Anthony Albanese LOSES IT to a group of reporters when asked about trouble in the Labor ranks: ‘Seriously, have some respect!’
- Anthony Albanese has criticized journalists for AUKUS
- He was asked if he has the full support of the party
Anthony Albanese snapped at journalists who questioned whether trouble was brewing within the Labor Party over the historic AUKUS deal.
The prime minister was questioned about reports by three MPs from his own side of politics questioning the $368 billion nuclear submarine deal as he left an event marking World Down Syndrome Day in the Mural Hall of the Parliament House on Tuesday.
The prime minister tried to dodge questions about whether cracks were beginning to appear in the ranks of the ALP when a group of reporters approached him.
“Seriously, have some respect for these people, thank you,” he said, gesturing toward the crowd that had gathered for the event.
A visibly frustrated PM moved through the press pack without commenting further on the matter.
Albanese last week announced an agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom to supply eight nuclear-powered submarines to Australia over the next 30 years.
The deal has been hailed as the largest defense investment in the country in history.
But on Monday, Josh Wilson, a member for Fremantle, told Parliament he was still not “convinced” of the benefits of the deal.
“I am still not convinced that we can adequately address the non-proliferation risks involved in what is a novel agreement whereby a state without nuclear weapons under the Non-Proliferation Treaty acquires weapons-grade material,” he said. .
‘I could be wrong about some of my concerns.
The prime minister was questioned about three MPs from his own side of politics who questioned the $368 billion nuclear submarine deal as he walked the halls of Parliament House on Tuesday.
The prime minister tried to dodge questions about whether cracks were beginning to appear in the ranks of the ALP when he was approached by a group of reporters.
“Maybe they’re misguided in a way I don’t see, and I can live with that, but I’d already be wrong if I wasn’t prepared to identify and express those work-based concerns.” I’ve done it consistently since I was first elected to this spot on some of these issues.’
The comments came after former Labor leader Paul Keating criticized the deal, describing it as “the worst ever”.
Higgins MP Michelle Ananda-Rajah and Corangamite MP Libby Coker also challenged the deal at a Labor committee meeting.
Dr. Ananda-Rajah later came out in public support of her party. “I fully support the AUKUS plan announced by the government,” she said.
Coker also dismissed reports that he was not in favor of the deal.
‘The AUKUS plan is important for our security, responds to the difficult times we face and will create thousands of jobs for Australian workers. You have my support,’ he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the AUKUS plan alongside US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in San Diego last Tuesday.