Anthony Albanese has criticised the idea of a new national holiday to celebrate Australia’s historic Olympic gold medal.
The prime minister was questioned on Thursday morning about whether a day off would be set aside to celebrate the country’s unprecedented sporting success at the Paris Olympics.
Sunrise presenter Matt Shirvington, who competed at the Sydney Games in 2000, asked Mr Albanese: ‘A national holiday, is that on the cards? Could this be the new date for Australia Day?’
However, the Labour leader’s response is likely to come as a disappointment to workers across the country.
“I think you have to negotiate days off with your management,” Mr Albanese said, laughing off the suggestion.
He added: ‘There are undoubtedly a lot of Australians who will be quite tired after the last few weeks, because they have been so involved with our athletes.’
Australian athletes made Olympic history with 18 gold, 12 silver and 11 bronze medals, with the total number of medals won as of Thursday morning at 41.
Anthony Albanese has poured cold water on the idea of a new national holiday to celebrate Australia’s historic Olympic gold medal
The prime minister was asked on Thursday morning whether there would be a day off to celebrate the country’s sporting success at the Paris Games (Photo: Ariarne Titmus)
The gold medals won at the Paris Games are greater than the 17 gold medals won in Tokyo in 2021 and Athens in 2004.
It is not uncommon for a national holiday to be held to honor athletic achievements.
Last year, Mr Albanese backed calls for a national holiday if the Matildas won the Women’s World Cup, which they eventually lost to England in the semi-finals.
However, Albanian praised the Olympic athletes and their incredible efforts.
“I’ll tell you, it’s a fantastic achievement. And they’ve brought joy, excitement and pride to every Australian,” Mr Albanese said.
He added: ‘It’s quite something to win in such a wide variety of sports, and to be able to do it in one night, and then also to be able to start pole vaulting, sailing, cycling and skating. I’m sure they’ll get such a warm welcome back home.
“I had a Zoom call with many of them a few days ago.”
Mr Albanese shared the two-minute clip on his X account on Tuesday, in which he congratulated Kyle Chalmers, Shayna Jack and Caitlin Parker on their amazing performances in Paris.
However, the Australians were not impressed by the ‘publicity stunt’ and described the interaction as ’embarrassing’.
“Not as embarrassing as watching you dance at a Taylor Swift concert, but close,” someone said on X.
“He always makes it about himself,” said a second X user.
Australia currently ranks third in terms of gold medals won after the twelfth day of the Games.
The United States and China rank first and second, with 27 and 25 gold medals respectively.