Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to celebrate Christmas in Darwin for Cyclone Tracy commemoration

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will spend Christmas Day in Darwin to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be spending his Christmas Day in Darwin, a spokesperson has confirmed.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will spend Christmas Day in Darwin to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy.

The decision comes after Mr Albanese cancelled his trip to the Top End last month, passing up the opportunity to attend the City of Darwin’s official unveiling of its new kinetic sculpture dedicated to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy.

In response, the City of Darwin opted to cancel the ceremony, which was scheduled for Friday, November 29.

It was not revealed why Mr Albanese cancelled his trip, however City of Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis told Katie Woolf’s Mix 104.9 radio program “a very bad personal issue” had derailed the Prime Minister’s plans to head north.

A Wet season Christmas awaits Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

However, it can be revealed Mr Albanese will travel to Darwin later this month to spend his Christmas Day in the Top End.

“The Prime Minister understands and appreciates the significance of the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, and will be attending the commemoration on Christmas Day,” a spokesperson from Mr Albanese’s office told this masthead.

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said it was “not surprising” the Prime Minister planned to fly north.

“Albo loves the Territory and I’ve been working with his office and speaking directly with the PM to get (the dates) confirmed,” he said.

“He knows how significant this 50th anniversary is for the survivors and is looking forward to it.”

Originally published as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to celebrate Christmas in Darwin for Cyclone Tracy commemoration