Anthony Albanese tells critics to ‘chill out’ over Shaq appearance

The Prime Minister has some words for those who have criticised him for appearing alongside NBA legend Shaq O'Neal at the weekend.

Anthony Albanese has defended his joint appearance with Shaquille O’Neal to promote the Voice to Parliament campaign, telling his critics to “chill out”.

The Prime Minister has faced criticism over Saturday’s photo op, including from Indigenous senators Lidia Thorpe and Jacinta Price.

But Mr Albanese claimed the NBA star approached him.

“He approached me and I think people should chill out a bit basically,” he told 2SM radio.

“The fact is that Shaq’s appearance means that people are talking about it. Shaq appeals to a whole bunch of people, many of whom would have been hearing about the Voice to Parliament for the very first time, and that's a good thing.

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has been criticised for joining forces with the Prime Minister. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“I make no apologies for saying I’ll engage with anyone, anywhere, anytime about these issues and anything we can do to raise the profile of this issue is a good thing.”

The towering 216cm NBA legend briefly joined Mr Albanese and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney on Saturday in support for the Voice.

But his appearance baffled some, given the four-time NBA champion did not verbally lend his support to the campaign.

Senator Thorpe lashed out at the media opportunity, calling it an “insult” to Indigenous Australians.

“He‘s putting his nose into business that has nothing to do with him,” she told 3AW on Monday.

“He does not understand what is going on in this country … he should not be commenting.

Mr Albanese said his critics needed to chill out. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“It‘s an insult to blackfellas in this country, let alone the rest of the country.”

Meanwhile, Mr Albanese confirmed the referendum to enshrine an Indigenous Voice in the Constitution will not be held in the first half of 2023.

Mr Albanese said he wanted people to have a sense of ownership over the process.

“It’s a pretty simple proposition here to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our Constitution, to create a voice, a body that will be consulted when matters directly affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” he said.

But he reiterated it would not be a “third chamber” of parliament.

“It’s not a decision-making body. It’s simply a matter of good manners and respect by recognising people in the Constitution and then consulting them on matters that directly affect them,” Mr Albanese said.

Originally published as Anthony Albanese tells critics to ‘chill out’ over Shaq appearance