Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticised by everyday Australians for claiming the Labor Party is more “democratic and diverse than ever” amid a growing Chinese billionaire-linked donations scandal.
Mr Albanese made the comments at Labor’s 50th National Conference in Adelaide while sharing a photo of himself standing alongside a group of MPs elected in 2025 and selfies with attendees.
“Labor is more democratic and more diverse than ever. Our class of 2025 represents that – as does our movement. And as we mark our 50th National Conference we continue our work to deliver real change for Australians,” he said.
But the post sparked backlash from Aussies on social media, with many criticising the Prime Minister for his controversial prohibited hate group and “hate speech” laws, and for presiding over falling living standards.
Labor is more democratic and more diverse than ever.
Our class of 2025 represents that – as does our movement.
And as we mark our 50th National Conference we continue our work to deliver real change for Australians. pic.twitter.com/mQlliRvjrU
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 24, 2026
“You’re kidding yourself. You run a socialist come communist regime,” wrote popular X account Aus Integrity.
“Didn’t Labor ban the White Australia Party from applying as an electoral challenge? Doesn’t sound very ‘democratic’,” one man wrote.
“It all means absolutely nothing to everyday average Joe Australians who are struggling to pay their energy bills, mortgages, rents, and put food on the table. You’re a total disgrace man. Wake up ffs. Read the real room, step out of your fantasy bubble,” said another.
“Having a bunch of unelected socialists set the binding national policy agenda for the ruling party is ‘more democratic’ now apparently,” remarked another.
Many others pointed to a developing scandal involving a private dinner Mr Albanese attended, reportedly in exchange for a $1 million donation, at the $40 million mansion of the son of a Chinese billionaire who was accused by the tax office of using sham arrangements to funnel money from China in Australia.
The dinner, hosted by Felix Lee, was also attended by Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn, former boss David Murray, ex-ASIC chairman James Shipton, and former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who is on the personal payroll of billionaire Anthony Pratt, a major Labor donor.
Felix Lee, who is not accused of any wrongdoing in connection with his father Phillip Dong Fang Lee’s tax affairs, runs his own investment family office chaired by former Liberal MP and federal Treasurer Joe Hockey.
“Labor is more corrupt and controlled by billionaire donors than ever before,” wrote one Aussie in reference to the exclusive dinner.
Header image: Mr Albanese with his “Class of 2025” (PMO).
