. And I don't think he's that strong. I don't think he's really got it in him.