‘Un-Australian and elitist’: Senator’s reaction to Prime Minister’s Cool Cabanas comment

Anthony Albanese’s divisive take on an “out of control” beach trend that has Aussies split has taken a twist after a Senator weighed in on the issue.

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie has accused Anthony Albanese of being “un-Australian” and “elitist” after he weighed in on Australia’s controversial seaside cabana culture.

Asked for his take on cabana-gate during a Tuesday appearance on Nine’s Today show, the Prime Minister backed those critics slamming beachgoers for hogging prime real estate on the sand with the portable structures.

“Prime Minister, you are the leader of the nation and I want to ask you this very, very important question,” host Alex Cullen began.

“There’s been fierce online debate about beachgoers arriving at the beach early and using their cabanas to reserve their spots.

“So, essentially setting up the cabana, going away, leaving the beach and then coming back and coming back later in the day. So, you’re reserving your spot, basically. Where do you sit, Prime Minister, on this burning question that is today dividing the nation?”

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie. Picture: NewsWire/Martin Ollman

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

Mr Albanese denounced the behaviour as “not on”, adding that “unlike some parts of the world” – where beachgoers need to pay for access – “here, everyone owns the beach”.

“Everyone. And it’s a place where every Australian is equal,” he continued.

“And that’s a breach of that principle, really, to think that you can reserve a little spot as just yours.”

It was a response that raised the eyebrows of some, including Senator McKenzie, who shared a Daily Mail op-ed by Peter van Onselen to X and captioned it: “Albo the beachfront mansion owner’s divisive view on Cool Cabanas.”

“The PM looks down on SunSmart Australians who can’t afford a home with an ocean view but still want to enjoy the beach this summer #unaustralian #snob,” Sen McKenzie’s post continued.

The “mansion” in question is the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Copacabana, on NSW’s Central Coast, that was purchased by Mr Albanese for $4.3m in October and offers unobstructed ocean views and a peek of the distant Sydney skyline.

But a number of X users responded to Sen McKenzie, pointing out that she had a portfolio of four properties herself.

The Senator’s extensive property portfolio includes two investment homes in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, a family home in regional Victoria and another house in Canberra.

Sen McKenzie told news.com.au it was not Mr Albanese’s “decision to purchase a clifftop home with an ocean view” that she was “critiquing”.

“Good luck to him. What I do take issue with is the PM’s public comments on how Australians should enjoy the beach who aren’t so lucky,” she said, calling on the leader to “be kind”.

Mr Albanese’s decision to “shame these beach cabana owners” was “un-Australian and elitist”, Sen McKenzie said.

“Not everyone is lucky enough to have a home with an ocean view, so in summer many Australians grab their own slice of paradise to enjoy the beach, using whatever they have,” she continued.

“Back in the day a parent (or the oldest child) had to sit on their towels under the umbrella to mind the spot so everyone else could go up the street and grab fish and chips or an ice cream. Today, there are shade tents.”

Cool Cabanas at Noosa’s Main Beach.

While beach authorities in parts of the United States have taken action against cabana users to prevent “beach spreading”, coastal councils in Australia have ruled out following suit.

Both Waverley and Northern Beaches councils – where the bulk of Sydney’s beaches are concentrated – have previously told The Sydney Morning Herald that such restrictions are not yet necessary.

“We do ask that people remain respectful of others when visiting our beaches, and if a particular section of the beach is busy, consider setting up in a less crowded spot so everyone can enjoy the view and have safe access to the water,” a Waverley Council spokesperson said at the time.

The Northern Beaches Council, meanwhile, said they “kindly ask” people to relocate their cabanas if they’re impeding surveillance.

Cabanas have been abundant on beaches in the Mornington Peninsula. Picture: Facebook

Etiquette expert Kate Heussler advised earlier this week that Aussies who do intend to pitch their cabana this summer follow a few golden rules to ensure a fun day out for everyone.

One tip involves selecting the right spot for your structure – which means keeping a reasonable distance from strangers.

“Imagine arriving at a near-empty restaurant and someone sits right next to you – it’s a bit odd, right? Give people their personal ‘beach bubble’,” Ms Heussler told NewsWire.

Of course, this can be easier said than done during peak beach periods.

“Peak summer days and holidays are typically when room to spread out isn’t always possible,” she said.

“On those days, you can’t be too picky, grab a spot of sand where you can. On a typical beach day, I’d say a good guideline is at least a couple of metrics away – enough space to avoid an unexpected splash of suntan oil or a sand-covered beach bag.”

The same rule applies to setting up your cabana: avoid placing it directly in front of someone else’s view if you can.

“It’s like blocking someone’s view at the movies but without the popcorn. Check sightlines and set up a bit off to the side.”

Originally published as ‘Un-Australian and elitist’: Senator’s reaction to Prime Minister’s Cool Cabanas comment