Television Interview – ABC Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2023 Broadcast
JEREMY FERNANDEZ, HOST: Anthony Albanese, welcome to Mardi Gras 45.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: How fantastic is this?
FERNANDEZ: You are no stranger, you have marched in Mardi Gras before.
PRIME MINISTER: I think this is my 35th Mardi Gras. The first one was 1983. I’m showing my age there.
FERNANDEZ: First one as Prime Minister. That is a significant moment.
PRIME MINISTER: It’s unfortunate that I am the first. This is a celebration of modern Australia. We’re a diverse, inclusive Australia and that’s a good thing.
FERNANDEZ: What’s the reception been like as Prime Minister?
PRIME MINISTER: It’s been awesome. People want to see that their government is inclusive and represents everyone, no matter who they love, no matter what their identity, no matter where they live. We need to be a country that respects everyone for who they are.
FERNANDEZ: What do do you think of the fights yet to be had? We have marriage equality now. In terms of what the future is holding, what would that be?
PRIME MINISTER: It’s 45 years, of course. And we need to pay tribute tonight and think about the 78ers, who were thrown in jail for the simple fact of who they were, because they happened to be gay or lesbian. It is five years since marriage equality. That was a demand that wasn’t there 45 years ago. We need to continue to argue for equality.
FERNANDEZ: Enjoy your night.
PRIME MINISTER: Thank you, Jeremy.