Nobody covers politics like Dennis Shanahan, and today our National Editor is here with a withering take on the big story lighting up politics this week: Anthony Albanese, a gross joke about melons and breasts, and a disastrous attempt to spin the PM out of trouble.

Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Japan formally raises Anthony Albanese’s ‘melons’ podcast joke

Anthony Albanese denies he made a crude joke out of Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s ‘melons’

Anthony Albanese refuses to apologise to Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in QT ‘melons’ stoush

Commentary by Dennis Shanahan: 

Anthony Albanese mired in a melon-drama of his own making

Anthony Albanese’s ‘melons’ gaffe was bad – Tanya Plibersek’s defence is worse

Why shaky Albanese should be wary of his midterm slump

Commentary by Shingo Yagami: PM’s sexist melon joke was not only ungracious, it betrayed the close bond of our two nations

This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.