QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:00): First, I would say to those opposite that Prime Minister Takaichi is a friend of Australia and a friend of the Prime Minister and the relationship with Japan is closer than it has ever been. I am disappointed that those opposite are so desperate to score political points that they seek to confect a diplomatic issue to do so.

The relationship with Japan has bipartisan support, as it should. It is a very important relationship for Australia, and I would emphasise how grateful I am to have the close relationship that I have with Foreign Minister Motegi, who I spoke to just over a fortnight ago on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers meeting. Those opposite may know that I have visited Japan, I think, seven times as Foreign minister.

This goes to the relationship between Japan and Australia. Senator Cash: Have you told the PM as the Foreign minister to apologise? The PRESIDENT: Order!

The question's been asked. Senator WONG: I think Senator Cash is demonstrating why she's no longer in this shadow portfolio by her interjections and by what she has said. We take very seriously the importance of the relationship with Japan— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order!

My goodness! We're into the first question. I've called order about seven times.

Minister, please continue. Senator WONG: Australia's relationship with Japan is one of the most important relationships we have. In fact, I often describe it publicly as our special strategic partnership second only to, in particular, our alliance with the United States.

Now, it's a relationship that has been strengthened under this government, and we will continue to do that because it is in Australia's national interest. The PRESIDENT: Senator Sharma, first supplementary? Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: I'm sorry, Senator Sharma.

I'll just wait until there's order on your side. Senator Sharma.