Albanese cleared by Japan over podcast controversy

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces accusations of making inappropriate comments about Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a podcast discussion about Crown melons she gifted him. Official correspondence from the Japanese Prime Minister and embassy states the exchange has been sensationalised and Mr Albanese had no ill intention. Meanwhile, Westpac reports a 20% collapse in new loan applications since federal budget changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, as the Reserve Bank prepares to announce its interest rate decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.