Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described some of Mark Latham's views as 'repulsive' after the Labor caucus voted to add a caption to a portrait of the former leader at Parliament House. The new text states that Latham was expelled from the Labor party in 2017 and banned for life, with his actions not aligning with Labor values.
Speaking on ABC's 7.30 program, Albanese said he regretted Latham ever becoming Labor leader, a position he held from 2003 to 2005. 'Mark Latham has views which I find repulsive across a range of areas,' Albanese told host Sarah Ferguson. He added that Latham had moved 'further and further away from any values that represent mainstream Australia'.
The move follows a defamation loss by Latham over homophobic comments about NSW independent MP Alex Greenwich, and allegations of domestic violence made by his former partner, Nathalie Matthews. Latham has strenuously denied the allegations, which include emotional, physical and financial abuse, and is facing a private apprehended violence order application.
Labor caucus chair Sharon Claydon said the new caption would acknowledge Latham's expulsion and his departure from party values. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher noted that while history cannot be erased, it is important to recognise that Latham's actions do not align with modern Labor standards.
Latham responded on social media, comparing the decision to Stalin's purges in Soviet Russia. He is an independent MP in the NSW Legislative Council, having previously served as a federal Labor leader and later joining the Liberal Democrats and One Nation.
