Anthony Albanese choses secular affirmation of office at his swearing-in ceremony

When Anthony Albanese was sworn in as Australia’s 31st prime minister, he made one significant change to the process.

Anthony Albanese has been praised for making no mention of the Queen or God during his signing in ceremony on Monday as Australia’s 31st prime minister.

During his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Mr Albanese took the affirmation of office, a secular version of the oath that does not mention God.

“I, Anthony Norman Albanese do solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare that I will well and truly serve the Commonwealth of Australia, her land and her people in the office of Prime Minister,” Mr Albanese said.

This contrasts with the oath of office that former prime minister Scott Morrison made in 2018 when he was sworn in after winning the leadership of the Liberal party, during which he mentioned both the Queen and God.

“I, Scott John Morrison, do swear that I will well and truly serve the people of Australia in the office of prime minister, and I’ll be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, so help me God,” Mr Morrison said, while holding a bible.

New prime ministers can chose the form of the oath of office, or an affirmation of office, which is administered by the Governor-General. They can also change some of the words if they wish.

Kevin Rudd chose to take the oath of office, which included God but not the Queen, while Julia Gillard did not mention the Queen or God.

Anthony Albanese chose a secular affirmation of office for his swearing in as prime minister. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Taylor

Liberal leaders John Howard and Tony Abbott both took an oath, and Mr Abbott also added a reference to the term “Queen of Australia”.

Many praised Mr Albanese’s decision to keep his pledge secular but not everyone was happy, pointing out that the Labor leader had spruiked his Catholic faith during the campaign.

Scott Morrison held a bible and took an oath that ended with the words “so help me God”. Picture: Ray Strange.

“I note that his surprising campaign metamorphosis into a faithful Catholic didn’t even last to his swearing-in when he chose not to say the words ‘so help me God’,” News Corp columnist Miranda Devine tweeted.

On the campaign trail, Mr Albanese regularly mentioned his faith.

“I say that I grew up with three great faiths: the Labor party, the Catholic Church and South Sydney rugby league football club,” he often repeated.

However, others said they were happy to see Mr Albanese stick to a secular vow.

“We have a leader who isn’t forcing a god infected agenda upon all. That’s RESPECT and ACCEPTANCE for all faiths and non-faith. WONDERFUL, AMAZING,” one person tweeted.

Anthony Albanese, made an 'affirmation' instead of swearing an 'oath', for his swearing in as Prime Minister of Australia.

THAT'S HUGE - that's secularism.#auspol

— Nom de plume and over the moon - Albo is my PM (@ecobard) May 23, 2022

It’s not correct to label Albanese as secular, despite him affirming his swearing in as PM

He is a Catholic & has a strong Christian faith

I salute his integrity

His decision illustrates a firm view that Oz is secular

He has embraced this principle

He’s a damned good bloke

— Antifa Sewer Rat Payne 🎹😈 (@CarlDPayne) May 24, 2022