Anthony Albanese touched down in Geelong for a brief visit to congratulate TAFE grads and pour a cider

There were smiles, cider and handshakes but no interviews as the PM dropped by for a flying visit.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits Flying Brick Cider Co on the Bellarine Peninsula. Picture: Brad Fleet

Flying in for a lightning visit, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a rare appearance on the Bellarine Peninsula on Thursday to congratulate TAFE graduates and pose for photos.

Mr Albanese toured Flying Brick Cider Co late in the afternoon following a press conference hours earlier across the border in Adelaide.

Alongside federal member for Corangamite Libby Coker, he shook hands with several local TAFE graduates and had time to pour a pint of cider.

But travel delays meant the pair could only afford a truncated appearance in Geelong, with a trip planned three-months in advance cut to just half an hour.

Mr Albanese greeted and spoke with local TAFE graduates on Thursday afternoon. Photo: Fergus Ellis

Despite the short visit, the PM had time to pour a pint of cider alongside MP Libby Coker. Photo: Fergus Ellis

Mr Albanese’s visit coincided with Ms Coker announcing the rollout of 300,000 TAFE and VET placements from 2024 to 2026 following a $414.1m commitment from the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to fee-free education.

“Today we celebrated fee-free TAFE success stories with graduates who have secured good local jobs,” she said.

The announcement comes after 12 TAFE staff members at The Gordon in Geelong walked off the job as part of the first statewide strike in more than a decade. Staff are demanding higher wages and better working conditions after a stalemate in two-year-long negotiations.

AEU Geelong branch president Matt Henry criticised the federal government for making empty promises.

Mr Albanese did not address the media while in the Geelong region, with a representative of his team telling the Geelong Advertiser he was unwilling to make any public comment.

Originally published as Anthony Albanese touched down in Geelong for a brief visit to congratulate TAFE grads and pour a cider