'Grow a backbone': Peter Dutton takes aim at Anthony Albanese over Cheng Lei treatment
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of not telling the truth on Monday during a media conference when asked about the treatment of Sky News journalist Cheng Lei by Chinese embassy officials.
'Grow a backbone': Peter Dutton takes aim at Anthony Albanese over Cheng Lei treatment
It comes as footage emerged of Ms Lei being body blocked by Chinese diplomats while she attempted to report on the joint press conference between Mr Albanese and China’s Premier Li Qiang on Monday.
When asked about the incident later during a media conference the Prime Minister claimed he was unaware of the event.
“The Prime Minister clearly misled the Australian people yesterday when he got up and did a press conference and said that he heard nothing of it,” Mr Dutton said.
“It's completely inconceivable and the Prime Minister needs to stand up today to explain the discrepancy.
“Explain why he didn’t tell the truth yesterday and please grow a backbone and stand up for our country.”