Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has seen his poll rating increase after making controversial remarks about singer Kylie Minogue during a podcast interview. The Labor leader, aged 63, rose from 29% to 33% in the latest preferred prime minister poll, overtaking far-right figure Pauline Hanson, who dropped to 25%.
Controversial Podcast Comments
Albanese appeared on the Bush Deep podcast with comedian Nikki Osborne, where he was asked to choose between Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, and Rhonda Burchmore for a hypothetical 'shag, marry, date' scenario. Initially hesitant, Albanese eventually selected Minogue, stating, 'All of the above. She's terrific.' The remarks sparked outrage in Australia, leading to a public apology from the prime minister.
Poll Results and Public Reaction
Despite the controversy, a poll commissioned by the Sydney Morning Herald showed Albanese and his Labor Party leading Hanson's One Nation party. One X user joked, 'I guess Kylie was the right answer after all.' Another commented, 'The Australians clearly recognise a true patriot when they see one.'
Other Podcast Revelations
During the same podcast, Albanese revealed that the worst gift he received on an overseas trip was two melons from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which he described as 'strange' but 'quite good.' He also discussed his love for rugby league, recalling how he invaded the pitch earlier this year when South Sydney Rabbitohs player Alex Johnston broke a try-scoring record, risking a ban and a $5,000 fine.
Background on Albanese
Albanese is a lifelong Rabbitohs fan and served on the club's board during their reinstatement to the NRL in 2002, organizing rallies and tabling motions in parliament against the club's expulsion. His recent poll improvement comes despite the backlash over his comments about Minogue.
