Barnaby Joyce has attracted criticism for linking the former Labor government's ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia, with asylum seeker boats.
Touring central Queensland in the marginal Liberal seat of Capricornia, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull tried to get the focus on the costings for Labor's policies.
But he was forced instead to do some damage control.
"You're being unfair to my good friend the Deputy Prime Minister here. Let me be quite clear about this. There is no link between the Indonesian Government and people-smuggling. The Indonesian Government, and I count the Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Jokowi as a good friend, he is a great leader."
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce launched the political grenade during a debate in the New South Wales regional city of Goulburn.
"Might I remind you when we closed down the live animal export industry (to Indonesia). It was around about the same time that we started seeing a lot of people arriving in boats in Australia".
Visiting a sweet potato farm in Rockhampton alongside the Prime Minister, Mr Joyce was keen to spruik the federal government's plan to allocate $150-million for water infrastructure projects.
But reporters continue to press Mr Joyce on whether he stood by his comments on Indonesia.
"You don't try and fix one problem, which is the problem of people coming here under their own arrangements by boat, by creating another one, which is the banning of the live cattle trade. It is as clear as that."
Independent Tony Windsor is competing against Mr Joyce for the seat of New England.
Mr Windsor says Mr Joyce's comments are inappropriate and he should apologise.
"But to suggest it in a domestic sense during an election for short-term political gain, I think goes to the heart of the mindset that Barnaby Joyce is in. This is desparate politics about what is going in this seat, and what is going on within the nation. It is not what a diplomatic minister, deputy prime minister, would (should) be saying."
Former Indonesian foreign minister, Marty Natalegawa says it's "shocking" to suggest the Indonesian Government would put the safety and lives of innocent asylum seekers at risk, simply to make a point.
A spokesman from the Indonesian embassy in Canberra says there is no link between the live export ban and increased boat arrivals to Australia.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says she's contacted the Indonesian government to allay concerns.
"The Deputy prime minister's comments have been clarified. And we're working very closely with Indonesia. We're working very co-operatively with them as we both seek to defeat the people smuggling trade."
Meanwhile, in the Top End, Opposition leader Bill Shorten faced questions on Labor's decision to drop the school kids bonus.
The school kids bonus was introduced under the Gillard government, and will expire after July 1st this year, after the Coalition said it would not continue with the payment.
Treasurer Scott Morrison says the move shows Labor's hypocrisy.
Mr Shorten says Labor's decision to drop it is the responsible thing to do.
"Obviously, this is a difficult decision. But What has also happened since then is that on top of the tripling of the deficit revealed in the budget; on top of the threat to our AAA credit rating, last Friday, the most recent set of independent budgetary numbers has revealed a very tough financial situation brought about by Liberal incompetence, Liberal mismanagement."
Marking National Sorry Day in the Northern Territory seat of Solomon in Darwin, Mr Shorten promised to hold a referendum on Indigenous constitutional recognition as early as possible.
He was also questioned on Labor senator Nova Peris's decision to leave politics.
The opposition is preparing to announce a new candidate to replace the former Olympian, after she announced she would not be running for a second-term.
Mr Shorten rejected claims the move has damaged the party.
"Nova Peris's accomplishments are not in any fashion diminished, in my opinion. Australia and the have had three years of her contributing to public life. But she's also a loving parent, she's also a remarkable contributor. I think it takes a great deal of personal dignity to know when you think it's time to finish one part of your career and to do other things."
In her first public appearance since announcing her decision, Ms Peris says she's leaving for the right reasons.
"I am sure you don't go around every single time of your life justifying the things you have to. But listen to me, I am a politician but I'm also human. This decision that I have made has been on family and I have to look after my children. Aboriginal people haven't (been able to) ... share true moments with their children. And I hold that dear to my heart."
