Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has, with growing confidence, spent years trying to convince voters he’s relatable

But this week that confidence carried him somewhere the office of PM probably shouldn’t go – to a game of “shag, marry, date” on a comedy podcast.

The apology came quickly. Then, as Albanese turned to rugby league diplomacy in the Pacific, China tested a missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

It was a week that moved swiftly from political embarrassment to regional unease, and left Labor managing the PM’s image at home and Australia’s influence abroad.

Today, press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno on a turbulent week for Albanese, marked with missteps, a communication breakdown and a focus on Pacific diplomacy in tumultuous geo-political waters.

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