Foreign Minister Julie Bishop insists her colleague Marise Payne is still working whilst she recovers from surgery.
The senator had to call-in remotely for Tuesday's cabinet meeting and talks between Japan and Australia's defence and foreign affairs ministers next week had to be cancelled because she still can't fly.
"I'm in contact with (Senator Payne) on a constant basis, she's certainly working but she's recovering from surgery," Ms Bishop told Sky News on Wednesday.
