Australia's deputy PM apologises to Pacific for fruit-picking comments 'if any insult was taken'

Michael McCormack offers qualified apology after remarks about climate change and seasonal workers caused outrage

Michael McCormack has apologised to Pacific Island nations for his comments that they will survive the climate crisis - in part - "because many of their workers come here to pick our fruit".

The deputy prime minister offered a qualified apology at a doorstop in Brisbane, six days after the remarks which further soured a bitter experience at the Pacific Islands Forum, where Australia was roundly criticised for watering down a communique on the climate crisis.