Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to address the UK Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool has sparked fierce criticism at home, with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley accusing him of “crossing the line” and engaging in “unacceptable partisan politics” abroad at the expense of Australian taxpayers.
Ley, leader of the Liberal Party, said the Prime Minister had “used public money to back a political party in another country” and warned that Australians would be “deeply disappointed to see their national leader taking sides in a foreign political event.”
“I have no issue with the Prime Minister meeting King Charles III or Sir Keir Starmer,” Ley said, “but delivering a political speech supporting a party overseas goes beyond what is appropriate for a Prime Minister travelling on public funds.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers defended Albanese, saying it was “customary” for international leaders to be invited to address the conference and that the Prime Minister “met with representatives from both sides of politics in the UK, as well as leaders from Canada and Spain.”
In his speech, Albanese condemned what he called the “low politics of fear and resentment,” arguing that “democracy is the hard road, because lasting change takes time.”
He also emphasised the importance of social cohesion, housing affordability, and collaboration with Britain through the AUKUS partnership, while reaffirming Australia’s shared commitment with the UK in standing up to Russia and recognising Palestinian statehood.
Outside the conference centre, dozens of protesters gathered, opposing the UK government’s plan to introduce digital IDs and expressing outrage over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Several arrests were made by British police.
Albanese’s appearance came at a politically sensitive time for British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is battling internal party tensions and declining poll numbers amid tax scandals and leadership speculation.
Despite the criticism, the Albanese government has defended the trip, insisting that international cooperation and engagement with European labour movements remain central to Australia’s foreign policy and democratic diplomacy.
