Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has complained he hasn’t had a day off this year after asked why he wasn’t attending an aboriginal festival.
After being elected Mr Albanese pledged to attend every Garma Festival – a fashionable $5,000/ticket indigenous event held in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory – but is skipping this year’s event.
When asked by ABC Radio host Hamish Macdonald if that amounted to a “broken promise”, the Prime Minister replied that he had been sick and had not taken a holiday in 2026.
“You know what, Hamish? I haven’t had a day off all year,” he replied
“Garma isn’t the only festival that’s taken place. I’ve been to Garma. It’s a wonderful festival. I informed the people who operate Garma there, the wonderful people, the Gumatj people, some time ago that I wouldn’t go because I will be on leave at that time.
“Sometimes, speaking to you now with the flu I’ve had, you keep going. My diary is full, and it’s been a fully engaged time.”
Mr Albanese previously used the Garma festival to announce his plans for an indigenous Voice to Parliament, which were rejected by the Australian public at a referendum in 2023.
Then at last year’s event he handed out tens of millions of dollars to aboriginal people, including $75 million for native title holders, $70 million for “indigenous clean energy projects” and $31 million for a mobile TAFE program.
Macdonald also asked Mr Albanese about a recent podcast interview where he made a series of controversial comments about female Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s breast size, wanting to sleep with popstar Kylie Minogue, and having sex with his wife Jodie after his favourite NRL team wins.
“Has Jodie had a word with you about not playing weird games with podcasters and interviewers?” the host asked.
“Look, I’ve dealt with that issue. There are two things that you need to do when you make a mistake,” Mr Albanese replied
He then started saying “one is to apologise” before the interview was cut off by a news broadcast.
The Prime Minister flew off on a secret holiday in October last year, sparking anger when it was revealed as he had not informed the Australian public, and also went on a five-day honeymoon to Palau in December after his wedding.
Header image: Left, Anthony Albanese and wife Jodie at the Midwinter Ball earlier this month. Right, at last year’s Garma Festival (PMO).
