Plibersek praises ‘terrific’ relationship with Albanese, calls for education debate

Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek has declared her relationship with Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese is “terrific”, batting away suggestions she had been sidelined during the ALP’s election campaign.

The opposition’s education spokeswoman has also written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison asking for a debate on education policy – and for him to clarify whether Alan Tudge or Stuart Robert is the education minister.

Labor’s education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek has batted away suggestions she has been sidelined in the campaign.Credit: Jessica Hromas

The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age last week reported that Plibersek, along with Bill Shorten, Ed Husic, Clare O’Neil and Brendan O’Connor, was not having details of media events or transcripts of campaign press conferences distributed by Labor’s campaign headquarters.

After that report, Albanese said Plibersek was “an outstanding member of my team, and no one is working harder to elect a Labor government than Tanya Plibersek. She is such an extraordinary asset.”

Plibersek missed the Labor campaign launch in Perth on Sunday because of a scheduling conflict with her own campaign launch in Sydney but she and Albanese will campaign together for the first time during the election later this week.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese (centre) and those who were reported to have been the chosen few or who were frozen out. (Clockwise from top left) Penny Wong, Jim Chalmers, Bill Shorten, Tanya Plibersek, Ed Husic and Jason Clare.Credit: SMH/The Age

Appearing alongside Cowan MP Anne Aly in Perth on Tuesday, Plibersek dismissed suggestions she had been frozen out and said she was working towards securing a Labor government led by Albanese.

“I’ve been campaigning in more than 20 seats, this is my second visit to the west in just a few weeks. I’m not really sure why we’re talking about this, rather than talking about the fantastic plan that Labor has to make sure that every kid, in every school, in every part of Australia gets a great education,” she said.

Asked about her relationship with Albanese, Plibersek said, “It’s terrific. I’ve known Anthony since I was 14; we’ve been friends a long time”

“I am absolutely focused on winning this election and making Anthony Albanese prime minister of Australia. That will be a great day for this country because, when Anthony becomes prime minister, we will be able to put into place our plans to bring jobs back to Australia, to manufacture here, to use cheaper, cleaner energy to support the jobs of the future, to invest in building things here in Australia.”

In Plibersek’s letter to Morrison, she said a National Press Club debate “would provide an opportunity for our policies, and yours, to be scrutinised”.

“Because of ongoing uncertainty over who in your cabinet has responsibility for education policy, I seek your formal advice. I understand from your public comments that while Mr Stuart Robert is the acting education minister, Mr Alan Tudge remains in your cabinet, and is still the education minister.”

Acting federal Education Minister Stuart Robert addressed The Age Schools Summit in March.Credit: Joe Armao

“I would appreciate any clarification you may be able to provide about which minister should be invited to an education debate at the National Press Club. I am happy to debate either or both of your ministers.”

Tudge stood aside in December 2021 after his former staffer, Rachelle Miller, alleged he had been emotionally abusive and on one occasion physically abusive while the pair were in a relationship.

He has denied the allegations. An independent inquiry by Vivienne Thom found there was insufficient evidence to support a finding and Tudge did not seek to return to cabinet before the election.

Morrison subsequently revealed on the day he called the election that Tudge remained a cabinet minister, even though he was not sitting in cabinet.

Tudge has not made a single appearance to discuss education policy since the election was called.

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