‘Hubris’: Anthony Albanese slams Peter Dutton for ditching The Lodge

The Prime Minister has responded to the Opposition Leader’s claims of where he would reside if he wins the federal election.

Anthony Albanese says there was “a lot of hubris” behind Peter Dutton’s comment about where he would reside if elected.

On Monday morning, the Opposition Leader confirmed on KIIS 1065 that he would use Sydney’s Kirribilli House as his main prime ministerial residence over The Lodge in Canberra.

“When you’ve got a choice between Kirribilli and living in Canberra and the Lodge, I think you’d take Sydney any day,” Mr Dutton said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he would rather stay at the harbourside Kirribilli House than The Lodge in Canberra if elected prime minister. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

“We love Sydney and love the harbour, it’s a great city.”

At a press conference at Perth’s St John of God Midland Public Hospital, the Prime Minister called out Mr Dutton’s comments, likening him to previous occupants of The Lodge who saw themselves as “being prime minister for Sydney”.

“It’s extraordinary that I’m a Sydneysider who’s lived there my whole life, but I’ve chosen to work and live in the national capital – I do spend time in Sydney, obviously. My electorate is there, but I believe the Prime Minister should live in The Lodge,” Mr Albanese said.

He went on to say there had been “a lot of hubris from Peter Dutton”.

“He says he likes the harbour. You know, everyone likes the harbour, but your job is to be close to where the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet is, where meetings happen almost every day,” Mr Albanese said.

Anthony Albanese says despite being a Sydneysider, he has ‘chosen to work and live in the national capital’ and reside at The Lodge. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Dutton’s comments also attracted criticism from Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, who slammed him for “arrogantly measuring the curtains at Kirribilli House whilst he continues to kick Canberra”.

Ms Gallagher said it was not surprising to her that Mr Dutton had made that decision.

“We know he has no respect for our home town – he openly brags about attacking our city by sacking 41,000 Canberra workers, impacting every single family in the ACT,” she said.

“This arrogant attitude is in stark contrast to Prime Minister Albanese who proudly lives in Canberra and respects the nation’s capital.”

Mr Albanese said throughout his own prime ministership, he had not taken Australians or the privilege of his position for granted.

“As Australia’s prime minister, my job is to represent the country,” Mr Albanese said.

“I work each and every day to make sure I can continue to be here.”

Originally published as ‘Hubris’: Anthony Albanese slams Peter Dutton for ditching The Lodge