He is touted as ‘hero of multicultural’ Australia and has emerged as icon of sorts considering his humble beginnings. Here is Anthony Albanese, the new Prime Minister of Australia.
After becoming the PM of Australia with “non-Anglo Celtic name” in the country’s 121 years of electoral history, Albanese reportedly in his speech said: "It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mum who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing, can stand before you tonight as Australia's prime minister”.
According to AP, 59-year-old Albanese was born on March 1963 in Darlinghurst— suburb of Sydney in Australia, to an Irish-Australian mother and an Italian father.
Albanese was the first in his family to attend university, where he studied economics.
Australian PM Albanese's political career:
It was at the university, Albanese joined student politics.
At the age of 22, Albanese was elected president of Young Labor party. He also worked as a research officer under Bob Hawke, Labor's longest-serving prime minister.
It was in 1966 that Albanese entered Australian parliament as his Labor party began the first of two decade-long periods in opposition.
In 2007, when Albanese’s Labor party came back to power in Australia, he proactively tried to reconcile disagreements in the party. It was in the period 2007 to 2013, Albanese gained a lot of reputation in the party.
PM Narendra Modi congratulates new Aussie PM Albanese
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated newly elected Australian PM Anthony Albanese. PM Modi said India looks forward to working towards further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
New Australian PM Anthony Albanese no stranger to India
Australia’s Ambassador to India Barry O'Farrell following Anthony Albanese victory said he is no stranger to India.
O’ Farrell said Australia’s Prime Minister-elect is no stranger to India having travelled the country as a backpacker in 1991.
He added Albanese also led a parliamentary delegation in 2018.
Farrell also added Albanese is interested in deepening ties with India.
Dalai Lama congratulates Australian PM Anthony Albanese
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has written to Australian Prime Minister-elect Anthony Albanese congratulating him on his party’s victory in the elections there.
"Beginning with my first visit to Australia in 1982, I have had the privilege to visit your beautiful country quite regularly, mostly at the invitation of educational institutions and organisations committed to peace. I have been deeply touched by the openness and warmth of people from all walks of life," the Dalai Lama said in the letter.
"I have been encouraged by enthusiastic interest many have shown in my efforts to promote basic human values such as kindness, tolerance and forgiveness, as well as inter-religious harmony," he said.
The Dalai Lama said Tibetans have been honoured to enjoy the support of Australian people and their leaders in their effort to preserve the Buddhist cultural heritage.
"Its principles of non-violence and compassion have the potential to help individuals find peace of mind and contribute to peace in the world," he said. The Dalai Lama wished Albanese success in challenges in front of him.
(With inputs from agencies)
