Anthony Norman Albanese (born 2 March 1963) is an Australian politician who has served as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia since 2022. He has been the Leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) since 2019 and has represented the New South Wales division of Grayndler in the House of Representatives since 1996. Albanese previously held the position of Deputy Prime Minister during the second Rudd government in 2013 and served in various ministerial roles from 2007 to 2013 under Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.
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| 31st Prime Minister of Australia | |
| Assumed office 23 May 2022 | |
| Monarchs | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Governors General | David Hurley Sam Mostyn |
| Deputy | Richard Marles |
| Preceded by | Scott Morrison |
| 21st Leader of the Labor Party | |
| Assumed office 30 May 2019 | |
| Deputy | Richard Marles |
| Preceded by | Bill Shorten |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 30 May 2019 – 23 May 2022 | |
| Prime Minister | Scott Morrison |
| Deputy | Richard Marles |
| Preceded by | Bill Shorten |
| Succeeded by | Peter Dutton |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Australia | |
| In office 27 June 2013 – 18 September 2013 | |
| Prime Minister | Kevin Rudd |
| Preceded by | Wayne Swan |
| Succeeded by | Warren Truss |
| Deputy Leader of the Labor Party | |
| In office 26 June 2013 – 13 October 2013 | |
| Leader | Kevin Rudd |
| Preceded by | Wayne Swan |
| Succeeded by | Tanya Plibersek |
| Member of the Australian House of Representatives for Grayndler | |
| Assumed office 2 March 1996 | |
| Preceded by | Jeannette McHugh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Anthony Norman Albanese
|
| Political party | Labor |
| Spouse | Carmel Tebbutt (m. 2000; div. 2019) |
| Domestic partner(s) | Jodie Haydon (2021–present, engaged in 2024) |
| Children | 1 |
| Residences |
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| Alma mater | University of Sydney (BEc) |
Born in Sydney, Albanese is the son of an Italian father and an Irish-Australian mother, who raised him as a single parent. He attended St Mary's Cathedral College and later studied economics at the University of Sydney. As a student, he joined the Labor Party and worked as a party official and research officer before entering Parliament.
Albanese was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, securing the seat of Grayndler. He was appointed to the shadow cabinet in 2001 by Simon Crean and served in various positions, ultimately becoming Manager of Opposition Business in 2006. Following Labor's victory in the 2007 election, he was appointed Leader of the House, as well as Minister for Regional Development and Local Government and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. During the leadership tensions between Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard from 2010 to 2013, Albanese was critical of both leaders and advocated for party unity. He supported Rudd in the final leadership ballot of June 2013, and after Rudd’s return to leadership, Albanese became Deputy Leader of the Labor Party and was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister. However, Labor was defeated in the 2013 federal election, and Albanese returned to the backbench.
After Bill Shorten succeeded Rudd as Labor leader, Albanese contested the 2013 leadership election but lost to Shorten, despite securing a majority among the party's membership. Albanese was subsequently appointed to Shorten's shadow cabinet. Following Labor’s defeat in the 2019 federal election, Shorten resigned as leader, and Albanese was the only candidate to contest the leadership, being elected unopposed as Leader of the Opposition.
In the 2022 federal election, Albanese led the Labor Party to victory, defeating Scott Morrison’s Liberal-National Coalition. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on 23 May 2022. Upon assuming office, Albanese proposed a constitutional change to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, updated Australia’s climate goals with a target for carbon neutrality by 2050, and supported an increase to the national minimum wage. His government introduced the National Anti-Corruption Commission, enacted significant changes to labor law, and passed a ban on children under 16 using social media platforms. It also initiated a Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme.
In foreign policy, Albanese pledged further logistical support to Ukraine in the Russo-Ukrainian war, focused on strengthening Australia’s relations with Pacific nations, and engaged in high-level discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, leading to a reduction in trade tensions between the two nations. Additionally, he oversaw the formal commencement of the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Early Life and Family Background
Anthony Albanese was born on 2 March 1963 at St Margaret's Hospital in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst. He is the son of Carlo Albanese and Maryanne Ellery. His mother was of Irish descent, while his father, originally from Barletta in Apulia, Italy, worked as a steward aboard the TSS Fairsky, which sailed between Sydney and Southampton. His parents met during a voyage in 1962, but their relationship did not continue after the trip, and they parted ways.
Growing up, Albanese was told that his father had died in a car accident. It was not until 2009 that he discovered his father was still alive, tracing him to Italy with the help of various individuals, including John Faulkner, Ann Sherry, and Rob Henderson, as well as the Australian Embassy in Italy. Albanese visited his father multiple times before his passing in 2014 and also discovered that he had two half-siblings.
During the 2017 Australian parliamentary eligibility crisis, it was noted that Albanese's father was not recorded on his birth certificate, which allowed him to meet the parliamentary eligibility requirements, despite his Italian ancestry, which could typically confer Italian citizenship by descent.
Childhood and Education
Albanese was raised by his mother and maternal grandparents in a Sydney City Council home in the suburb of Camperdown, near the Camperdown Children's Hospital. His grandfather passed away in 1970, and the following year, his mother remarried James Williamson. However, the marriage ended quickly, lasting only 10 weeks, due to Williamson's abusive and alcoholic behavior. Albanese’s mother worked part-time as a cleaner and struggled with chronic rheumatoid arthritis, which left the family dependent on her disability pension and his grandmother’s age pension.
He attended St Joseph's Primary School in Camperdown and later graduated from St Mary's Cathedral College. After school, Albanese worked at the Commonwealth Bank for two years before enrolling at the University of Sydney, where he studied economics. His involvement in student politics grew during this time, and he was elected to the Students' Representative Council. Albanese also began his rise as a prominent figure in the Labor Left faction of the Australian Labor Party (ALP), aligning with the Hard Left group, which had connections to left-wing organizations like the Communist Party of Australia, People for Nuclear Disarmament, and the African National Congress.
Albanese's mother passed away in 2002, marking another significant personal event in his life.
Pre-parliamentary Career and Travel
After completing his economics degree in 1984, Albanese worked as a research officer to Tom Uren, then Minister for Local Government and Administrative Services, who became a mentor to him. In 1989, when John Faulkner vacated the position of Assistant General Secretary of the New South Wales Labor Party, Albanese contested the position, winning with support from the Labor Left’s Hard Left faction. He held the position for six years, leaving in 1995 to work as a senior adviser to New South Wales Premier Bob Carr.
Albanese's first overseas trip was in 1986, when he accompanied his friend Jeremy Fisher to Vanuatu. In 1987, he joined Uren on a trip to South-East Asia, including attending a UN Economic and Social Commission meeting in Bangkok, visiting the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery on Anzac Day, and touring Cambodia. In 1988, Albanese traveled extensively, visiting Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and parts of Western Europe and Eastern Europe. He later traveled to India in 1991 and also participated in a U.S. State Department tour focused on the interaction between advocacy groups and the U.S. government.
In 1990, Albanese purchased a semi-detached house in the Inner West Sydney suburb of Marrickville.
Early Political Career
Entry to Parliament
When Jeannette McHugh announced she would not seek re-election for the Grayndler seat in the 1996 election, Albanese won preselection for the position. Despite the aircraft noise issue caused by the opening of the third runway at Sydney Airport, Albanese won the seat with a comfortable 16-point margin, even as his party suffered a six-point swing. His maiden speech highlighted issues such as public infrastructure, multiculturalism, native title, and childcare. He expressed his desire to be remembered as someone who stood up for the interests of his electorate, the labor movement, and progressive causes.
Albanese continued advocating for issues such as euthanasia legislation, Indigenous rights, and same-sex couple superannuation rights. He introduced a private member’s bill in 1998 to grant same-sex couples the same superannuation rights as de facto heterosexual couples, a cause to which he remained dedicated until the legislation was passed in 2007 under the Rudd government.
Appointment to Shadow Cabinet
In 1998, Albanese was appointed parliamentary secretary, a position that often serves as a stepping stone to a full ministerial role. In 2001, he was promoted to the Shadow Cabinet as the Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors, later becoming Shadow Minister for Employment Services and Training in 2002. In 2004, he became the Shadow Minister for Environment and Heritage, where he strongly opposed the idea of nuclear energy for Australia, arguing against its economic, environmental, and social viability.
In 2005, Albanese was given the additional role of Shadow Minister for Water and appointed Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House. In December 2006, when Kevin Rudd became Labor Leader, Albanese succeeded Julia Gillard as Manager of Opposition Business and became Shadow Minister for Water and Infrastructure.
Cabinet Minister
Rudd Government
After the 2007 election and the Labor Party’s victory, Albanese was appointed Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, and Leader of the House. As Minister for Infrastructure, he established Infrastructure Australia, an independent statutory body to advise the government on infrastructure priorities. Under his leadership, the government significantly increased the budget for roads and rail investment, leading to major infrastructure projects like the Melbourne Regional Rail Link, the Hunter Expressway, and the Gold Coast light rail system.
Gillard Government
When Julia Gillard replaced Kevin Rudd as prime minister in 2010, she retained Albanese in his roles. He played a key role in negotiating support from independent members Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott after the 2010 hung parliament. Albanese also oversaw legislation in the first hung parliament since the 1940s.
In 2011, Albanese introduced major policy reforms in urban planning and shipping, securing approval from both Australian Shipowners and the Maritime Union of Australia. However, his controversial comment about the "convoy of no confidence" protest against rising fuel prices and carbon pricing led to protests outside his electorate office.
Leadership instability resurfaced when Kevin Rudd resigned as Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2012 and unsuccessfully challenged Gillard for leadership. Albanese publicly supported Rudd, calling for an end to leadership divisions and urging Labor to unite.
Deputy Prime Minister of Australia
In June 2013, Rudd defeated Gillard in the final leadership contest, and Albanese was elected Deputy Leader of the Labor Party and sworn in as deputy prime minister. He held this position until the 2013 election, when Labor was defeated and replaced by Warren Truss as deputy prime minister.
Albanese's Tenure as Prime Minister
Albanese's tenure as Prime Minister has seen a focus on several key domestic issues:
Economy and Taxation: His government delivered Australia’s first budget surplus in 15 years, a $22.1 billion surplus in 2023, and a second surplus of $9.3 billion in 2024. Changes to the Stage 3 tax cuts in early 2024, which increased cuts for those earning under A$150,000, were met with public approval despite criticisms from the opposition and conservative media.
Immigration and Asylum: Early in his government, Albanese allowed the Murugappan family to stay in Australia, overturning the previous government's deportation attempt. In 2023, temporary protection visas were abolished, granting permanent residence to up to 19,000 asylum seekers. Following a High Court ruling, the government enacted emergency legislation for stricter conditions on individuals released from indefinite detention.
Environment and Climate Change: The Albanese government committed to a more ambitious climate target of reducing carbon emissions by 43% by 2030, with legislation passed to enshrine this goal. They also reformed the safeguard mechanism to enforce stricter emissions limits and passed significant climate change legislation in March 2023. A biodiversity market was also established in December 2023 to protect Australia’s nature.
Manufacturing Policy: Albanese announced the 'Future Made in Australia' industrial policy in April 2024, aimed at bolstering Australian manufacturing in sustainable energy. This included $22.7 billion over a decade for green hydrogen, solar panel manufacturing, and critical mineral mining.
Government Integrity and Anti-Corruption: Albanese fulfilled his election promise to establish the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), operational since July 2023. Additionally, he led a censure motion against former Prime Minister Scott Morrison after revelations of him secretly assuming several ministerial positions.
Albanese’s leadership has focused on economic reform, climate change action, integrity in government, and support for vulnerable populations, marking a significant shift from previous administrations.
Indigenous Affairs
Upon his election, Albanese expressed his strong support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, pledging that his government would implement it fully within its first term. This included holding a referendum to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Constitution and to formally recognize Indigenous Australians. However, the referendum held on 14 October 2023 was rejected by the majority of Australian voters, failing to pass in any state or territory except for the Australian Capital Territory.
As Prime Minister, Albanese took steps to elevate Indigenous representation, including adding Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander flags to the podium during his first press conference and ensuring that both flags were displayed in the House of Representatives and Senate chambers.
Other Domestic Affairs
In June 2024, Albanese proposed new legislation aimed at preventing users under 16 years old from creating social media accounts. This was part of an initiative to reduce the harmful effects of social media on children. Despite facing criticism from social media companies, Australia became the first country to legislate a minimum age for social media use, with the law set to take effect by the end of 2025.
International Affairs
Albanese's first overseas trip as Prime Minister took place in May 2022, when he attended a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue meeting with US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. In this meeting, he committed Australia to the Quad’s goals and emphasized a focus on reducing carbon emissions. In June 2022, he also visited Indonesia to strengthen bilateral relations.
One of his first significant diplomatic actions was in relation to Julian Assange, where the government engaged in "quiet diplomacy" with the United States. Assange was released from custody in June 2024, with Albanese's government being credited as instrumental in securing his release.
Later in 2022, Albanese focused on restoring damaged relations with France, particularly after the submarine deal cancellation, and became the first Australian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine, pledging further aid amid the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Albanese's leadership has marked a shift towards strengthening Australia's diplomatic ties with a range of countries. His government has improved relations with China, resolved trade disputes, and engaged in major international agreements, including the AUKUS security pact and the upgrading of Australia–Philippines relations to a strategic partnership.
In November 2023, Albanese visited China, the first Australian prime minister to do so in seven years. His visit included meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Additionally, his government has focused on climate change diplomacy, as seen in a treaty signed with Tuvalu to aid in climate change adaptation and migration.
Albanese’s foreign policy also included standing against the Iranian missile strikes in Israel and addressing the death of an Australian citizen in an Israeli military attack, further solidifying his leadership in global diplomacy.
Appointments
Public Service
On 3 April 2024, Albanese announced Sam Mostyn as the new Governor-General of Australia, succeeding David Hurley. Mostyn's term began on 1 July 2024.
Judiciary
In October 2022, Albanese appointed Jayne Jagot as a Justice of the High Court of Australia, making history with a majority of female justices for the first time. In August 2023, Stephen Gageler was appointed as Chief Justice of Australia.
Political Views
Albanese describes his political views as progressive and aligns with the Labor Left faction, though analysts have noted his shift towards centrism during the 2022 election campaign and upon assuming the role of Prime Minister. He is a republican, advocating for Australia to replace its constitutional monarchy.
Albanese supports constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians and has pledged to hold a referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. He believes this issue should precede any referendum regarding the republic.
Environmental Issues
Albanese is a strong supporter of renewable energy and carbon pricing. While in the Gillard government, he helped introduce the Clean Energy Act 2011, which established carbon pricing. After the scheme was abolished in 2014, Albanese argued that the circumstances had changed. As Prime Minister, he has emphasized that Australia’s long-term future lies in renewable energy and committed to addressing climate change in contrast to previous governments.
Foreign Policy
Albanese’s foreign policy has evolved from a left-wing critic of globalization to a supporter of the American alliance. He opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, and has consistently advocated for the release of Julian Assange. On the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, he has supported Palestine, co-founding the "Friends of Palestine" group in 1998, though he opposes the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. He has also been vocal on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and China's human rights abuses.
Social Issues
Albanese has been an advocate for various social issues, including abortion rights, euthanasia, and LGBT rights. He voted in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage and has been a regular participant in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. He has voiced support for transgender rights and decriminalization of drug use, though he has not committed to decriminalizing hard drugs. Albanese also clarified his stance on asylum seekers during the 2022 election campaign, incorporating boat turnbacks into his government's policy despite previous opposition.
In May 2024, he expressed support for raising the minimum age for creating social media accounts from 13 to 16 to protect young people's mental health.
Personal Life
In 2000, Albanese married Carmel Tebbutt, who later became the Deputy Premier of New South Wales. They met in Young Labor in the late 1980s and have one son together. However, the couple separated in January 2019. In June 2020, Albanese began a relationship with Jodie Haydon, whom he met at a dinner event in Melbourne. In February 2024, Albanese announced his engagement to Haydon, making him the first Australian Prime Minister to be engaged while in office. Their wedding is planned to take place after the next federal election.
Albanese describes himself as "half-Italian and half-Irish" and a "non-practising Catholic." He is also a music enthusiast, with notable support for artists such as Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, and Bruce Springsteen, as indicated by his 2023 Spotify Wrapped. He has a history of attending music events, such as a Gang of Youths concert and previously co-hosting a special on the Rage music program.
As a lifelong fan of the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league club, Albanese played an instrumental role in the club's readmission to the National Rugby League. He served on the club's board from 1999 to 2002 and was made a life member in 2013. Albanese is also a supporter of Australian rules football and the Hawthorn Football Club.
In 2021, Albanese was involved in a serious car accident in Marrickville, New South Wales, where he suffered significant injuries. He later lost over 18 kilograms (39 pounds) by changing his diet and reducing alcohol intake to get in better shape for his election campaign.
References
- About the prime minister (no date) Prime Minister of Australia. Available at: https://www.pm.gov.au/about-prime-minister (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Anthony Albanese (2025) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anthony-Albanese (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Australian PM-elect Anthony Albanese no stranger to India (2022) Hindustan Times. Available at: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/australian-pm-elect-anthony-albanese-no-stranger-to-india-101653151016080.html (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- corporateName=Commonwealth Parliament; address=Parliament House, C. (2020) Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Home – Parliament of Australia. Available at: https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=R36 (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Who is Anthony Albanese? Australia’s next prime minister (2022) Business Today. Available at: https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/world/story/who-is-anthony-albanese-australias-next-prime-minister-334542-2022-05-21 (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
