Albo’s surprise appearance in north-west Qld

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the southern hemisphere’s biggest rodeo, appearing alongside maverick MP Bob Katter.

Anthony Albanese might be maligned as a latte-sipper from Sydney’s trendy inner west but the Prime Minister has donned an Akubra to attend Mount Isa’s iconic rodeo.

The Prime Minister was roped into attending the southern hemisphere’s biggest rodeo, in the heart of mining country in north western Queensland, by maverick MP Bob Katter.

Mr Albanese visited the event as part of the city’s centenary celebrations.

Anthony Albanese was in Mt Isa as part of its centenary celebrations. Picture: Supplied.

“It was a fantastic event with some 10,000 people coming - not just locals but from all over Queensland and indeed from all over Australia,” Mr Albanese said.

“(It’s) the largest rodeo held in the southern hemisphere, and it was fantastic to be there last night.”

Bob Katter and Anthony Albanese at the Mount Isa rodeo. Picture: Supplied.

Anthony Albanese donned his Akubra for the event. Picture: Supplied

The Mount Isa Rodeo began on Friday night with the Indigenous Rodeo Championships.

Mr Katter and Mr Albanese opened proceedings at Buchanan Park.

“I visited Cloncurry down the road here on at least five occasions,” Mr Albanese said.

“I have been to Mount Isa on half a dozen occasions with Bob Katter, always talking with this iconic local member - he is so passionate about representing the north-west of Queensland and making a difference.

“And he is someone who is really connected with his local community and I thank him for the invitation.”