Politics live news Australia: Anthony Albanese fires back on Chinese ships response, Coalition's 'welcome mat'

The PM  has defended the government’s response to Chinese warships that appear to be circumnavigating Australia, using a Morrison government decision to sign off on leasing the Port of Darwin in his attacks of opposition criticism.

'We're cooperating to make sure that throughout the journey that these Chinese ships have taken, they have been monitored by Australian or New Zealand vessels,' said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday. Picture: Nikki Short

 Welcome to The Weekend Australian's live coverage of the day's political events and major headlines.

______