Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing intense criticism and calls to apologise after old footage re-emerged showing him attending a pro-Palestinian protest where flags of designated terrorist organisations were being waved.
Historic Footage and Accusations Resurface
The grainy video, originally from the year 2000, shows a young Anthony Albanese, then the federal MP for Grayndler, at a protest in Sydney's Martin Place. In the footage, the future Prime Minister is seen condemning the actions of the Israeli military through a megaphone. Crucially, a yellow Hezbollah flag is visible being waved just metres away from him in the crowd.
This footage first resurfaced two years ago but has returned to the spotlight alongside a blistering 2002 speech from a senior Jewish leader. In that address, then-Zionist Federation President Ron Weiser accused Albanese of "marching in Palestinian rallies in Sydney, while elements of the crowd carry Hezbollah and Hamas flags". Weiser made these remarks in front of an audience that included then-shadow foreign affairs minister Kevin Rudd.
Mounting Political and Public Pressure
The controversy has ignited fresh political backlash. Shadow Finance Minister James Paterson has publicly demanded that Mr Albanese apologise for his conduct at the historic rally. Paterson told Sky News the Prime Minister's actions showed "incredibly poor judgement" and a long history of indifference to concerns within the Jewish community.
This scrutiny comes as Albanese already faces heavy public criticism over his government's response to the recent Bondi Beach terrorist attack, where Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration. Families of the victims have criticised the Prime Minister for refusing to establish a federal royal commission into the attack.
Albanese's Response and Ongoing Stance
During a fiery interview on 2GB radio on Christmas Day, broadcaster Susie Elelman confronted the Prime Minister with the 24-year-old footage. When asked if it was fake news or a doppelganger, Albanese declined to comment directly, stating he would need to see the footage first.
He reiterated his long-held position, telling Elelman: "I have consistently supported the state of Israel's right to exist within secure borders, but also the rights of Palestinians." He affirmed he has always been a supporter of a two-state solution.
The renewed focus on these events from 2000 and 2002 places the Prime Minister's past associations and current policy responses under a harsh new light, amid escalating tensions and concerns about antisemitism in Australia.
