Tensions between the two countries are still high, and Beijing still has not ended the diplomatic freeze on top-level meetings with Chinese leaders.

Josh Frydenberg is being warned that massive federal government debt from emergency pandemic spending could double in coming decades as borrowing costs rise and spending costs blow out.

New Zealand will take 150 refugees from Australia each year for three years, settling a deal first struck by former prime minister Julia Gillard almost a decade ago.

The works will help counter China's increasing reach into the region and will be completed with the help of the US navy, the head of Papua New Guinea's Defence Force says.

The deputy leader of the Nationals says the party has struck a deal to allow more foreign workers into Australia to work on farms, hinting that an agriculture-specific visa could soon be announced.