Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an unequivocal apology for his remarks on a comedy podcast where he played a game of 'shag, marry, date' and nominated pop star Kylie Minogue for all three categories. The apology came on Monday morning after facing widespread criticism over the weekend.
Details of the Podcast Appearance
Albanese appeared on the Bush Deep podcast with comedian Nikki Osborne, a lighthearted interview released late last week. During a rapid-fire question round, Osborne asked Albanese to place Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, and Rhonda Burchmore in the 'shag, marry, date' game. Initially hesitant, Albanese said, 'I just got married, I'm only six months in.' Osborne replied, 'But if it goes tits up, let's just pretend.' Albanese then responded, 'Kylie, clearly.' When pressed, he said he would 'marry Kylie, and shag her, and date her,' adding, 'She's terrific.'
Other Controversial Comments
In another segment, Osborne asked whether Albanese and his wife, Jodie Haydon, were 'bonking like rabbits.' Albanese joked, 'Well, when we have time. After the footy. It's always a good aphrodisiac, a Souths [Sydney Rabbitohs] win.'
Political Reactions
The comments drew sharp criticism from politicians across the spectrum. Independent MP Zali Steggall said it was 'entirely inappropriate for the prime minister to participate in such a game' and that Albanese should 'learn to push back, lead by example and call it out as sexist.' Liberal shadow minister Sarah Henderson described the remarks as 'disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians, and demean the office of Prime Minister.' Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg said the comments were 'beneath his office' and 'shouldn't have been said.'
Albanese's Apology
On Monday morning, the Prime Minister's office released a one-line statement: 'I apologise unequivocally for the comments.'
Acting Prime Minister's Defence
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles defended Albanese's record on gender equality, noting that his government is the first in Australian history to have equal numbers of men and women in cabinet and the first to have a majority of women in the caucus. He also highlighted that the gender pay gap is at its lowest on record under this government. Marles described the podcast interview as 'a different kind of conversation' than usual political interviews.
Context of Increasing Podcast Engagement
Politicians are increasingly turning to new media outlets and social media creators to reach broader audiences, alongside traditional serious interviews. This trend spans the political spectrum, with many engaging in lighthearted interviews on podcasts, online channels, and FM radio.
Albanese's Travel Schedule
Albanese was in Fiji on Monday for a leaders' meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. He is scheduled to travel to Solomon Islands to meet its leader, then return to Brisbane to host the leaders of Tonga and Papua New Guinea at the rugby league State of Origin decider.
