Anthony Albanese makes bold public holiday call ahead of World Cup
Anthony Albanese has signalled Aussies could soon be gifted with a new public holiday should one thing go to plan.
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Anthony Albanese says he’ll personally lobby state premiers to declare a public holiday should the Matildas take home the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy.
The national team has a red-hot chance to claim victory for the first time in World Cup history but will face a tough fight to make it to the round of 16 after being drawn into Group B with reigning Olympic champions Canada.
So tough is the competition, which also includes Ireland and Nigeria, the group has been labelled the “group of death”.
The Prime Minister will be one of the thousands of Australians in the stands when Sam Kerr’s team lines up against the 24th-ranked Ireland in Sydney on Thursday evening.
Speaking with ABC radio ahead of the match, Mr Albanese said his message to Australia’s golden girls was simple: “Good luck”.
“I don't think they need my advice. They’re all over it … I’m really looking forward to tonight. It will be a really exciting event,” he said.
Mr Albanese famously declared during the Socceroos’ battle at last year’s Men’s World Cup that if the team won the final he would work to declare a day off for Aussies.
His comments at the time echoed the precedent set for a snap public holiday by former Labor prime minister Bob Hawke, who sensationally declared “any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum” after Australia’s America’s Cup victory in 1983.
Asked if he’d be looking to organise one for the Matildas should they take home the chocolates, Mr Albanese said he’d be on the phone to state and territory leaders.
“The states are in charge of public holidays … but I tell you what, it will be a time where we should celebrate as a nation if we win the World Cup,” Mr Albanese said.
“That’ll certainly be my view, so I’ll put that very strongly.”
It’s not the first time Mr Albanese has hinted there could be a day off. Last month, he told the Daily Aus he thought premiers would “race” to declare a public holiday if the Matildas won.
The Matildas’ official account even got in on the action, replying to a social media post of Mr Albanese’s comments with a handshake emoji and a confident declaration: “Bet”.
Originally published as Anthony Albanese makes bold public holiday call ahead of World Cup
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