116 Facts About Anthony Albanese

Anthony Norman Albanese is an Australian politician who is the 31st and current prime minister of Australia since 2022.

Anthony Albanese has been the leader of the Labor Party since 2019 and a member of parliament for the New South Wales division of Grayndler since 1996.

Anthony Albanese held various ministerial positions from 2007 to 2013 in the governments of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.

Anthony Albanese was born in Sydney to an Italian father and an Australian mother, who raised him alone.

Anthony Albanese attended St Mary's Cathedral College and studied economics at the University of Sydney.

Anthony Albanese was elected to the House of Representatives at the 1996 election, winning the seat of Grayndler in New South Wales.

Anthony Albanese was first appointed to the shadow cabinet in 2001 by Simon Crean and went on to serve in a number of roles, eventually becoming Manager of Opposition Business in 2006.

In foreign policy, Anthony Albanese pledged further logistical support to Ukraine to assist with the Russo-Ukrainian war, attempted to strengthen relations in the Pacific region, and oversaw an easing of tensions and trade restrictions put on Australia by China.

Anthony Albanese administered the official commencement of the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Anthony Albanese was born on 2 March 1963 at St Margaret's Hospital in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst.

Anthony Albanese is the son of Carlo Albanese and Maryanne Ellery.

Anthony Albanese's mother was an Australian, while his Italian father was from Barletta in Apulia, Southern Italy.

Anthony Albanese's parents met in March 1962 on a voyage from Sydney to Southampton, England, on the Sitmar Line's TSS Fairsky, where his father worked as a steward, but did not continue their relationship afterwards, going their separate ways.

Anthony Albanese made contact with his father in 2009, visiting him a number of times in Italy, and took his family there.

Anthony Albanese grew up with his mother and maternal grandparents in a Sydney City Council home in the Inner West suburb of Camperdown, opposite the Camperdown Children's Hospital.

Anthony Albanese's grandfather died in 1970, and the following year his mother married James Williamson.

Anthony Albanese was given his stepfather's surname, but the marriage lasted only 10 weeks, as Williamson proved to be an abusive alcoholic.

Anthony Albanese's mother worked part-time as a cleaner but suffered from chronic rheumatoid arthritis, with the family surviving on her disability pension and his grandmother's age pension.

Anthony Albanese attended St Joseph's Primary School in Camperdown and then St Mary's Cathedral College.

In 1979, at 15 years old, Anthony Albanese joined the Australian Labor Party.

The election to replace him was closely disputed between the Labor Left's Hard Left and Soft Left groupings, with Anthony Albanese being elected with the backing of the Hard Left, taking on that role for the next six years.

In 1987, Anthony Albanese joined his boss Tom Uren on a visit to South-East Asia, which included: a meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand; an Anzac Day dawn service at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery with John Carrick; and a tour of Cambodia alongside Bill Hayden's daughter Ingrid.

Anthony Albanese then travelled extensively in 1988, visiting Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Western Europe on a Contiki tour, and Eastern Europe and Scandinavia as a backpacker.

Sometime during his 20s, Anthony Albanese took part in a tour of the United States by the US State Department, with a thematic focus on the interaction of advocacy groups with the US Government.

In 1990, Anthony Albanese bought a semi-detached two-bedroom house in the Inner West Sydney suburb of Marrickville.

When Jeannette McHugh announced she would not seek re-election in her seat of Grayndler at the 1996 election, Anthony Albanese won preselection for the seat.

Anthony Albanese subsequently turned his attention to campaigning for same-sex marriage.

In 1998, Anthony Albanese was appointed a parliamentary secretary, a position which assists ministers and shadow ministers and is often a stepping stone to a full ministerial position.

In 2001, Anthony Albanese was promoted to the opposition Shadow Cabinet, taking the portfolio of ageing and seniors.

In 2005, Anthony Albanese was given the additional role of Shadow Minister for Water alongside his existing responsibilities, and was appointed Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House.

In December 2006, when Kevin Rudd first became Leader of the Labor Party, Anthony Albanese took over from Julia Gillard as Manager of Opposition Business in the House, a senior tactical role on the floor of the parliament, and was appointed Shadow Minister for Water and Infrastructure.

Anthony Albanese was responsible for managing legislation through the House in the first hung parliament since the 1940s.

Shortly before the ballot, Anthony Albanese came out in support of Rudd, stating that he had always been unhappy with the manner of Rudd's removal.

Anthony Albanese tearfully explained how he had offered his resignation as Leader of the House to the prime minister, but that she had refused to accept it, and called on Labor to cease leadership divisions and unify.

That same ballot saw Anthony Albanese elected by the caucus as Deputy Leader of the Labor Party, and the following day Anthony Albanese was sworn in as deputy prime minister.

Anthony Albanese held this role until Labor's defeat at the 2013 election, and was replaced by Warren Truss on 18 September.

In September 2014, Anthony Albanese was given the additional role of Shadow Minister for Cities.

However, Anthony Albanese ruled out such a challenge, and Shorten was re-elected unopposed as Labor leader.

The day after, Anthony Albanese announced his candidacy in the subsequent leadership election.

Anthony Albanese led the Labor Party into the 2022 federal election.

However, the next day, Anthony Albanese tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him to isolate at home in Sydney.

Anthony Albanese faced Morrison in two further debates, hosted by Channel Nine and Channel Seven, respectively.

Anthony Albanese is the first Italian-Australian prime minister in the country's history.

Anthony Albanese secured confidence and supply from several crossbenchers in the event that he was unable to form majority government.

In January 2024, the Anthony Albanese government made changes to the previously legislated stage three tax cuts, which would see individuals earning less than A$150,000 receive a larger tax cut than under the original plan.

On 25 May 2022, in one of its first acts upon coming to government, the Anthony Albanese government allowed the Murugappan family to stay in Australia after the previous Morrison government had attempted to deport them.

In February 2023, the Anthony Albanese government abolished temporary protection visas, allowing up to 19,000 asylum seekers to stay in Australia permanently.

On 11 December 2023, the Anthony Albanese government announced its ten-year migration strategy designed to overhaul the immigration system and reduce Australia's annual net migration intake to 250,000 by June 2025.

Anthony Albanese's government announced it would introduce caps on the annual intake of international students, but attempts to pass these into law were blocked by the opposition and the Greens in Parliament.

In September 2022, the Anthony Albanese government passed legislation to write this climate target into law.

Anthony Albanese's government entered a bid for Australia and its Pacific island neighbours to host the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Anthony Albanese declared that he would not lift the moratorium on nuclear power in Australia.

In March 2023, the Anthony Albanese government received the necessary support to pass the legislation from the Greens, who negotiated a "hard cap" on emissions that cannot be offset by carbon credits.

Anthony Albanese's government took office during a massive surge in electricity prices exacerbated by the global energy crisis and the Russo-Ukrainian War.

On 9 December 2022, Anthony Albanese convened a meeting of the National Cabinet and announced a coordinated plan to introduce temporary caps on gas and coal prices.

In November 2022, Anthony Albanese's government fulfilled its election commitment to legislate the National Anti-Corruption Commission, with the commission commencing on 1 July 2023.

In one of his first acts as prime minister on 27 May 2022, Anthony Albanese confirmed that his government would make a submission to the Fair Work Commission in support of an increase to the national minimum wage.

On 2 June 2023, the Anthony Albanese government contributed to a decision by the Fair Work Commission with another letter encouraging a rise in the minimum wage in line with inflation.

Anthony Albanese took office amid a major housing affordability crisis, with the average Australian house price being nine times the average household income by 2024.

Anthony Albanese had previously pledged not to modify negative gearing as Opposition Leader, leading to criticism from the Coalition and conservative media outlets for appearing to backtrack on this promise.

In November 2024, the Anthony Albanese government legislated a "help-to-buy" shared equity scheme that aims to allow up to 40,000 first-time home buyers to purchase a home with a shared contribution with the government, and a tax concession to incentivise developers to build houses specifically for the purpose of renting.

Anthony Albanese pledged to hold a referendum to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament to assist the government with Indigenous issues, and recognise Indigenous Australians in Australia's constitution.

In June 2024, Anthony Albanese pledged to introduce legislation that would force social media companies to ensure users under 16 years old could not create accounts, in an effort to curb the negative effects of social media on children.

Anthony Albanese took his first international trip on 23 May 2022 immediately after being sworn in as prime minister when he flew to Tokyo to attend a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue meeting with fellow world leaders: US president Joe Biden, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida.

At the meeting, Anthony Albanese committed his new government to the goals of the Quad and confirmed that his government would seek to take stronger action in reducing carbon emissions.

Anthony Albanese said he would not "publicly intervene" to prevent WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from being extradited to the United States.

Later in June, Anthony Albanese attended the 2022 NATO Madrid summit to discuss security threats facing the Pacific region.

The next day, Anthony Albanese travelled to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, making him the first Australian prime minister to make a diplomatic visit to Ukraine.

Anthony Albanese pledged a further $100 million in aid to assist with the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.

On 26 September 2022, Anthony Albanese travelled to Japan to attend the state funeral of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

The relationship between Australia and China started to improve since Anthony Albanese became prime minister.

In November 2022, Anthony Albanese held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, bringing an end to the longest diplomatic freeze in 50 years between Australia and China.

In February 2023, Anthony Albanese hosted his New Zealand counterpart Chris Hipkins, who undertook his first official visit.

Anthony Albanese confirmed that his government would amend the deportation policy to take into account individuals' connections to Australia and the length of time they had lived in the country.

In March 2023, Anthony Albanese visited India to attend the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit in New Delhi.

Anthony Albanese attended the 75 Years of Friendship through Cricket Event hosted by PM Modi at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to celebrate 75 years of strong diplomatic and cricketing ties between the two nations.

On 13 March 2023, Anthony Albanese travelled to San Diego to officially commence the AUKUS security pact with President Biden and United Kingdom prime minister Rishi Sunak.

Anthony Albanese condemned the Iranian strikes in Israel and reiterated the necessity for sanctions against Iran.

On 3 April 2024, Anthony Albanese announced Sam Mostyn as the new governor-general of Australia, replacing the outgoing David Hurley.

On 25 July 2024, Anthony Albanese announced jointly with the energy minister Bowen that former New South Wales energy minister Matt Kean would become the new Chair of the Climate Change Authority.

In July 2024, Anthony Albanese appointed Jillian Segal as Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in a response to an increase in anti-semitic rhetoric and violence since the beginning of the Gaza war.

Anthony Albanese similarly appointed Muslim faith leader Aftab Malik as Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia in October 2024.

On 17 October 2022, Anthony Albanese's government appointed Jayne Jagot as a Justice of the High Court of Australia, giving the High Court a majority of female Justices for the first time in its history.

On 28 March 2025, Anthony Albanese called a federal election for 3 May.

Anthony Albanese has described his political views as progressive, and is aligned with the Labor Left faction.

Anthony Albanese is a republican, and supports replacing Australia's current constitutional monarchy.

Anthony Albanese has done her duty with fidelity, integrity, humanity and, as she sometimes lets slip, a sly sense of humour.

Anthony Albanese has stated that this recognition should come before any referendum regarding Australia's status as a constitutional monarchy vs a republic.

Anthony Albanese is a prominent backer of renewable energy in Australia and has declared that the country's "long-term future lies in renewable energy sources".

Alongside Joe Hockey, Anthony Albanese established the parliamentary "Friends of Palestine" group in 1998.

Shortly before the 2022 election, Anthony Albanese told The Australian Jewish News that any decision he takes on Israel-Palestine will contribute "to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and to progress towards a two-state solution".

In December 2023, Anthony Albanese signed a joint statement, along with the prime ministers of Canada and New Zealand, calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.

In February 2022, Anthony Albanese condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, remarking in a press release that it was a "grave moment for humanity".

In May 2022, Anthony Albanese said Australia's relationship with China would remain "a difficult one".

Anthony Albanese is in favour of legalising voluntary euthanasia; in December 2022, his government repealed the Euthanasia Laws Act 1997, which prevented the territories of Australia from legalising euthanasia.

Anthony Albanese is a supporter and advocate for LGBT rights, and has regularly participated in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras since 1983.

When Labor Party members were granted a conscience vote on the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012, which would have legalised same-sex marriage in Australia, Anthony Albanese voted in favour of the bill, which was unsuccessful.

Anthony Albanese opposed holding a plebiscite for same-sex marriage, stating that "we shouldn't be having a public vote where we get to judge other families".

In 2017, Anthony Albanese voted in favour of the Marriage Amendment Act 2017, the bill which ultimately legalised same-sex marriage.

Anthony Albanese has voiced support of transgender rights, saying that "people coming to terms with their identity and who they are, I think that they need to be respected", although has voted against transgender rights in the past.

Early in his political career, Anthony Albanese supported drug decriminalisation, telling Parliament in 1997 that "drug use by individuals is a health issue, not a criminal issue".

In May 2024, Anthony Albanese voiced his support for raising the age at which a child can open a social media account from 13 to 16, citing concerns over the mental health of young people.

In 2000, Anthony Albanese married Carmel Tebbutt, a future Deputy Premier of New South Wales.

In June 2020, it was reported that Anthony Albanese was in a relationship with Jodie Haydon.

Anthony Albanese said they had met at a dinner event in Melbourne a year after his separation from Tebbutt.

Anthony Albanese is the first divorcee to be appointed prime minister.

In February 2024, Anthony Albanese announced his engagement to Haydon after proposing to her at The Lodge in Canberra, making him the first prime minister of Australia to be engaged while in office.

Anthony Albanese describes himself as "half-Italian and half-Irish" and a "non-practising Catholic".

Anthony Albanese is a music fan who, not long after becoming prime minister, attended a Gang of Youths concert at the Enmore Theatre and previously intervened as transport minister to save a Dolly Parton tour from bureaucratic red tape.

On 30 November 2023, Anthony Albanese posted his Spotify Wrapped to his Instagram story, indicating his top artists to be Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, Hilltop Hoods, Bruce Springsteen, and Lily Allen.

Anthony Albanese stated he had phoned the NRL chief executive, David Gallop, as well as other league officials, to advise them against the idea.

Anthony Albanese then implored officials at Souths to help stop the suggestion from gaining momentum.

Anthony Albanese is a fan of Australian rules football, and supports the Hawthorn Football Club, with Albanese attending the 1991 AFL Grand Final which saw Hawthorn claim its 9th premiership.

Anthony Albanese was injured in a side collision while driving in Marrickville, New South Wales, on 8 January 2021.

Anthony Albanese underwent treatment at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and was reportedly "injured externally and internally and had suffered considerable shock in the immediate aftermath of the impact".

Shortly following this accident, Anthony Albanese lost over 18 kilograms by cutting out carbohydrates and reducing his alcohol intake, in an effort to be "match fit" for his election campaign.