Albanese Spars with Radio Host on Christmas Day: PM’s Fiery Exchange Over Anti-Israel Rally and Military Security
- Anthony Albanese’s Christmas Day interview with 2GB’s Susie Elelman turned sour over questions about his past appearance at an anti-Israel rally
- The PM was accused of being at a rally where he appeared to condemn Israel’s actions, but he claimed he had “no idea” what the host was talking about
- The conversation took a further turn for the worse when Elelman grilled Albanese on whether private security firm Wilson Security was guarding Australian military bases
In a dramatic and heated exchange on Christmas Day, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clashed with 2GB radio host Susie Elelman over his past appearance at an anti-Israel rally and the security of Australian military bases.
As Albanese was being interviewed at a lunch for the homeless in Sydney, Elelman confronted him about footage that has been circulating online of him speaking at a rally in Martin Place earlier in his parliamentary career. The PM appeared to be standing next to a banner that read “Stop the Israeli slaughter, free Palestine now” and was heard saying, “The stance of Israel is to meet children throwing rocks with helicopter gunships, with tanks and with missiles.”
When asked about the footage, Albanese claimed he had “no idea” what Elelman was talking about and refused to comment, saying, “I’m not going to comment on something that you are not showing me, with respect. And if you were going to (ask) it would have been normal to show someone.” He later clarified that he had always been a supporter of a two-state solution and had consistently supported Israel’s right to exist within secure borders.
The interview took a further turn for the worse when Elelman questioned whether private security firm Wilson Security was guarding Australian military bases while servicemen were off for Christmas. Albanese did not confirm or deny the claim, saying, “Today was not a day to question our Defence Force.” He went on to praise the Australian Defence Force, saying they “deserve our thanks each and every day” for their work in defending the nation.
The PM abruptly ended the interview, prompting Elelman to tell listeners that it would likely be the “last time” she would get the chance to speak to Albanese on Christmas Day. In a parting shot, Elelman said, “I think I’ve not made the Prime Minister have a very Merry Christmas, but then again, that wasn’t my intention.”