Leaked internal messages suggest Anthony Albanese will call election in 2024

Leaked internal messages have revealed that Anthony Albanese is expanding his office with the appointment of a Labor veteran – here’s why it’s a big deal.

Leaked internal messages have revealed that Anthony Albanese is expanding his office “as we enter the election year”, hinting at the prospect of an early election.

News.com.au has obtained private Signal messages sent by the Prime Minister’s chief of staff Tim Gartrell to staff revealing the new appointment of a Labor veteran to a senior role.

Federal cabinet was advised of the appointment of David Epstein, Kevin Rudd’s former chief of staff, this week.

“I just want to give you a heads up on a new addition to the PMO,” Mr Gartrell wrote.

“David Epstein will be joining the leadership if the office in the role of Principal Private Secretary (PPS) This is a role many PMOs have had and, in short, it’s a senior person on high level matters.

“They identify emerging issues and focus on how they are best managed.”

The exchange states that Mr Epstein will start his new job on Monday, March 4.

But Mr Gartrell then goes on to suggest that 2024 could be “an election year” despite the fact the election is not due until 2025.

“This is an important role as we enter the election year and David is well-qualified for the role, having worked for Labor in a range of senior roles over five successive governments and opposition,” he said. “David is one of the most experienced advisers around.”

Mr Albanese has brushed aside recent speculation of any early election after announcing major changes to the Stage 3 tax cuts.

Just last month, the Prime Minister reiterated his support for four-year parliamentary terms as he fielded questions about the timing of the next election.

Confirming the election is not due until May 2025, Mr Albanese said he believed the lower house parliamentary terms were too short and he would like to see standardisation with the states, which have set four-year terms.

“I think that our terms are too short with just three years,” he said.

“Our view, our long-term policy, and we’ve put it to the Australian people, is for four-year terms, but I don’t anticipate that happening any time soon and I think that’s unfortunate.”

Anthony Albanese could be holding an early election. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Adam Yip

Mr Epstein began his career as a staffer to Private Secretary to John Dawkins in the Employment, Education and Training portfolio, where he was involved in the campaign to introduce Australia’s Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS).

He then served as Director of the Ministerial Media Group and National Media Liaison Service for Australian Labor Party politicians Bob Hawke and Paul Keating which was seen as the template for modern day “scrutiny units” in Australia also known as dirt units and opposition research.

He was chief of staff to the Leader of the Federal Opposition Kim Beazley, leaving the door open to speculation he may at some point replace Tim Gartrell.

In 1999, he left politics to head both the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association and Australian Telecommunications Industry Association.

In June 2007, he was appointed chief of staff and principal adviser to Australian Labor Party politician Kevin Rudd, first heading the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, then the Prime Minister’s Office.

Epstein resigned as Prime Minister’s chief of staff in late 2008 and went to work at Qantas as group executive for government and corporate affairs at Qantas Airways Limited, and served on the Qantas Executive Committee.

He was recruited to BHP Billiton in late 2010 by CEO Marius Kloppers, to a new role as company’s head of Group Public Affairs.

He was then appointed as the executive director of The Chifley Research Centre, the official think-tank of the Australian Labor Party and a company director.

Originally published as Leaked internal messages suggest Anthony Albanese will call election in 2024