Distraction techniques from a government in trouble across the Tasman.
That's the take in Australia, after Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's comments that she'd find it hard to "build trust" with a Kiwi Labour government.
It follows MP Chris Hipkins inadvertently landing Australian deputy PM Barnaby Joyce in hot water, over questions of his New Zealand citizenship.
Former advisor to Kevin Rudd, Bruce Hawker told Rachel Smalley the Australian government is feeling a lot of pressure over the citizenship issue.
"This is an attempt to distract attention from their own problems. Most people I think who have read this story or listened to it have really seen it as being a beat-up."
LISTEN ABOVE: Bruce Hawker speaks to Rachel Smalley
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