The Australian Federal Police has revealed an explosives-laden caravan found in Sydney's north-west in January was part of a "fake terrorism plot" by organised crime figures, and "was never going to cause a mass casualty event".

The government has jumped on the revelation declaring that opposition leader Peter Dutton owes the wider community an apology for "recklessly" making "untrue" claims about national security for political gain.

And Donald Trump has taken to social media to label former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull a weak and ineffective leader, after Mr Turnbull told American television that Mr Trump's tariffs could drive the US into recession.

Mr Turnbull had declared that both sides of Australian politics are "gaslighting" the public, and says now is the time for a reckoning on AUKUS.

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