Canavan would refuse paid trip after Hanson declares Italy stay

Nationals leader Matt Canavan has declared he would not accept a paid trip to Europe from a large benefactor, drawing a distinction with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who confirmed mining magnate Gina Rinehart paid for her flights to Italy and a fashion parade.

Canavan told Channel Nine that if offered a holiday, he would suggest the benefactor "put that money into changing the government because that's what our country needs." He cited the dire economic state and the struggles of small businesses as reasons why such lavish trips are unaffordable for many.

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If a large benefactor offered me a holiday I'd say, 'Look, I'd prefer you just put that money into changing the government because that's what our country needs.'

Meanwhile, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, currently in Washington, reported raising China's recent ballistic missile test in the Pacific with his US counterparts. China conducted the test in early July, firing a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile that flew over Pacific islands and landed near Tuvalu's exclusive economic zone.

Conroy stated he briefed the US on Australia and the Pacific's reaction, noting that the United States shares concerns about the escalating arms race and China's military build-up without transparency. The article is a live blog covering federal politics.

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The United States obviously shares similar concerns about the arms race we're seeing, the build-up of Chinese military without any strategic trust or transparency you would expect.