Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was joined by his son Nathan as he made his way from The Lodge to Parliament House ahead of the first sitting week of the new parliament – leaving many to wonder exactly why.
Nathan Albanese, was pictured walking alongside his dad on the chilly winter morning, ahead of official proceedings kicking off.
Today’s photos have renewed interest in Nathan’s future, with some wondering if he’s preparing to step further into the public eye, perhaps even considering a political career and whether his father might be grooming him for one.
Nathan works for Commonwealth Bank after completing an internship at consultancy giant PwC.
Albanese had also pulled some strings back when he was Opposition Leader to secure an internship for Nathan at PwC, after speaking with the company’s government relations boss, according to the Australian Financial Review.
The following year, however, the uni graduate was involuntarily dragged back into the public eye after Albanese got him a membership to the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge – a privilege typically reserved for celebrities, executives and big-name politicians.
At the time, many Aussies accused Nathan of being a ‘nepo baby’ due to his dad’s help, but others argued it was the kind of thing most parents would do for their kids if they had the influence.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his son Nathan walk towards Parliament House in Canberra
Dressed smartly and walking in step with his father, Nathan’s presence on Monday morning has tongues wagging in Canberra – is the PM’s son preparing for a more public role?
The children of politicians are usually off limits to prying reporters, but Albanese has shown a readiness to wheel his son out to the public when convenient.
The Prime Minister held his son’s arm aloft on stage on election night in 2022, calling Nathan his ‘proudest achievement’ and embracing him in front of swooning supporters.
It caused an internet stir, with some saying Nathan had stolen the show.
We’ve reached out to the Prime Minister’s office for comment, but until they respond, we can’t say for sure why Nathan was there this morning.
It could simply have been a son showing support for his father on a significant day, or a chance to reconnect after his visit to China.
Or perhaps it was a calculated photo opportunity to boost the Prime Minister’s image, especially if his fiancée Jodie Haydon was unable to appear after joing him on the long trip to China.
If Nathan is hoping to stay out of the public spotlight, this won’t help his case.
Nathan’s appearance comes as the Prime Minister begins his second term in office, implementing a lengthy agenda taken to voters at May’s election.
Jodie may have been unavailable to join Albo for the walk to Parliament House this morning, prompting Nathan to step in instead
‘I’m feeling very energised about parliament coming back,’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says
Among the laws set to be introduced in the first week of parliament are a 20 per cent reduction in HECS debts for students, expanded protection for penalty rates, and increased safety measures for children in childcare centres.
Labor’s ranks have expanded in the 48th Parliament to include 94 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives – the first government in nearly 60 years to not lose a single seat at a federal poll.
Albanese will address the significantly increased Labor caucus later on Monday, before Parliament is officially opened on Tuesday.
Earlier, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley addressed her joint party room for the first time since the Coalition’s landslide loss at the election, which has seen their numbers reduced to just 43 seats.
She said the real work of opposition would begin with the start of Parliament, but she was ready for the challenge.
‘On behalf of struggling Australians, we are here for them. We are here to take the fight up to the government,’ she told the party room meeting.
‘That’s what people expect. They want a Parliament that understands their lives, what their lives are like, and a government that gets out of the way.
‘Our policies are up for review, but our values are not.’
Ms Ley said the opposition would be willing to work with the government to get the childcare laws passed as soon as possible.
‘If the Prime Minister and his team bring forward constructive policies that are in the national interest, then we’ll support them, and we’ll work with them,’ she said.
Nationals Leader David Littleproud said the Coalition is prepared for a tough path back to forming government.
‘We have to be humble for what has happened to us. But we can do one of two things: we can sit in the corner in the fetal position and give up, or we can come out swinging,’ he said.
‘And I can tell you what we will do is come out swinging.’
