Penny Wong

The foreign policy debate between Marise Payne and Penny Wong was the most civil and constructive exchange of the election campaign so far.

“As we go into this next period on the other side of this election, I know there are things that are going to have to change with the way I do things.” It would be misleading to say Marise Payne and Penny Wong squared off at the National Press Club this afternoon. “I know Australians know that I can be a bit of a bulldozer when it comes to issues and I suspect you guys know that too,” the prime minister said.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Labor's Foreign Affairs Shadow Minister Penny Wong clash in a debate at the National Press Club.

What I'd say is that the invasion of and the unlawful war being waged against the people of Ukraine by Mr Putin has been horrific. What the US's engage has done, and I think that it is very important, is to bring together a global Coalition of great strength to both support Ukraine and to extract a cost, a price, on Russia, for their actions that includes, in relation to providing military support for Ukraine in relation to a strong sanctions regime in which Australia is an active participant. I'd like to ask you both to comment on whether you think that US approach to Ukraine has given you greater confidence about the way that the US is engaging in the world? And in relation to whether or not we would host a COP - we would speak with our Pacific neighbours. "And I don't necessarily include Marise in this, but some in the party appear to be allergic to the term. This is the full question asked by Melissa Coade from The Mandarin: We've had some discord about the Pacific family and climate change. "We want to deliver an Indo-Pacific broadcasting strategy because I think you need voices in the region. And I didn't just do that, we didn't just do that - the women with whom I worked - because we wanted to get more women into Parliament for its own sake. "I may have been a progressive, but I'll not necessarily claim "radical". And, Nic, I have been very strongly committed to ensuring that we have been able to deliver our two last Women's Budget Statements, which together on women's leadership, women's economic security, women's safety, deliver over $5 billion of support. You're also Minister for Women. Why are women now deserting the Liberal Party? What can the Liberal Party do to win them back? And shaping the world for the better by taking action on climate, at home and abroad, and modern slavery. Whether it is on AUKUS or resisting economic coercion, or providing the significant support that was necessary for our region to recover together from the COVID pandemic, we have a clear plan focused on promoting the security and the prosperity of the Australian people.

The two women vying to guide Australia's foreign policy after the election have spoken about how they would manage the relationship with China.

“And particularly since, of course, the change in recognition by the Solomon Islands’ diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China,” she said. Senator Wong slammed the Coalition for being “inconsistent” in its response to the development. “We will continue to seek a constructive relationship with China, but it has to be a relationship in which our sovereignty and our interests are respected and in which no party is coerced or subjected to pressures that breach international rules.” She said Labor would not take a “backwards step” when it came to standing up for Australia’s interests. “This generation of political leaders has a responsibility in this reshaping to secure Australia’s interest today and in the future.” “Our relationship with China has changed because China has changed,” she said.

Shadow foreign affairs minister Penny Wong has pledged Labor would deliver a First Nations foreign policy if elected on May 21.

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Penny Wong and Marise Payne have traded barbs at the Foreign Affairs Debate over China and Richard Marles' meetings at the Chinese embassy.

But a small number, certainly not the number reported today,” Ms Payne said. “I would not do that myself. “We all understand why Mr Morrison is saying what he's saying. We are all patriots. Stream more election news live & on demand with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free.