Anthony Albanese has poured cold water on the idea of a new public holiday to celebrate Australia’s historic Olympic gold medal tally.
The Prime Minister was quizzed on Thursday morning about whether there would be a day off to celebrate the country’s unprecedented sporting success at the Paris games.
Sunrise host Matt Shirvington, who competed at the Sydney 2000 Games, asked Mr Albanese: ‘A national public holiday, is that on the cards? Could this be the new date for Australia Day potentially?’
However, the Labor leader’s response will likely disappoint workers across the country.
‘I think your days off are ones to negotiate with your management,’ Mr Albanese said, as he laughed off the suggestion.
He added: ‘Certainly there are many Australians who will be pretty tired after the last couple of weeks because they have been engaged with our athletes.’
Australia’s athletes have made all-time Olympic history with 18 golds, 12 silver and 11 bronze medals — taking the tally to 41 medals as of Thursday morning.
Anthony Albanese has poured cold water on the idea of a new public holiday to celebrate Australia’s historic Olympic gold medal tally
The Prime Minister was quizzed on Thursday morning about whether there would be a day off to celebrate the country’s sporting success at the Paris games (pictured, Ariarne Titmus)
The Paris Games haul has overtaken the 17 golds won in both Tokyo in 2021 and the Athens Games, in 2004.
A public holiday to honour athletic achievement is not unprecedented.
Last year, Mr Albanese backed calls for a public holiday if the Matildas won the Women’s World Cup. They ended up losing to England in the semi-final.
However, Albanese did praise the Olympic athletes and their incredible effort.
‘I tell you what, it is a fantastic achievement. And they have brought joy, excitement, and pride to every Australian,’ Mr Albanese said.
He added: ‘To win in such a wide variety of sports as well overnight to wake-up to pole-vaulting, to sailing, cycling and skating, is quite remarkable, and I’m sure they will get such a huge welcome home.
‘I had the opportunity to have a Zoom call with many of them a couple of days ago.’
Mr Albanese shared the the two-minute clip to his X account on Tuesday, in which he congratulated Kyle Chalmers, Shayna Jack and Caitlin Parker for their amazing performances in Paris.
But Aussies were left unimpressed by the ‘publicity stunt’, describing the interaction as ‘cringeworthy’.
‘Not quite as cringeworthy as watching you dance at the Taylor swift concert but very close,’ one person said on X.
‘Always makes it about himself,’ said a second X user.
Australia is currently sitting in third place in terms of the number of gold medals won after day 12 of the Games.
The United States and China are in first and second place, with 27 and 25 golds respectively.
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