Published in the Daily Telegraph, 8 July 2026
Australians are entitled to expect sound judgement, utmost respect and impeccable character from their Prime Minister.
That is why Anthony Albanese’s appearance on the Bush Deep whisky-fuelled podcast matters.
During the podcast, the PM took part in crude banter about Kylie Minogue during a “shag, date, marry” exchange.
In the same episode, Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, was mocked in a grubby exchange about her official gift of Shizuoka-grown melons to mark the lifting of restrictions on Japanese melon imports.
That should never have happened.
Japan is one of Australia’s closest friends and one of our most important security partners.
At a time when our region is more dangerous, and our alliances matter more than ever, Australia needs serious leadership from its Prime Minister.
A diplomatic presentation by Japan’s first female Prime Minister should not become cheap material for lewd podcast banter.
This story has now gone global – on the BBC, ITV News, CNN and in the New York Post which screamed “Married Australian PM Anthony Albanese breaks silence after coming under fire for saying he’d have sex with Kylie Minogue.”
This is so embarrassing for Australia and demeans the office of Prime Minister.
The PM has offered an apology. But it was not a full public apology to Australians or to the women he dragged into this sorry saga. It was six words in a written statement, pushed out through his office after the damage was done.
That is not good enough.
He has not explained directly to Australians how he allowed himself, and the office he holds, to exercise such poor judgement.
Nor has he made clear whether his apology covers the whole ugly episode, including the exchange involving Ms Takaichi.
Labor’s double standard is now on full display.
For years, senior Labor women have lectured others about respect, standards, and the treatment of women.
They were never shy when there was a Coalition man to attack.
They knew exactly where the microphones were.
But when Anthony Albanese is the one in the wrong, the rules suddenly change.
Katy Gallagher is the Minister for Women and Penny Wong is the Foreign Minister and both have been tight lipped.
That is not principle, that is politics.
The standard should not change depending on whether the bloke in trouble is wearing a red jersey or a blue one.
Australians deserve better.
Sarah Henderson is the Shadow Minister for Communications and Digital Safety