Canberra

But the scheme essentially meant Australians could present their bright green Medicare member card at a doctor's office or hospital, and Canberra would be sent a bill.

In a series of editorials in Australian newspapers, China's ambassador to Canberra lambasted Washington's approach to global trade, and called on Australia to "join hands" with Beijing - something that Albanese quickly rejected.

He said the policy had only ever targeted public service workers in Canberra, but accused Labor of portraying it otherwise in a "smear campaign".

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose Labor Party will be defending a three-seat majority, announced the date after visiting the Governor General in the capital, Canberra, on Friday.

Its open approach meant Canberra bombers, flying from RAF Pershore in Worcestershire, could fly very low without crossing built-up areas, making it the ideal place to test radar with full-size targets.