Deputy Labor leader addresses controversy over China comments

Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles has addressed the controversy surrounding his historic commentary about China’s role in the Pacific.

Speaking on 3AW Drive, Mr Marles said there was no doubt China presented “real challenges” for Australia under president Xi Jinping.

He said the federal government under Scott Morrison had “dropped the ball” on relations.

Mr Marles joined Tom Elliott and Senator Jane Hume in studio to debate all of the burning issues ahead of the upcoming election.

Jane Hume was asked to address the latest comments from colleague Matt Canavan.

The controversial senator has muddied the waters over the Coalition’s climate change policy, saying the commitment to net zero was “dead”.

But Senator Hume said that wasn’t correct.

Press PLAY below to hear the full debate on 3AW