Aussie Councillor Who Praised Russia’s Putin on State Television Criticised for ‘Regrettable Commentary’

‘The world has never seen such a transparent and comprehensive victory,’ the Port Hedland Councillor said.
Aussie Councillor Who Praised Russia’s Putin on State Television Criticised for ‘Regrettable Commentary’
Russian President and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin meets with the media at his campaign headquarters in Moscow on March 18, 2024. Natalia Kolesnikova/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
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The comments by a Port Hedland councillor who praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for a recent election win on Russian state television have been described as “regrettable” and counter to the interests of a small Aussie mining town.

Adrian McRae was invited by the Russian government to travel to Moscow as an “independent” election observer, even before he held any official role. He was only sworn in as a councillor on his return to Australia.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.