EXCLUSIVE
Anthony Albanese may have hinted at an impending early election campaign when he told a restaurant owner he was unlikely to be able to take another holiday until next year.
The Prime Minister embarked on a five-day holiday to Palm Cove on Queensland’s central-north coast with his partner Jodie Haydon this week for the parliamentary winter break.
On Saturday night, she enjoyed a quiet dinner at local restaurant El Greko Greek Taverna, taking time at the end of the meal to pose for selfies with the starstruck staff and locals.
Restaurant owner Lisa Grant told Daily Mail Australia she was delighted to have Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon over, calling it the highlight of her year.
“They were amazing,” he said.
“He was just here on a break and we recognised him, but they were very generous in allowing us to take photographs; it was a real highlight for us.”
Although staff attempted to leave the prime minister to dine in peace, he had a brief chat with Ms Grant and her partner, James Hendry, before leaving.
“He’s only had one week off and he said that’s all he’ll probably have until next year,” he said.
Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon are pictured, back left and right, with restaurateurs Lisa Grant and James Hendry.
Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon posed for photographs at the end of the meal with excited staff members (pictured)
Ministers normally have the opportunity to take vacation during the December holiday period.
Albanese’s statement about not having another break until 2025 could indicate that there will be an early election, or he could call an election this year and be in campaign mode for the December break.
The next federal elections will be held in May 2025.
Daily Mail Australia political editor Peter van Onselen previously revealed the prime minister could call an election as early as August 31, meaning he would have to announce it on the last weekend of July.
However, a possible rate hike in mid-August could be a reason to delay the announcement.
Meanwhile, at Palm Cove, Ms. Grant couldn’t remember what Mr. Albanese ordered, but she did note that he didn’t order any drinks.
“He has a tough job,” he said.
‘He was very excited and so were all the guests – only one approached him, but no one else did, and we tried to give him a table in a more private area.
Anthony Albanese is pictured with restaurant staff while on holiday in Palm Cove on Saturday
“We have a lot of backpackers working for us so it was a bit special; they were very excited.”
Ms Grant said she and Mr Hendry bought the business last August and were delighted to have a high-profile guest.
“I take my hat off to him. He went to another local business another night and went to the local pub to watch the football. They’re just normal people.”
Her sense of holiday calm was quickly shattered on Monday when she called a hasty news conference to respond to US President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of his re-election bid.
“I’ve tried to take a couple of days off and here I am on Monday at a press conference,” Albanese told reporters in Cairns, grimacing.
‘I must say that Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has found it a little easier that I am standing here as a result of President Biden’s announcement.
‘I’ll be out of action until Wednesday, but here I am at a press conference.’
A clip of Mr Albanese’s response was posted on X by the Aus Integrity account.
“This can’t get any worse than this, right?” the user asked.
Albanese was forced to call a press conference while on vacation when US President Joe Biden resigned as the Democratic presidential candidate (pictured)
‘Prime Minister Albo is holding a press conference to tell people that he had to come while he was on vacation to give a press conference.
‘Zero credit Albo, the rest of the country works on their days off and does unpaid overtime.’
Many respondents were also unimpressed by the Prime Minister’s irritation.
“This is honestly pathetic,” one person wrote.
“They barely work a full year and being in front of microphones is demoralizing. Once you’re a union worker, you’re always a union worker.”
“Get out the violin!” commented another.
“We really don’t want to hear from you, so take an extended leave.”
“Give this guy a medal. He’s a real champion. I almost cried,” was another sarcastic response.