Anthony Albanese enjoyed an expensive lobster lunch with billionaire Justin Hemmes just days before claiming he hadn’t forgotten “what it’s like to fight.”
The Prime Minister met the Merivale boss at his new Good Luck restaurant in Sydney’s CBD on Tuesday, where a kilo of lobster costs a whopping $250.
The pair feasted on three live lobsters just hours after Albanese opened a new affordable housing project in Westmead, west of Sydney. The Australian reported.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Housing Minister Julie Collins and Treasurer Jim Chalmers as he announced that 400 affordable homes would be built on the site.
Days later, Albanese said he knew there were “people who are having a hard time right now” during his speech at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue on Friday.
Anthony Albanese joined Justin Hemmes at his new restaurant Good Luck in the heart of Sydney’s CBD on Tuesday (Mr Hemmes is pictured with chef Mike Eggert)
The Prime Minister’s lobster lunch came just days before he knew what it was like to struggle in the middle of a cost of living crisis (pictured at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue)
‘Us “I understand there are still people who are having a hard time right now,” he said.
‘And I know that when you live week to week, it’s hard to even find time to think about the future, let alone plan for it with confidence.
‘That’s where economic security – from fair wages to reliable services – is not just about making ends meet, but is the foundation of aspirations.
‘And that is why last week’s Budget was about delivering on the two things that have driven our Government for two years.
‘One: help people with their cost of living. Two: build our future here in Australia. These are the priorities that drive us and the balance that defines us.’
Albanese lashed out at opposition leader Peter Dutton in his speech, comparing his rival to former prime minister Scott Morrison.
“We’ve seen what happens when the only test politicians apply is their own political self-interest,” he told the crowd.
‘We saw it with Scott Morrison, we’re seeing it again with Peter Dutton.
“Saying no to everything is the easiest thing to do in opposition, but it builds nothing, helps no one and takes our country nowhere.”
“Governing Australia requires more than soundbites – it takes substantive proposals.”
Albanese lashed out at opposition leader Peter Dutton in his speech, comparing his rival to former Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured, Hemm’s Good Luck restaurant).
Albanese said he knew there were “people who are having a hard time right now” during his speech at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue on Friday (pictured).
Albanese did not mention indigenous Australians or the failed Voice referendum in his speech.
Instead, he talked about the efforts his government was making to combat the cost of living crisis with the Budget and more affordable housing.
It comes as a new employment survey reveals one in five Australians have been forced to take on a second job amid rising prices.
The survey found that two in three are staying in their job rather than looking for better wages elsewhere and only 12 per cent had received a pay rise that corresponded to rising costs.
In his speech Friday, Albanese assured voters that he had not forgotten what it felt like to “fight and strive.”
“I understand that Australians are having a hard time right now,” he said.
‘Worrying about your family’s financial security, wondering if you will have the opportunity to pursue your aspirations.
‘That understanding drives our government: to help with the challenges Australians face here and now. Building to take advantage of the opportunities of the next decade.
‘Implement reforms that ensure that no one is held back. Achieve progress that leaves no one behind. So that Australians can have a good life.
“And then we can build our future, right here in Australia.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Albanese’s office for comment.