EXCLUSIVE
Anthony Albanese could have hinted at an imminent early election campaign when he told a restaurant owner that he’s unlikely to be able to take another holiday until next year.
The prime minister embarked on a five-day holiday to Palm Cove, on Queensland‘s mid-north coast, with his partner Jodie Haydon this week for the parliamentary winter break.
On Saturday night, he enjoyed a quiet dinner at local restaurant El Greko Greek Taverna – taking time out at the end of the meal to pose for selfies with star-struck staff and locals.
Restaurant owner Lisa Grant told Daily Mail Australia she was ecstatic to have Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon, labelling it the highlight of her year.
‘They were awesome,’ she said.
‘He was just here on a break and we acknowledged that, but they were so generous in letting us take photos – it was a real highlight for us.’
While staff tried to leave the prime minister to have his dinner in peace, he did have a small chat with Ms Grant and her partner James Hendry before they left.
‘He’s just had one week off and he said that’s all he’ll get until probably next year,’ she said.
Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon are pictured, back left and right, with restaurant owners Lisa Grant and James Hendry
Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon posed for photos at the end of the meal with excited staff members (pictured)
Ministers normally have the opportunity to go on holidays during the holiday period in December.
Mr Albanese’s statement about potentially not getting another break until 2025 could signal that there will be an early election, or he may call the election this year and be in campaign-mode by the December holidays.
The next federal election is due by May 2025.
Daily Mail Australia political editor Peter van Onselen previously revealed the PM could call an election as early as August 31, which means he would have to announce it by the last weekend of July.
However, a potential mid-August rate rise could be a reason to stall the announcement.
Meanwhile, in Palm Cove, Ms Grant couldn’t remember what Mr Albanese ordered, but she did note he didn’t order drinks.
‘He’s got a tough job,’ she said.
‘I was so excited and so were all the guests – only one went up to him but no on else did, and we tried to give him a table in a more private area.
Anthony Albanese is pictured with restaurant staff while holidaying in Palm Cove on Saturday
‘We have a lot of backpackers work for us so it was a bit special – they were very excited.’
Ms Grant said she and Mr Hendry bought the business last August and they were thrilled to have a high-profile guest.
‘Hats off to him – he went to another local business another night and went to the local tavern to watch the footy – they’re just normal people.’
His sense of holiday calm was quickly interrupted on Monday when he called a hasty press conference to respond to US President Joe Biden dropping his bid for re-election.
‘I’ve tried to have a couple of days off, and here I am at a press conference on Monday,’ Mr Albanese told journalists in Cairns, grimacing.
‘Might I say that the Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has been given a bit of an easy time by the fact that I’m standing up here as a result of President Biden’s announcement.
‘I will be on leave until Wednesday, although here I am at a press conference.’
A clip of Mr Albanese’s response was posted on X by the Aus Integrity account.
‘It can’t possibly get worse than this can it?,’ the user asked.
Mr Albanese was forced to call a press conference during his holiday when US President Joe Biden stepped down as the Democratic presidential nominee (pictured)
‘Prime Minister Albo has a press conference to tell people he’s had to come in whilst on holidays to have a presser.
‘Zero credit Albo, the rest of the country works on their days off and do unpaid overtime.’
Many of the replies were equally unimpressed by the Prime Minister’s irritation.
‘Honestly this is pathetic,’ one person wrote.
‘They barely work a full year and standing in front of microphones is bringing him undone? Once a union worker always a union worker.’
‘Bring out the violin,’ another commented.
‘We actually don’t want to hear from you so go on extended leave.’
‘Give the bloke a medal. A true champ. I nearly cried,’ was another sarcastic response.
