Anthony Albanese makes no mention of the Voice referendum in ‘airbrushed’ 2023 recap

Anthony Albanese has recapped his 2023 and there is one topic he is avoiding, despite spending the majority of his time on it this year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of glossing over the disastrous Voice proposal in his end of year recap after the Labor leader made no mention of the failed referendum in the video.

Mr Albanese posted a video taking a look back at 2023 on X, formerly Twitter, prompting accusations from the Coalition that he was “airbrushing” the year to leave no trace of the “divisive” referendum that failed to convince 60 per cent of voters.

In the two-and-a-half minute video, Mr Albanese managed to fit in a mention of Vegemite turning a hundred, Margot Robbie dominating Hollywood with Barbie and Matildas’ incredible success at the world cup.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addresses media at a press conference this morning in Sydney. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“2023, the Matildas inspired a nation, Australians dominated Hollywood, Vegemite turned a hundred, it’s been a big year,” he said.

“Even in the tough times we saw the best of Australians, bushfires and flood brought out the best in our community spirit and showed us the professionalism of our emergency services.

“In tough times Australians stick together and this year has been especially tough for a lost of people”.

The video did feature footage of the Prime Minister at the Garma indigenous festival where he promoted the Voice but he made no mention of the topic in his lengthy spiel.

Acting Liberal leader Sussan Ley said Mr Albanese’s omission of the Voice should tell Australians “everything you need to know”.

“The Prime Minister has given himself full marks for 2023 but the fact that he omitted his failed and divisive referendum from his year in review tells you everything you need to know,” she said.

“This year many have called him ‘Airbus Albo’, today, whether it’s on cost of living or the referendum, we have got ‘Airbrush Albo’.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Aussies deserve a proper plan and a grown up government, instead all they’ve got is a hollow man with hollow promises, who refuses to be honest about his stuff ups.”

Much of the video was dominated by cost of living with Mr Albanese outlining what his government achieved before outlining the intentions for 2024.

“As a government our main focus has been on delivering cost of living relief while taking pressure off inflation,” he said.

“We’ve got a big agenda for 2024, delivering more cost of living relief, continuing to strengthen Medicare, delivering more housing for Australia, making more things here in Australia.”

A spokeswoman for Mr Albanese said the government was focused on cost of living relief.

“Sneaky Sussan doesn’t like to hear about how we’re responsibly helping Australians because she desperately wants them to forget the No-alition she helps lead has opposed this help at every turn,” the spokeswoman said.

“We know people are doing it tough, that’s why we’ve delivered $23bn in responsible cost-of-living relief, strengthened the budget, delivered the first surplus in 15 years and created more than 700,000 jobs since we came to office – all without adding to inflation.”