Albanese Faces Questions Over Fundraiser During Flood Visit
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing scrutiny over attending a high-cost fundraiser in Brisbane during a visit to flood-affected Townsville. While he confirmed significant funding for remote communities, his actions have sparked debate over the use of taxpayer-funded flights.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dodged questions regarding whether he attended a $5000-a-head Labor fundraiser in Brisbane while visiting flood-affected families in Townsville on Thursday.
Flight records indicate the Prime Minister made a 90-minute trip to Townsville on Thursday afternoon, arriving in Brisbane at 2.47pm before participating in several engagements, including the campaign launch for Labor's candidate for the seat of Brisbane, Madonna Jarrett.
The seat is currently held by the Greens' Stephen Bates.
Mr Albanese departed on the taxpayer-funded jet at 9.14pm, landing in Alice Springs at 11.31pm to make announcements in the Northern Territory.
He confirmed he will dedicate $842 million over six years to enhance services in remote communities in the Northern Territory, focusing on policing, women's safety, alcohol harm reduction, and mediation activities.
4BC presenter Peter Fegan mentioned a "whopping rumour" about Mr Albanese's taxpayer-funded jet landing in Brisbane without any official press conference occurring. Fegan questioned the Prime Minister's actions, stating, "Do we begrudge the PM for doing so? Not at all. But using a private jet ... does that pass the pub test?"
Initially, it was reported that he was in Brisbane to drop off the Queensland Premier, but this was clarified as inaccurate.
When asked about the fundraising event after an ABC radio interview on Friday, Mr Albanese declined to comment.
News.com.au understands that he had official engagements in Brisbane and launched Madonna Jarrett's campaign with around 200 supporters.
Labor sources pointed out that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton chose to attend a Liberal fundraiser at Parliament House the previous night instead of addressing hate crime legislation in parliament.
Senator Hollie Hughes faced backlash for suggesting the Prime Minister intentionally scheduled his Townsville trip to skip parliamentary duties, claiming, "The boss is away. He's on a plane up to Townsville."
In response, Senator Watt called her comments "disgraceful" and defended Mr Albanese’s presence on the ground as essential.
Senator Nita Green asserted that flood-affected Queenslanders deserved a comprehensive response and urged Mr Dutton to apologise for Senator Hughes' remarks, stating, "The Prime Minister is exactly where he should be today."
Mr Dutton, however, acknowledged the rightness of the Prime Minister's visit, suggesting it was a matter of timing as emergency workers were still present on the ground dealing with the flooding.
