Anthony Albanese defends decision not to attend Garma Festival
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing criticism for skipping the annual Garma Festival, despite a previous commitment to attend every year of his premiership. He defended his absence by citing a lack of personal leave and plans to visit another remote Northern Territory location instead.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the political pressure on the Prime Minister regarding his engagement with Indigenous affairs and the scrutiny of his public promises.
Anthony Albanese vowed to attend the festival every year for as long as he remained prime minister. ( ABC News: Che Chorley )
Anthony Albanese will not attend the Garma Festival this month despite a promise he made last year.
Senior ministers will attend and Mr Albanese says he will be at another festival in the NT in the coming days.
The Garma Festival commences on July 31 and will run for four days.
Link copied Share Share article Anthony Albanese has defended breaking his promise to attend the Garma Festival every year, stating he hasn't "had a day off all year".
At last year's event Mr Albanese vowed to attend the country's largest Indigenous gathering for as long as he remained prime minister.
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