Albanese rejects claims he knew about sexual-themed podcast game

At a Friday press conference, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated that neither he nor his office knew comedian Nikki Osborne would include a "shag, marry, date" segment in the Deep Bush podcast recorded at The Lodge in June. He dismissed the host's claim that he had accepted the invitation fully aware of the game's nature. Albanese also defended the hand gestures he made while referencing melons gifted by Japan's prime minister, saying he never conducts interviews with his arms crossed.

While he has previously issued an unequivocal apology for certain remarks, he did not apologise for the melon gesture itself. Japanese diplomatic representatives have largely avoided commenting, though ambassador Suzuki Kazuhiro said the Australian side has clarified that the prime minister's comments were not as reported. The episode has drawn criticism from opposition figures demanding a personal apology to Japan's leader.