Anthony Albanese welcomes Barack Obama to Australia

The PM met the former US president ahead of Barack Obama’s speaking tour across the country to discuss global challenges.

Anthony Albanese and Barack Obama at Kirribilli House.

Anthony Albanese has welcomed Barack Obama to Sydney, ahead of the former US president’s speaking tour this week.

The prime minister posed with Mr Obama at Kirribilli House, with both men grinning under black umbrellas in the rain.

Honoured to welcome President @BarackObama to Sydney. pic.twitter.com/0EsyEBIceP

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 26, 2023

“Honoured to welcome President Barack Obama to Sydney,” Mr Albanese said on Twitter.

Mr Obama and his wife Michelle touched down overnight to kick off a speaking tour across the country, with tickets going for about $200 for a standard seat and almost $900 for a platinum spot.

Former foreign minister Julie Bishop will appear with the former president at the events in Sydney and Melbourne, to discuss global challenges.

The Growth Faculty, which has organised the tour, said on its website Mr Obama and Ms Bishop will “explore techniques for navigating an unpredictable future”.

The Obamas landed in Australia via private jet, flanked by security and escorted by police as they arrived in Sydney.

Mr Obama, who was president between 2009 and 2017, has since been writing books, including A Promised Land, and taking part in speaking events.

During his time in office, Mr Obama saw four Australian prime ministers come and go – Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbot and Malcolm Turnbull.

Mr Rudd is now Australia’s ambassador to the US and officially started his diplomatic duties last week.

Mr Obama was the last US president to address the Australian parliament in 2011, with Mr Albanese this year inviting Joe Biden to do the same.