Shag, marry, date: Australian PM apologises after row over Kylie Minogue comment
The controversy arose from the Australian PM's appearance on a podcast when he was asked to play a version of the "shag, marry, date" game featuring Kylie Minogue, actor Nicole Kidman and entertainer Rhonda Burchmore.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised after remarks he made about pop icon Kylie Minogue on a comedy podcast triggered a political backlash, with opposition leaders, independent MPs and women's groups accusing him of displaying poor judgment and reigniting debate over the standards expected of public office holders.
The controversy arose from Albanese's appearance on comedian Nikki Osborne's Bush Deep podcast, released on July 2.
During the interview, Osborne asked the Prime Minister to play a version of the "shag, marry, date" game featuring three prominent Australian women — Minogue, actor Nicole Kidman and entertainer Rhonda Burchmore.
Albanese initially tried to avoid the question, noting that he had recently married his wife, Jodie Haydon.
After repeated prompting, however, he chose Minogue. When Osborne asked if that meant he would marry, date and sleep with the singer, Albanese replied: "All of the above. She's terrific."
Another moment from the interview also drew attention after Osborne jokingly asked whether he and Haydon were still "bonking like rabbits" — an Australian slang expression referring to an active sex life.
Albanese laughed and responded, "Well, you know, when we have time," before adding that a win for his favourite rugby league team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, was "always a good aphrodisiac."
The remarks quickly drew criticism across the political spectrum, prompting Albanese to issue an apology, saying he regretted participating in the exchange and acknowledging that his comments had caused offence.
The remarks quickly drew criticism from politicians and women’s groups, who said they were inappropriate and beneath the office of Prime Minister. Critics argued that national leaders should challenge, rather than participate in, conversations that objectify women or trivialise public office.
As criticism mounted, Albanese issued a public apology on Monday. “I apologise unequivocally for the comments,” he said in a brief statement released by his office.
Among those condemning the remarks was Zali Steggall of the newly formed Community Strong Australia party.She criticised Albanese’s participation in the segment, telling The Australian that a prime minister should not take part in such a game. She argued that Albanese should have pushed back against the question and set an example by calling out what she described as sexist behaviour.
Opposition Senator Sarah Henderson accused Albanese of undermining the dignity of his office, saying his comments were disrespectful towards women and embarrassing for Australians. In a social media post, the Victorian senator criticised what she described as the prime minister’s “whisky-fueled” remarks and said he had lowered himself by engaging in such conversation.
Fellow opposition senator Maria Kovacic also criticised the episode, describing it as a poor lapse in judgment. Speaking to Sky News Australia, she said the controversy was an unnecessary distraction at a time when public attention should be focused on more significant national issues.
Albanese, who married his partner, Jodie Haydon, in November 2025 and became Australia’s first prime minister to marry while in office, received support from senior figures within the governing Labor Party. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles pointed to the government’s record on gender equality, while Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek suggested the comments reflected admiration for one of Australia’s most recognisable entertainers rather than any intent to offend.
Minogue has not publicly responded to the controversy. The episode has nevertheless fuelled a wider discussion about the balance politicians must strike between appearing relatable and maintaining the decorum expected of the country’s highest elected office.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised after remarks he made about pop icon Kylie Minogue on a comedy podcast triggered a political backlash, with opposition leaders, independent MPs and women's groups accusing him of displaying poor judgment and reigniting debate over the standards expected of public office holders.
The controversy arose from Albanese's appearance on comedian Nikki Osborne's Bush Deep podcast, released on July 2.
During the interview, Osborne asked the Prime Minister to play a version of the "shag, marry, date" game featuring three prominent Australian women — Minogue, actor Nicole Kidman and entertainer Rhonda Burchmore.
Albanese initially tried to avoid the question, noting that he had recently married his wife, Jodie Haydon.
After repeated prompting, however, he chose Minogue. When Osborne asked if that meant he would marry, date and sleep with the singer, Albanese replied: "All of the above. She's terrific."
Another moment from the interview also drew attention after Osborne jokingly asked whether he and Haydon were still "bonking like rabbits" — an Australian slang expression referring to an active sex life.
Albanese laughed and responded, "Well, you know, when we have time," before adding that a win for his favourite rugby league team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, was "always a good aphrodisiac."
The remarks quickly drew criticism across the political spectrum, prompting Albanese to issue an apology, saying he regretted participating in the exchange and acknowledging that his comments had caused offence.
The remarks quickly drew criticism from politicians and women’s groups, who said they were inappropriate and beneath the office of Prime Minister. Critics argued that national leaders should challenge, rather than participate in, conversations that objectify women or trivialise public office.
As criticism mounted, Albanese issued a public apology on Monday. “I apologise unequivocally for the comments,” he said in a brief statement released by his office.
Among those condemning the remarks was Zali Steggall of the newly formed Community Strong Australia party.She criticised Albanese’s participation in the segment, telling The Australian that a prime minister should not take part in such a game. She argued that Albanese should have pushed back against the question and set an example by calling out what she described as sexist behaviour.
Opposition Senator Sarah Henderson accused Albanese of undermining the dignity of his office, saying his comments were disrespectful towards women and embarrassing for Australians. In a social media post, the Victorian senator criticised what she described as the prime minister’s “whisky-fueled” remarks and said he had lowered himself by engaging in such conversation.
Fellow opposition senator Maria Kovacic also criticised the episode, describing it as a poor lapse in judgment. Speaking to Sky News Australia, she said the controversy was an unnecessary distraction at a time when public attention should be focused on more significant national issues.
Albanese, who married his partner, Jodie Haydon, in November 2025 and became Australia’s first prime minister to marry while in office, received support from senior figures within the governing Labor Party. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles pointed to the government’s record on gender equality, while Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek suggested the comments reflected admiration for one of Australia’s most recognisable entertainers rather than any intent to offend.
Minogue has not publicly responded to the controversy. The episode has nevertheless fuelled a wider discussion about the balance politicians must strike between appearing relatable and maintaining the decorum expected of the country’s highest elected office.
