Anthony Albanese has briefly fronted the cameras before boarding his plane to Perth, heading off criticism of his slow return to campaign duties.
The Labor leader, who is travelling to Western Australia with his partner Jodie Haydon ahead of the party’s official campaign launch on Sunday, paid tribute to his “team” in an impromptu press conference lasting only a few minutes late this morning.
Earlier, Shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers was forced to defend his leader’s absence while fielding questions from journalists in Sydney.
Albanese participated in breakfast television interviews on Friday morning but did not take part in the Labor press conference, which featured Chalmers and Kristina Keneally.
“What we’ve seen is shadow ministers right across the country, portraying Labor’s position [that] we have a plan for a better future,” Albanese said before heading across to Perth.
He said his isolation had shown “the strength of Labor’s team” in contrast with the “divided” Coalition and that the Opposition party was “ready for government”.
“My shadow cabinet will be out there each and every day of the campaign,” Albanese said.
“We have a coordinated schedule making sure that Labor’s message is got gotten out to every city, to every region, every town.“