The Australian ritual Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refuses to take part in: ‘Weird’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has admitted he would never partake in a ‘shoey’ – the Aussie ritual of drinking alcohol out of a shoe.

Mr Albanese spoke with ABC Radio Sydney Presenter Craig Reucassel on Monday, who told the Prime Minister he was concerned that the ‘shoey’ had become the international symbol of Australia.

The question comes after Kylie Minogue, who won the BRITs’ Global Icon award, stunned fans by doing a ‘shoey’ during the 2024 Brit Awards in London earlier this month.

During an interview at her table, host Roman Kemp convinced Minogue to drink her signature rosé wine from her high heels.

When asked about the singer’s antics, the Prime Minister said Kylie Minogue could ‘do whatever she chooses’.

Mr Reucassel agreed and beckoned the Prime Minister not to do any shoeys during the ASEAN conference, which was held on 4-6 March in Melbourne.

‘I can assure you that there’ll be no shoeys at ASEAN with world leaders from Southeast Asia who’ll be here in Melbourne over the next three days,’ Mr Albanese replied.

The Prime Minister added friends and family would laugh at the idea of ​​him doing a shoey and labeled the odd ritual ‘weird’.

‘People who know me will be having a chuckle at even the question, the idea that I would ever do a shoey,’ Mr Albanese said.

‘I’m far too neat and far too clean; it’s something that I would never do. I think it’s a bit weird myself.’

The Prime Minister added he was ‘not judgmental’ when it comes to others taking part in the practice.

The shoey is one of Australia’s iconic traditions which doubles up as both a hazing punishment or celebratory ritual.

It was made increasingly popular by famed sportsmen like Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo and UFC fighter Tai Tuivasa.

It is the practice of pouring alcohol into a sweaty shoe then sculling it.

Last year, international artists including Lizzo and Harry Styles and Post Malone all performed a shoey to the amusement of their fans.

It is commonplace for Aussies at concerts to chant ‘shoo-ey! shoo-ey!’ in the hope the performer will agree to take part in the tradition.