An expert in trans-Tasman political affairs believed the drama over Julie Bishop's comments will all blow over.
Australia's Foreign Minister claims she'd find it hard to "build trust" with a Kiwi Labour government.
SEE ALSO: Barnaby Joyce citizenship row threatens NZ-Aus relations
It follows MP Chris Hipkins inadvertently landing Australian deputy PM Barnaby Joyce in hot water, over questions of his New Zealand citizenship.
Auckland University political scientist Jennifer Curtin told Mike Hosking it's all about the current state of Australian politics.
"This is very much a domestic politics issue, because they only have a one seat majority in the house of representatives, so there is a lot of panic going on right now inside the Australian political system."
Curtin said Bishop's aim is also missing a clear target.
"She's ignored the point that Peter Dunne is the one that announced the ruling on the citizenship, and he's part of our government, so if we really took her at her word, she shouldn't be able to work with the New Zealand government either."
Australian correspondent Steve Price told Mike Hosking Julie Bishop's comments are ridiculous.
"Words like 'treason' were thrown around - look this is just patently stupid."
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 AS JENNIFER CURTIN AND STEVE PRICE SPEAK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE
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