Scott Morrison must show leadership on Australias relationship with China.
It is not enough to downplay Mr Hastie as a backbencher who is entitled to his views.
The China relationship is a critical relationship for Australia it is both complex and consequential.
This Government has a history of its members making ill-advised and unnecessarily inflammatory statements.
Rather than pandering to his backbench, Mr Morrison must ensure the Government is taking a disciplined and consistent approach to the management of Australias relationship with China.
This is far too important to our national interest.
Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.