Labor minister 'pleased' Cheng Lei asked PM question after Chinese officials tried to block her

The prime minister's historic meeting with the Chinese premier has been described as candid and fruitful. The leaders vowing to improve military to military communication lines, among other things. Joining us to discuss today's headlines is Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth and National Senator Bridget McKenzie. Morning, ladies. Nice to see you. Amanda, first up, so you've come up with some miracle form of communication that will prevent China from firing on our soldiers in the heat of battle? I don't think anyone quite believes that. Well, firstly, I'd say that I think progress has been made through this visit. Of course, we need to look at way where where we can cooperate with China. Of course we will disagree at times and that's important too, but always in our national interests. So I think progress is made. Cooperation in areas where we can will be pursued, but that's not going to stop us, Australia, standing up for our national interest and we will keep doing that. I guess what I'm saying is that how do you prevent China from firing upon our soldiers with this form of communication? Well, I think the Prime Minister had a fruitful meeting and and continued to have dialogue with China, making it very clear about what our national interest is. Of course, we'll continue to look at ways we'll Co operate. But of course when it comes to protecting our Defence Force and standing up for our national interest, we will keep doing that, but we've got to continue to have Co operation where we can. OK, I'm not sure you answered, but I'll, I'll move on. Chinese officials here to block formally imprisoned journalist Chang Lei as well from the view of cameras at a press conference. Bridget, this is a press conference inside Australian Parliament in a Liberal with an Australian journalist. It's as brazen as it is bizarre. It's absolutely appalling. And listening to Amanda talk about our national interest, I'll tell you what is in our national interest. Having a Free Press and having journalists of all stripes being able to front up in our people's house, the Australian Parliament and ask our own politicians and foreign politicians whatever questions they like. And to see Cheng Lai, who has, you know, been released from imprisonment in China, manhandled, intimidated by Chinese officials. And for the PM to say he didn't know anything about it shows just how weak he is. He's either not being upfront or he's got an incompetent office. OK, how would you? There's no way. These are these are managed. Come on into their life. OK. How would you describe it then, Amanda? This. I mean, why would you? Why would you make it so political, Bridget? I mean, of course it is great. Chengler. It is political country, Amanda. And the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister worked very hard to deliver that along with the Australian. How would you describe what happened yesterday? But he didn't protect her. Well, he didn't protect her, of course. Oh, she asked him a question and he, I, I agree with you, Bridget, that there needs to be a free and open press. And I'm pleased that Chiang Lai was at that press conference, asked the Prime Minister a question. Of course, we expect appropriate behaviour when it comes to our the, the freedom of journalists and the freedom of the press. But she asked the Prime Minister a question and good on her. And he answered it. OK, let's move on moving. And she was intimidated by Chinese officials.