In a stunning display of political priorities, five Coalition backbenchers have urged the Liberals and Nationals to push Labor harder on gambling reform, while the RBA's interest rates decision looms. Because nothing says 'urgent national issue' like a fruit-based diplomatic faux pas.

Ted O'Brien, the shadow minister for foreign affairs, has declared that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's melon-gate gaffe is a 'national embarrassment', despite Japan's government reportedly downplaying the incident in a memo last month. O'Brien, clearly channeling the spirit of diplomatic subtlety, insisted that just because the Japanese don't think the comments about the crown melons were made with 'ill intention' doesn't mean we shouldn't all be deeply ashamed.

'I'm the shadow minister for foreign affairs. I don't have the authority to apologise on behalf of the government or the prime minister. If I did have that authority, I would have done so,' O'Brien said on national radio, probably while clutching a strategically placed piece of fruit.

Meanwhile, in a rare moment of policy substance, O'Brien acknowledged that while people should be allowed to have a punt, gambling comes with harmful effects that need addressing. He stressed the importance of protecting children from gambling ads, suggesting they should be spending time with family instead. And because no political statement is complete without a nod to law and order, he threw in a call to push back against 'predatory illegal behaviour of inducements and whatnot'.

A deal between Labor and the Coalition on gambling reform is expected within days, which will surely be a relief to all those children currently being bombarded with ads for online casinos while trying to enjoy their family time.