Anthony Albanese has issued an “unequivocal” apology following a backlash over comments he made during an appearance on a comedy podcast.
The Prime Minister named “Kylie Minogue” in a game of “shag, marry, or date” of female Australian celebrities, as someone he would select for “all of the above”, adding “she’s terrific”.
Mr Albanese initially demurred and tried to avoid answering, pointing out that he had just gotten married six months prior before he eventually relented after a follow up question by comedian Nikki Osborne.
The comments on the Bush Deep podcast have been widely condemned by women across the political spectrum, prompting an apology on Monday morning.
Criticisms have come from Independent MP Zali Steggall, Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson and anti-female objectification group Collective Shout.
While some members of his government defended his broader record on gender equality, one Labor insider criticised the naivety of the PM and his office not to prepare accordingly.
“If you’ve ever seen any of her YouTube videos you will know her entire subject is cheap sex gags. There’s no way anyone prepping for this did not understand most of the gags would be about sex,” they told The Nightly.
It marks one of a string of phrases which have landed him in hot water recently.
It includes labelling former Australian of the Year and human rights advocate Grace Tame as “difficult” during a rapid fire word association game at a Heard Sun event.
He also faced criticism in Parliament when he used Tourette syndrome as an insult against opposition members.
Labor frontbencher and Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek defended his government’s broader record on gender equality.
“What the Prime Minister is saying is that he’s a ‘fan of Kylie Minogue’. I guess that puts him in a group with millions of other Australians, including me,” she said.
“I’m a big fan of Kylie’s as well.”
Liberal Senator Maria Kovacic said his apology on Monday morning was appropriate.
“We all do this job, and it has its difficult times when you’re asked questions that are uncomfortable, but you need to answer those in ways that are authentic to you,” Senator Kovacic said.
“I think it’s right that the Prime Minister has apologised.”
While One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce said he wasn’t going to push the PM hard on the remarks.
“We’re going to sort of tear him to pieces? I think he just fell into a trap, which he shouldn’t have fallen into,” Mr Joyce told Sunrise.
PM also spoke on the podcast about his relationship with now wife Jodie Haydon.
“Six months in (to marriage),” the PM said, to which Osborne asked if they were “still bonking like rabbits?” in their honeymoon period.
“Well, you know, when we have time. After the footy, it’s always a good aphrodisiac — a Souths win,” the PM said.
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