PM Issues Apology Over Kylie Minogue Podcast Remarks

The apology comes after Anthony Albanese participated in a game of “shag, marry or date” during a podcast with comedian Nikki Osborne on July 3.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 1, 2026. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised after making comments during a podcast appearance about pop star Kylie Minogue that drew criticism from across the political spectrum.

Albanese appeared on a podcast episode released on July 3 with comedian Nikki Osborne, who asked him to play a game of “shag, marry or date”, choosing between Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman and Rhonda Burchmore.

“I’ve just got married. I’m only 6 months in,” the prime minister said in response to the question.

When the host pressed about what if his marriage went “tits up”, Albanese responded: “Oh, Kylie, clearly.”

“You’d marry Kylie? And shag her? And date her?” Osborne further asked.

Albanese went on to say he would choose Minogue for “all of the above”, adding she was terrific.

On July 6, the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement in which Albanese said: “I apologise unequivocally for the comments.”

Responses Across the Political Spectrum

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles defended Albanese, arguing the comments should be viewed in the context of a light-hearted podcast rather than as a reflection of his character.

“The prime minister has apologised unequivocally, so that’s the first point to make,” Marles told ABC Radio on July 6.

He added the Albanese’s podcast appearance was different to the interviews that politicians normally have, raising the government’s track record for pushing for gender equity in parliament.

Marles’ comments were echoed by Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek.

“What the prime minister is saying is that he’s a fan of Kylie Minogue,” she told Sunrise program.

“I guess that puts him in a group with millions of other Australians, including me.”

Shadow Environment Minister Andrew Bragg said it was good that the prime minister apologised, but noted that the comments were “beneath his office.”

One Nation Senator Barnaby Joyce also said Albanese’s comments were “a little bit below him.”

Meanwhile, Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson condemned Albanese, saying his comments were disrespectful towards women and demeaned the office of the prime minister.

“Rather than politely decline to engage, Mr. Albanese got into the gutter with his grubby remarks which show extremely poor judgement at a time when trust in Labor is collapsing,” she said on X.

“Mr. Albanese’s crude locker room talk makes a mockery of Labor’s claim to be champions of women.”