Anthony Albanese leaves flood-hit North Queensland for Labor fundraiser
The Prime Minister left flood-ravaged North Queensland to attend a Labor fundraising dinner in Brisbane, using his taxpayer-funded jet for a trip that lasted just six hours.
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The Prime Minister left flood-ravaged North Queensland to attend a Labor fundraising dinner in Brisbane, using his taxpayer-funded jet for a trip that lasted just six hours.
Flight tracker data shows Anthony Albanese left Townsville at 1pm, stopping over at Brisbane to attend a dinner event at Labor-aligned law firm Holding-Redlich.
It is understood the gathering was intimate, with claims guests were charged between $5000 and $10,000 per head.
The Courier-Mail was told Mr Albanese had scheduled engagements in Brisbane on Thursday, including launching Brisbane candidate Madonna Jarrett’s campaign at an event with 200 attendees.
Holding-Redlich is a prominent contributor to the ALP, donating over $130,000 in 2020-21 and known for hosting campaign fundraising events.
After dodging journalist’s questions about his whereabouts on Thursday night in Alice Springs, Mr Albanese confirmed he was in Brisbane for Ms Jarrett’s campaign launch.
The Prime Minister did not comment on the Holding-Redlich dinner.
“I spent Wednesday night with Premier (David) Crisafulli, I was there in the floods in Townsville,” he said.
“I visited Brisbane, and I launched a campaign in Brisbane, I had meetings, formal meetings, and launched a campaign of our candidate for Brisbane, along with our candidates for Griffith and our candidates for Ryan.”
“I work hard. I have meetings. I make no apologies.”
Mr Albanese accused the Coalition of politicising the North Queensland flood event.
“Holly Hughes in particular, saying that somehow me taking up the invitation of the LNP Premier David Crisafulli, to be with him and our Minister Jenny McAllister, who’s been there all week,” he said.
“These are things that should be above politics.”
Mr Albanese boarded a 9pm flight to Alice Springs, where he stayed overnight Thursday ahead of a $840m funding announcement on Friday, before flying south to Ballina.
Queensland Senator Murray Watt said the focus on Mr Albanese’s travel was more “muckraking” from the Coalition after it bagged him for visiting North Queensland.
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh hosted a private LNP campaign fundraising dinner at Parliament House on Wednesday night as hate crime legislation was being voted on.
In 2014, Labor’s Bronwyn Bishop faced heavy criticism after she chartered a luxury helicopter to travel 80km – costing taxpayers $5200.
Mr Albanese did not respond to claims that he had planned to fly Premier Crisafulli back to Brisbane on Thursday night.
Mr Crisafulli has remained in Townsville to assist with flood recovery efforts, with no immediate plans of returning to Brisbane.
His office denied any knowledge of a flight invitation from Mr Albanese.
Originally published as Anthony Albanese leaves flood-hit North Queensland for Labor fundraiser
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