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"Frenzied, afraid and lacking context" – that's how the Shadow Foreign Minister summed up the government's handling of Australia's relationship with China.

At a book launch in Canberra, Penny Wong accused the Prime Minister of using the issue for political gain.

"My concern is that not only does he not fully comprehend Australia's interests in relation to China, he doesn't even seek to," she said.

READ MORE: China blames the US for hyping fears of uncontrolled rocket re-entry

"It's always about the domestic political advantage — either in the internal fights within the Liberal Party in pandering to the far right, or in seeking to pursue some partisan advantage over the Labor Party."

In her speech, Senator Wong also took aim at Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo who claimed free nations can hear the "beating drums" of war, as China asserts its dominance over Taiwan.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton also warned the possibility of conflict between the two countries could "not be discounted".

"Our leaders do not make us safe by beating the drums of war with China," Senator Wong said.

"It's Beijing that benefits from other countries thinking war is inevitable."

READ MORE: Philippine minister's expletive-laced message to China

As Senator Wong called for a fundamental change in dealings with Beijing to focus on "more strategy, and less politics", the Prime Minister hit back at her remarks.

"A Coalition government will always stand up for Australia," Scott Morrison told reporters in Melbourne.

"And we've demonstrated that. Defence spending under Labor was basically sacrificed…we have spent the time rebuilding our Defence Force capability," Mr Morrison said.

A mouse plague in western NSW is decimating crops, destroying livelihoods and leaving some businesses at breaking point.

Warning – some readers may find the following content distressing

Animal rights organisation PETA has blamed state governments for the explosion of giant mouse plagues marauding regional New South Wales and Queensland, and criticised "inhumane" poisoning of the rodents by farmers.

Speaking to Neil Mitchell on 3AW, PETA spokesperson Aleesha Naxakis said mass poisoning of the mice will doom hundreds of thousands of rodents to unnecessary, gruesome deaths.

READ MORE: Winter may sound death knell for giant NSW mouse plague

She claimed government's failure to act sooner meant opportunities for more humane methods of control, such as trap and release, had long passed.

"Millions of mice are going to be gasping for air, choking, bleeding internally," Ms Naxakis said.

"Sometimes it takes days (for mice) to die a slow and painful death."

https://omny.fm/shows/mornings-with-neil-mitchell/activist-responds-to-deputy-pm-calling-peta-idiots/embed?style=cover

Swarms of mice across western NSW and parts of Queensland have caused devastating damage to farms and homes, costing close to $100 million. The infestation is also taking a mental and emotional toll on farmers and residents fighting the plague.

PETA's stance has irritated farmers whose crops, grain and hay stores have been eaten and destroyed by mice.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack called PETA members "idiots who have never been outside the city".

"Their thinking around this is reprehensible," he said.

Speaking to Ray Hadley on 2GB, Prime Minister Scott Morrison called PETA's view "pretty dopey".

"The comments are very insensitive to the plight the farmers are going through," he said.

READ MORE: The Zombie Mice who 'scalp' and eat albatrosses alive on Marion Island

But Ms Naxakis said that alternative and more humane methods should have been rolled out by the government a long time ago.

"Farmers have been crying out for help for months," she said.

"It is so unfair that these mice are going to suffer these horrible deaths.

"(Government) inaction months ago has led to this.

"The situation has gotten so bad that not only farmers are suffering, but mice are suffering."

READ MORE: Mouse plague decimating crops, destroying livelihoods

She said other small animals, such as owls, dogs and cats, who prey on mice will suffer and die too.

Ms Naxakis said PETA were "realists" and understood fatal poisoning was now the only way government officials and farmers could manage the crippling infestation.

When asked by Mitchell to explain the more humane methods PETA were advocating, Ms Naxakis said trapping and birth control were options.

Humane trapping involved "gentle release" of the unharmed animal into other areas, she said.

She called the current situation "dire" for wildlife and farmers.

Last week the NSW government announced a $50m rescue package, free poison for farmers and mice bait rebates of $1000 for small businesses and $500 for households.

A mammal ecology expert has told 9News.com.au the onset of winter could help cull off the mouse population.

People have reported being bitten in their sleep by mice, which have overrun barns and homes.

Footage of the mouse plague has gone global this week.

Spurred on by favourable weather conditions and plentiful stocks of food, the mouse plague has thrived since last year's bumper harvest.

Contact: ms******@******om.au

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The Federal Government remains committed to reopening Australia's borders despite the public's growing reluctance to receive the COVID-19 vaccine – revealed in a new survey today.

Nearly one-third of Australians said they won't be vaccinated against coronavirus, a survey by The Sydney Morning Herald found.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told Today that public hesitancy over the jab was understandable but it would not derail the Federal Government's plans to reopen borders.

"It's not just in Australia … you've seen in the United States, nearly half the population being very cautious about having a jab too," Mr Frydenberg said.

READ MORE: Top doctor denies conflict with PM over 'safe opening' of international borders

"Look, it's understandable that some people are hesitant, but ultimately, the more people that get the jab, the better."

Mr Frydenberg said Australians were all part of one country and reiterated Prime Minister Scott Morrison's comments that vaccine was vital for fully reopening state borders.

The treasurer praised NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian for avoiding full scale lockdowns.

"We're all one country … she has not gone down the path of other states with the state lockdowns, even though you've had outbreaks on the Northern Beaches."

READ MORE: 'Mix-and-match' COVID-19 vaccine doses a possibility for Australians

The research revealed that 29 per cent of people will say no to the jab while only 14 per cent declared they were extremely likely to be vaccinated.

Vaccine doubts were stronger now than before reports the AstraZeneca vaccine was linked to blood clots.

In an interview with 9News political editor Chris Uhlmann on the two-year anniversary of his election last night, Mr Morrison said proof of vaccination for domestic travel would require the agreement of the states and territories, saying it's them "who actually prevent Australians moving from one state to another consistent with their public health orders".

"Those public health orders are the instrument that is used legally to prevent Australians moving from one state to another," Mr Morrison said.

A year since the pandemic hit, Mr Morrison said his strategy to reopen international borders "is one step at a time and a risk that Australia can manage safely", indicating he was open to quarantine at home but "it's not something that's doable yet".

The Budget papers made an assumption international borders would remain closed until mid-next year.

READ MORE: Vaccinated Aussies may be allowed to travel overseas, PM reiterates

Mr Morrison described the reopening as "a gradual process".

Phases would include Australians moving more freely around Australia, possibly under vaccination passports, then Australians being able to travel overseas if they have been vaccinated and potentially quarantine at home.

Mr Morrison said about the same time, Australians who had received "approved" vaccinations overseas could return safely.

Meanwhile, the NSW Government is considering opening a second mass vaccination hub, possibly near Newcastle.

The first clinic at Sydney Olympic Park has been deemed a major success by health officials.