Key facts
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese apologised "unequivocally" for comments made on the Bush Deep comedy podcast.
- During a 'shag, marry, date' game, Albanese nominated Kylie Minogue for all three categories.
- The podcast appearance occurred while Albanese was discussing various topics, including his dog and gifts from world leaders.
- Politicians including Zali Steggall and Sarah Henderson criticised the Prime Minister's participation in the game.
- Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles defended Albanese, highlighting the government's commitment to gender equality.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an "unequivocal" apology for comments made on a comedy podcast, the Bush Deep podcast, where he participated in a "shag, marry, date" game. During the game, Albanese nominated singer Kylie Minogue for all three categories. The interview, released last week, also touched on lighter topics such as Albanese's dog and gifts from world leaders. The Prime Minister's office released a statement on Monday morning addressing the controversy.
Albanese had initially expressed reluctance to play the game, citing his recent marriage. However, after prompting from comedian and host Nikki Osborne, he made the nominations. The podcast also included a lighthearted exchange about his marriage, where Albanese joked about "bonking like rabbits" when they have time.
The Prime Minister's remarks drew criticism from some politicians, including independent Zali Steggall and Liberal shadow minister Sarah Henderson. Steggall reportedly stated it was "entirely inappropriate" for the Prime Minister to participate in such a game and that he should "call it out as sexist." Henderson reportedly described the remarks as "disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians, and demean the office of Prime Minister."
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles defended Albanese, stating that the Prime Minister "is utterly committed to the place of women within our society." Marles highlighted the government's record on gender equality, noting the equal number of men and women in cabinet and the lowest recorded gender pay gap. Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg commented that the remarks were "beneath his office."