‘Something wasn’t right’: Anthony Albanese’s heartbreaking Mother’s Day tribute

An Australian politician has opened up about why Mother’s Day is a difficult day for him, in a heartbreaking tribute to his mum.

Labor Leader Anthony Albanese has posted a heartbreaking Mother’s Day tribute to his mum, praising her for her selflessness and teaching him valuable life lessons.

The opposition leader described the day as “difficult” revealing it is the day his mother, Maryanne, “went to hospital and never came back” nearly 20 years ago.

“I remember it was a Sunday in autumn of 2002. I had just flown back to Sydney from Canberra to take my mum Maryanne and her sister Margaret out for Mother’s Day lunch,” he wrote in an emotional Twitter thread.

“When I got to her home in Camperdown, I knew something wasn’t right … the front door had been left open.”

He said his mum had suffered a brain aneurysm, and was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where she spent two weeks before passing away.

Anthony Albanese’s mother died in 2002. Picture: Twitter / Anthony Albanese

“Over those two weeks, we said goodbye twice. Both times she came through. She was a real fighter. On the third time, she didn’t make it,” Mr Albanese said.

His mother died on May 25, 2002. Every year Mr Albanese visits the cemetery where she is buried so he can pay tribute to his mother who “sacrificed so much” for him.

He said she had rheumatoid arthritis that “crippled her joints” and meant she couldn’t work.

“She lived on a disability pension. Life wasn’t easy, and her health made things even harder but we got through because of her,” he said.

He posted an emotional tribute to her on Twitter. Picture: Twitter / Anthony Albanese

“We lived in council housing, which gave us a sense of security and stability. It was our home.”

Mr Albanese said his mother taught him how to save money but the most valuable life lesson she passed on was to leave no one behind.

“Truth is, mum was left behind by people who counted her out, and by governments who cut back support,” he said.

“The cutbacks that happened in mum’s lifetime meant she had to justify the support she was receiving. When health funding was cut, the quality of mum’s care was cut too.

Anthony Albanese as a child with his mother Maryanne. Picture: Twitter / Anthony Albanese

“And when they tried to sell our council house, it felt like our home was being taken from us.”

It was his mother’s influence and challenge to make ends meet that inspired the Labor leader to get into politics.

“Mum always gave me unconditional love. And I feel very privileged to have had that. Mums really are special,” he wrote.

“A happy Mother’s Day to all the mums out there.”