- Anthony Albanese sarcastically asked an MP if he had Tourette syndrome
- He was responding to a question in parliament about housing taxes.
Anthony Albanese has caused a stir by sarcastically asking a Coalition minister “do you have Tourette’s syndrome or something?” while answering a question about fiscal policy, with a mother of three with the syndrome criticizing the prime minister.
The Prime Minister made the comment during question time on Tuesday after NSW MP Angus Taylor asked whether Labor would rule out changes to the way owner-occupied homes are taxed.
Albanese laughed and said the opposition’s current questions about property tax changes were a “fishing expedition.”
‘Apparently we are now going after the family home. The family house. We’re going to go after the family home,’ he shouted, as members from opposite sides began shouting at each other.
“We have all our tax policies out there, and all the ones they want to talk about are things we’re not doing… That nonsense they keep going on with.”
Then he stopped and looked at Mr. Taylor, who was singing, “Throw him away, throw him away.”
Mr. Albanese asked, “Do you have Tourette’s syndrome or something?” You know you just sit there, babbling, babbling, babbling.
Gasps were heard from all sides of the chamber and from the crowded public galleries.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pictured during Question Time on Tuesday
The prime minister appeared to regret his comment and said: “I retire, Mr. President.” I withdraw. I withdraw. I withdraw and apologize.”
Mandy Maysey, mother of three children with the neurological disorder and president of the Australian Tourette Syndrome Association, told Daily Mail Australia: “Having people in power using TS (Tourette Syndrome) as an insult is horrible.”
‘Living with TS is a daily battle and people with TS are fatigued by all the criticism they receive daily.
“I am appalled and disgusted that anyone would use this as a slight – as Prime Minister he should be ashamed of himself.”
The association also issued a statement of its own, saying it was “incredibly disappointed and frustrated by Mr. Albanese’s flippant attitude in using Tourette syndrome as a disparagement.”
Mandy Maysey is pictured with two of her three children, all of whom have Tourette syndrome.
“Using Tourette syndrome in a derogatory way is offensive to the 1 in 100 Australians living with Tourette syndrome and highlights the daily struggle with prejudice and ridicule that people with TS experience.”
The association also invited Mr. Albanese to meet with members of the community “to get a real idea of what Tourette syndrome is really like, away from the stereotypes and negativity.”
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can manifest as vocal or motor tics with symptoms ranging from minor to debilitating and life-altering, depending on the patient.
Shadow health minister Anne Ruston said on X that Albanese should apologize to the Tourette community.
She wrote: ‘Making fun of a disability is no laughing matter. This is absolutely despicable behavior on the part of @AlboMP.
‘The Prime Minister must immediately apologize to the entire Tourette community.
“Australians living with Tourette syndrome deserve the Prime Minister’s respect, not his ridicule.”
