Was Albo’s $4.3M purchase poor judgment or just bad timing?
A possible election clanger hit the headlines this week, on the day Anthony Albanese was in Brisbane to make an housing announcement.
This yarn, broken by Sydney’s 2GB radio presenter Ben Fordham, was a housing announcement of a different kind. One that is surely ruffling more than a few feathers on the eve of a federal election campaign.
Put simply, if you missed it, the PM is in the middle of buying a $4.3M clifftop home on the New South Wales Central Coast. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom Copacabana property is located in the same area where Albo’s fiancee Jodie Haydon grew up.
One top Labor source has labelled the purchase as Albanese’s “Hawaii moment”, in reference to Scott Morrison’s infamous holiday during the 2019 bushfires. But isn’t our current leader entitled to do with his cash what he wants?
Yes, but it most likely won’t sit well with the millions of Aussies struggling to survive a cost of living crisis, to make mortgage payments, get food on the table and cover petrol bills.
It’s also pretty ballsy of the PM, considering his stance (or lack of) on negative gearing. He’s been tap dancing around pushing for reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax, not denying his government has sought advice on changing concessions.
So, can the prime minister get away with a cash splash on a beach pad, in the middle of a housing crisis, only months out from an election? Only the polls will tell.
I hope you enjoyed the read.
Matt Lancashire
Associate Specialist Property
1moNeither. Surely the man can do what he wants when he wants with his own money. PS I am not a Labour supporter.
CEO at AFT Hospitality
2moI was just having this conversation with an ABC journalist this morning. She asked my opinion regarding the Queensland election and asked me if I would ever consider running. My short answer is no, while I understand, yes you’re in the public eye and representing the country or a particular constituency, a minister should have some form of privacy and his private and personal life kept completely seperate. News networks across the country splashed around footage of his property and approximate location. In the hands of the wrong person, and especially with the on going political affairs and climate of the world, I think we should all know why this is so dangerous and concerning.
Principal - Linford Realty,
2moHe has been a Parliamentarian for 28 years on a good salary, and much higher as the Prime Minister, with all the perks of free housing etc. he will eventually retire on a defined benefit pension ( number of years in parliament x by final annual Salary ) that starts when he leaves Parliament, he does not have to wait till age 65. Also over the years he has purchased several properties. As he has been in a secure financial position for many years, why didn’t he purchase a house for his mother to live in, which would have enabled someone in need to move into the Social housing house she lived in.
Helping You Find Power In Your Own Story | Podcast Host | Mental Health Advocate | MHFA Instructor | Coach, Mentor & Business Strategist
2moThe recent "I'm not the treasurer" response when asked on negative gearing took me back to when the media and everyone gave Scott Morrison a hard time when he said "I don't hold a hose". As a politician...whatever side you're on..you cant win. You can be a hero one day...and criticised the next. I worked out that you don't need to be elected to make a difference.
He’ll be living there after the next election 📉