Federal Election 2025: Leadership Matters Q and A with Anthony Albanese

Anthony Albanese has provided some revealing answers during a picture-led question and answer session.

Peppered with a series of images at The West Australian’s Leadership Matters breakfast on Thursday, the Prime Minister was asked what word first came to mind.

When a picture of Kevin Rudd popped up, Mr Albanese said “ambassador”.

Pressed by host Ben Harvey “for how long?”, the Prime Minister said the work Mr Rudd had done as US ambassador in relation to critical minerals was ”extraordinary”.

“You know, we need to value people who’ve made a contribution in public life if they want to continue to do so.”

Asked about an image of popular WA Premier Roger Cook, Mr Albanese said: “Friend”.

“We actually realised the other day we’ve known each other since 1984 which is more than 40 years. We must have known each other since kindergarten,” he says.

SEE THE FULL Q AND A IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

On TV personality and newly elected WA Liberal leader Basil Zempilas, he said: “Tall is one thing.”

“I’m trying to be polite here,” he laughed.

But on the topic of the potential of Mr Zempilas being premier, he was firmer.

“That’s unlikely, he struggled to get his seat,” Mr Albanese said.

His view on Peter Dutton and Angus Taylor was also probed when asked if he had to be stuck on a desert island with one of them who would he pick.

“Oh gee. I think I’d probably pick Peter...because, uh, you know I can have, I’ve had personal one-on-one conversations with him.

“We can chat about things from time to time in confidence. That’s important. I don’t really have a relationship with Angus. I don’t really know him.”