Live: PM says podcast appearance leading to Minogue, melons gaffes 'an error'

The prime minister has told 7.30 his appearance on an episode of the Bush Deep podcast, which attracted criticism over his comments on Kylie Minogue and his melon gaffe, was "an error".Follow all the updates in our live blog. Fri 21 Aug 2026 at 7:33amFri 21 Aug 2026 at 7:33amPM was reminding viewers about podcast apology on 7.30, Mark Butler saysHealth Minister Mark Butler and deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume have stepped up for their weekly morning spot on Channel Seven.Butler has been asked about the the prime minister's concession on 7.30 last night that appearing on the Bush Deep podcast was "an error".The minister says the prime minister provided an "unequivocal apology" after the podcast aired and that he was reminding viewers of that.Anthony Albanese apologised unequivocally when the podcast first attracted criticism over his remarks he would "shag" Kylie Minogue.But quizzed on whether the apology extended to his melons gaffe, Butler says he gave a "clear and unequivocal apology" after the podcast."I think that's what Australians want from their leaders, whether they're political, business, football leaders, when they get things wrong, admit it and he did," Butler says.Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume says the PM "sounded like a grubby, leery old man" and should apologise to Japan's PM.Fri 21 Aug 2026 at 7:13amFri 21 Aug 2026 at 7:13amConroy says PM is 'human like everyone else' after podcast concession on 7.30Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy says the prime minister is "human like everyone else" after he conceded his Bush Deep podcast appearance was "an error".Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last night told 7.30 that if he had his time again, he wouldn't do the podcast.Speaking to Channel Nine, Conroy says the prime minister is focused on helping Australians."Well, the prime minister has made it clear that he regrets doing the show and he's human like everyone else," Conroy says."Ultimately he said what he said, Tom, but I actually agree with Dai [Le]. The Australian people want to focus on what the Australian government is doing to help them."Fri 21 Aug 2026 at 7:09amFri 21 Aug 2026 at 7:09amPM says Bush Deep podcast appearance was 'an error'Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told 7.30 it was "an error" to appear on the Bush Deep podcast that has attracted much criticism.The PM first came under scrutiny for playing "shag, marry, date" on the podcast, which was broadcast in July.He has since unequivocally apologised for saying he would "shag" Kylie Minogue.Recently it was hand gestures he made on the podcast, while referring to a pair of melons given to him by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, that caused controversy.He told 7.30 that in hindsight he should not have gone on the podcast and that he had learned from it."I learned that I need to do better every day," Albanese said."If I had my time again … then I wouldn't have done that podcast."We have a view which is trying to talk to as many people as possible, but clearly that was an error."Read the full story from 7.30's Paul Johnson in the link below.Fri 21 Aug 2026 at 6:59amFri 21 Aug 2026 at 6:59amGood morning 👋Hello and welcome to our federal politics live blog! I'm thrilled to have you join us bright and early this Friday morning.I'm Josh Boscaini joining you live from Parliament House in Canberra, here and ready to bring you all of today's federal politics news.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told 7.30 his appearance on the Bush Deep podcast was "an error".The podcast appearance came under fire after Albanese said he would "shag" Kylie Minogue and gestured with his hands in front of his chest when discussing a gift of crown melons from Japan's PM.And federal government advisors have extended their outlook on when 1.2 million homes will be built.Let's get right into the day and see what it brings us!