Malcolm Turnbill II the cockatoo turns heads as Anthony Albanese continues federal election race

Anthony Albanese’s election campaign was upstaged by the cameo appearance of an elderly cockatoo named Malcolm Turnbill II. See the video.

Anthony Albanese’s election campaign was upstaged by the cameo appearance of an elderly cockatoo named Malcolm Turnbill II.

The chatty bird was more than 50-years-old and greeted the press pack with “hello”, at a press appearance in the electorate of Canberra.

The bird belonged to the family of Ren Knerr, a single mother who lives with her elderly mum Filomena as well as her two kids Hawkins, 2, and 11-year-ole Teilo.

As Mr Albanese had morning tea with MT II, he was told the bird was good friends with the family dog Dante.

The family had prepared an extensive spread for morning tea and had their groceries laid out as the Prime Minister visited their Watson home.

The cockatoo called Malcolm Turnbill II. The PM met with the family of Ren Knerr, a single mother who lives with her elderly mum Filomena as well as her two kids Hawkins (2) & Teilo (11). Picture: Jason Edwards/NewsWire

Filomena put on a serious spread for the guest of honour, baking a cheesecake, shortbread and struffoli - a desert from her native Italy.

The PM meeting with Ren Knerr, a single mother who lives with her elderly mum Filomena as well as her two kids Hawkins (2) & Teilo (11). Picture: Jason Edwards/NewsWire

She said she loved baking but it’s harder to do that now with the price of groceries.

She only rarely baked lasagna now.

The cockatoo Malcolm Turnbill II. Picture: Jason Edwards/NewsWire

The family spoke to Mr Albanese about their shared Italian heritage as he was gifted a cavoodle themed socks in an ode to Australia’s first dog Toto.

Mr Albanese spent the morning with Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, Health Minister Mark Butler and MP Alicia Payne.

He spruiked his new announcement to supermarket price gouging illegal.

He defended only announcing the planned reform during the election campaign and dismissed questions over whether the reforms would actually bring down grocery prices.

“It will certainly have an impact and overseas experience shows it will do just that,” he said.

“This is a big stick that we plan to introduce that we intend to use.”