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Anthony Albanese Address to the National Press Club

The Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese, spoke at the National Press Club in Canberra today, attacking the Morrison government over its handling of aged care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Albanese criticised the government over its handling of aged care deaths in Victoria during the coronavirus crisis. He deplored the government’s hostile attitude to superannuation, especially for young people.

Albanese’s appearance came during a parliamentary sitting week in which some members contributed via video link.

Watch Albanese’s Address to the National Press Club (59m):

Listen to Albanese’s Address to the National Press Club (59m):

Official transcript of speech to the National Press Club by Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese. [Read more…]


Graham Freudenberg Tribute – Anthony Albanese

This is the tribute to Graham Freudenberg, delivered to the House of Representatives by the Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese.

Freudenberg was an ALP speechwriter and party historian. He began working for the ALP in the 1960s, first for Arthur Calwell and then for Gough Whitlam and Bob Hawke. He also wrote for NSW Premiers Neville Wran, Barrie Unsworth and Bob Carr.

Freudenberg died on July 26, 2019, aged 85.

Albanese’s speech opened the adjournment debate in the House on September 10.

Listen to Albanese’s speech (5m):

Watch Albanese (5m):

Hansard transcript of Anthony Albanese’s speech to the House of Representatives paying tribute to Graham Freudenberg.

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Leader of the Opposition) (19:28): Graham Freudenberg climbed inside the soul of the Australian Labor Party in search of the words that lay there. He came back to us with an entire language. When Freudy said the Labor Party was built on speeches, the identity of the master builder was never a mystery to the rest of us. He spoke to us in so many voices, but in each of them he spoke with clarity and power. He moved us, he persuaded us, and in a world where words barely outlast the moment in which they are spoken, he made us remember. [Read more…]


Retirement of David Elder, Clerk of the House

These are remarks to the House of Representatives on the retirement of the Clerk of the House, David Elder.

Elder

On the Clerk’s final day at the table, remarks in tribute were made by Speaker Tony Smith, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, Government Leader of the House Christian Porter, and Manager of Opposition Business Tony Burke.

Listen to the tributes (19m):

Watch the tributes (19m):

Hansard transcript of remarks to the House of Representatives on the retirement of the Clerk, David Elder.

The SPEAKER (15:14): Very soon I will call the Prime Minister to move a motion to record the House’s appreciation for the service of its Clerk, David Elder. As I mentioned a few sitting days back, everyone is aware of David’s retirement, but today is his last day here at the table. We, of course, all want to recognise that incredible service. [Read more…]


Morrison, Albanese And Hurley Speak Following G-G Swearing-In

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese have spoken at ceremonies following the swearing in of the new Governor-General, David Hurley.

All three men spoke of the role and value of the Governor-General’s position.

Hurley was sworn in at a Senate ceremony at 10.30am today. His first constitutional duty will take place tomorrow when he opens the 46th Parliament.

Watch the speeches (28m):

Listen to the speeches (28m):