Kylie podcast remarks: Albanese apologises

Australian PM Anthony Albanese apologised “unequivocally” on Monday for comments made during a light-hearted podcast interview in which he played a “shag, marry, date” game involving Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman and Rhonda Burchmore.

Appearing on comedian Nikki Osborne’s Bush Deep podcast, Albanese initially resisted the question, saying he had been married for only six months. After further prompting, he nominated Kylie for all three categories, describing her as “terrific”.

His office later issued a one-line statement: “I apologise unequivocally for the comments.”

The remarks drew criticism from independent MP Zali Steggall and Liberal shadow minister Sarah Henderson, who reportedly described them as inappropriate, disrespectful to women and unbecoming of the office of PM.

Labor ministers defended Albanese, with Tanya Pliber­sek highlighting his record on gender equality. Acting PM Richard Marles said Albanese had apologised and pointed to the government’s achievements, including gender parity in Cabinet and a record-low gender pay gap.

Albanese was in Fiji on Monday for talks with PM Sitiveni Rabuka.