Unless the government pulls up its political socks, Anthony Albanese could find himself spending a good deal of time in his spectacular new home, with its uninterrupted ocean views, sooner than he wishes.
This week’s Newspoll has the Coalition moving in front on a two-party basis for the first time, with Labor’s primary vote at 31%.
Albanese would hope for another full term as prime minister. But if Labor fell into minority government at next year’s election, there would likely be pressure before too long to replace him. He would not be seen as a good bet for the 2028 election.
If Peter Dutton pulled off a miracle win in a few months, Albanese could be regularly whale watching this time next year.
Since the PM’s purchase of the $4.3 million house at the wonderfully named Copacabana was revealed on Tuesday two narratives have contended.
Critics denounce Albanese as “tone deaf” in his timing during a housing affordability crisis.
It was more than awkward that just hours after the news broke, Albanese was appearing with minister Clare O'Neil in Queensland to make an announcement about housing.
from Realestate.com, CC BY
Unsurprisingly, he was asked whether he planned to retire at the house. “I’m planning to be in my current job for a very long period of time,” he said.
In mid-1991 Bob Hawke purchased a property overlooking Sydney Harbour with a jetty and “stunning views”, and a price tag of $1.23 million.
Hawke’s leadership was already on the decline – by year’s end he was replaced by Paul Keating.
Apart from the bad publicity for Albanese, the house affair has taken a good deal of attention from what the government wanted to talk about, notably, what it’s doing to protect consumers and the like.
It has meant his ministerial colleagues are forced to defend him when they are confronted with awkward questions.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen tried to make the best fist of it that he could, when quizzed during an interview.
“Every Australian is entitled to buy and sell property. Now Anthony cops it when he sells the property. He cops it when he provides a rent holiday to his tenants. He cops it when he buys a property,” he said.
“I think most average Australians say, fair enough. You know, this is what aspiration is about, most average Australians say, well, you know, we all buy and sell properties.”
When you are in the public eye it is not, however, such an ordinary story.
By the way, when Albanese goes to the G20 in Rio de Janeiro next month, he can get to see the real Copacabana.
Authors: Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraRead more
Daily Bulletin
