Treasurer Josh Frydenberg apologises to Defence Minister Christopher Pyne for calling him a ‘legend in his own lunchtime’

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has apologised to Defence Minister Christopher Pyne after calling him a “legend in his own lunchtime” on talkback radio.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has apologised to Defence Minister Christopher Pyne after calling him a “legend in his own lunchtime” on talkback radio.

Mr Pyne has stoked the obvious tensions by chiding Cabinet colleagues for debating the delicate foreign policy of moving the Australian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem dilemma in public.

In recent days, Mr Frydenberg has argued relocating the embassy would be the right decision, while Defence Industry Minister Steve Ciobo said it would be a mistake.

Asked whether it was appropriate for his colleagues to express their strong views, Mr Pyne told ABC radio on Monday: “Well, you’ll have to ask the people who are making those comments.”

Christopher Pyne with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg during Question Time. Picture: Gary Ramage

Mr Frydenberg was quick to return fire. “Chris has been giving his opinion freely on this matter for quite a while so I don’t know what got into his Wheaties this morning,” he told Sydney radio.

“Chris is his own person, as we know. He’s quite unique. And we’ll leave him to be a legend in his own lunchtime.”

A spokeswoman for Mr Pyne told The Advertiser the Treasurer had since apologised for the comments and he “has accepted his apology”.

Australia is investigating relocating the embassy to West Jerusalem, with the Morrison government believing it may help deliver a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. Indonesia has made it clear the relocation would risk a lucrative trade deal, while Malaysia has warned moving the embassy could fuel terrorism.

– with AAP