Australia’s left-wing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has splashed out $4.3 million on an oceanfront mansion for himself and his soon-to-be-wife, boasting he earns a “good income” while also saying he knows “what it’s like to struggle.”
The purchase was revealed as the Australian Labor Party (ALP) leader launched a new building program to address Australia’s critical housing shortage on Tuesday.
Albanese’s government has pledged to build 1.2 million homes by 2030 to help ease cost pressures in one of the world’s most expensive housing markets as the nation also struggles to combat a cost-of-living crisis.
News.com.au reports while Albanese confirmed he’s yet to settle on the sale, he is set to purchase the grand four-bedroom, three-bathroom home that offers unobstructed ocean views and a peek of his far-off hometown Sydney and its soaring skyline.
U.S. President Joe Biden bids farewell to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the end of the Quadrilateral Summit at the Archmere Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, 2024. ( BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Speaking to reporters, the career ALP worker and representative confessed he was aware he’s “much better off as a prime minister.”
“I understand that I’ve been fortunate,” he said.
“My mum lived in the one public housing that she was born in for all of her 65 years, and I know what it’s like, which is why I want to help all Australians into a home, whether it be public homes or private rentals or home ownership.”
File/Federal Labor Leader Anthony Albanese marches alongside Penny Wong during the 44th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on March 05, 2022 in Sydney. (Don Arnold/Getty)
He also batted away accusations the property acquisition was a sign he would be leaving politics and said he purchased the home ahead of his marriage to “proud Coastie” Jodie Haydon.
“I’m planning to be in my current job for a very long period of time,” he said.
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