Anthony Albanese with Governor-General Sam Mostyn (second from right) at Government House in Canberra on Sunday. Photo: Supplied (Anthony Albanese Facebook).
Anthony Albanese has urged MPs and Senators from around the nation to get to know Canberra and enjoy everything the capital has to offer.
In a marked contrast to former Liberal leader Peter Dutton, who took every opportunity to denigrate the city, the Prime Minister praised Canberra when welcoming elected federal representatives ahead of the opening of the 48th Parliament.
“Canberra is a great city. It is not just our national capital. Enjoy it, enjoy it. Don’t look down on it,” Mr Albanese said during a short ceremony at Government House on Sunday (20 July).
“It’s the home to many public servants, but it’s also the home to a thriving private sector. There is much to do here on a weekend.
“There are fantastic walks and fantastic institutions, including the National Gallery, the National Museum, and the National Arboretum.
“You can sleep at the zoo, all sorts of critters waking you up at night. There’s fantastic restaurants and engagement here.
“Yes, music does come to Canberra. That didn’t happen as much 30 years ago. It’s a good thing.
“I encourage you to – if I can give a bit of advice – having the family here for two weeks over a sitting and enjoying the weekend here is something that will make things more explainable for your youngsters, as well as what it is that you are doing.
“Don’t hide from that. Let them experience it, let them serve. It’s really important.
“And finally, to balance up that Canberra spiel, I can promise you it will get warmer. It’ll get warmer, and they have real seasons here in Canberra, and I wish you all the very best.”
The PM made a point of emphasising that he wasn’t making those remarks just because ACT Senator Katy Gallagher was seated right in front of him.
Since first moving into the Lodge following Labor’s 2022 federal election win, Mr Albanese has embraced living in Canberra and has often spoken publicly of its charms and attractions, as well as its contribution to Australia as the nation’s capital.
John Howard refused to live in Canberra when he was Prime Minister in 1996 and only used it as his temporary base during parliamentary sitting weeks throughout his tenure until 2007, setting a trend for other Liberal leaders to follow.
Mr Howard was often seen, however, enjoying Lake Burley Griffin during his early morning power walks when parliament was in session.
During this year’s election campaign, Mr Dutton publicly stated he would move to Sydney if he won and couldn’t bear the thought of living in Canberra.
During media conferences and interviews, he took every opportunity to criticise the capital as a soulless home of bureaucrats.
At Government House on Sunday, Mr Albanese could barely contain his excitement over the fact that Federal Parliament was finally starting up again this week.
“I’m quite excited about parliament resuming. I am a nerd when it comes to parliament,” the Prime Minister said.
“I actually enjoy the institution of parliament. It’s important we all respect it, and it’s important that we make the most of it on behalf of the people that we’ve been sent here to represent, and on behalf of the nation that we all want to cherish and serve.”
The PM thanked the families of MPs for the sacrifices they make, warning that they wouldn’t see them as much as they would like to, due to the heavy parliamentary schedule and electorate duties.
“To all the MPs and Senators elected to the 48th Parliament, firstly, congratulations across the board,” he said.
“It is such a privilege to sit either in the House of Representatives or the Senate, and something that none of us should ever take for granted.
“There are always far more people wanting to be in this position than can fulfil it, and it is an honour each and every day and we must always understand that whether it’s 140,000 people in our electorate, voters, or whether it be in our respective state or territory Senate ballots, we are really privileged and honoured.”
