Podcast Summary
Podcast: The Morning Edition (Inside Politics Special Episode)
Episode: Anthony Albanese interview: Police prayer disruption at Herzog protest needs ‘full explanation’
Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Jacqueline Maley, with Paul Sakkal
Guest: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Overview
This special episode features an in-depth interview with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, held shortly after a turbulent period in federal and international politics. The conversation covers the internal turmoil within the opposition, fallout from the Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit, national security, ongoing community tensions around the Middle Eastern conflict, reflections on the government’s response to the Bondi terrorist attack, and looming questions about the upcoming federal budget, particularly on social and economic policy.
The tone is candid and at times pointed; Albanese reflects on political realities and his government’s stance, while fielding direct questioning from Maley and Sakkal.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Political Turmoil within the Opposition
[00:26 – 03:10]
- Albanese critiques the state of the opposition, describing it as the “worst he’s seen” in his political career.
- Draws a contrast between Labor’s past mistakes (internal focus) and the current dysfunction of the Liberal/National parties.
- Attributes One Nation’s polling improvement to Liberal/National disunity.
- Quote (Albanese, 02:16):
“The Liberals don't like each other, the Nationals don't like each other and the Liberals don't like the Nationals. As a result, One Nation have seen their polling increase substantially.”
2. The Isaac Herzog Visit and Imported Tensions
[03:10 – 10:59]
- Purpose of the Visit: Albanese highlights the primary reason for President Herzog’s Australian trip as comfort for those grieving after the Bondi attack, noting Herzog is not a member of the Netanyahu government.
- Imported conflict: Acknowledges the “hurt” in both Jewish and Muslim communities following demonstrations and disrupted prayers.
- Government Stance: Reiterates Australia’s backing of a two-state solution and empathy for all sides hurt by Middle Eastern conflict.
- Quote (Albanese, 05:39):
“You can have a strong position on the Middle East... but you can also empathise and understand the Jewish community are really hurting in Australia... It doesn't mean you can't reach out as Australians in what has been a very difficult time.” - Emphasizes need for more empathy and kindness in national debates.
- Critiques slogans like “from the river to the sea” as harmful to peaceful resolution.
3. Protest Policing and Community Backlash
[10:59 – 14:08]
- Responding to criticism of policing during protests, Albanese distinguishes between protest leaders and peaceful participants.
- Backs the need for a “full explanation” about the police’s disruption of Muslim prayers, saying it’s a matter of significant concern.
- Outlines that some protest organizers refused suggested peaceful paths, contributing to tension.
- Notes personal experience of hostile protests targeting his electorate office.
- Quote (Albanese, 12:34):
“People need to have a right to practice their faith in peace... there has been a lot of disruption caused by the demonstrators... some of their behaviour does nothing to advance the Palestinian cause.”
4. Reflections on Antisemitism, Community Trauma and Political Response
[14:08 – 23:42]
- Albanese reflects on intense criticism endured after the Bondi massacre, both for (alleged) inaction and for his principled stance.
- Emphasizes the importance of “not politicizing tragedies”, referencing past national crises.
- Expresses commitment to national unity and safety over point-scoring.
- Quote (Albanese, 15:44):
“One thing that is very clear to me is that overwhelmingly Australians don’t want the conflict in the Middle East to continue. They also don’t want people to bring conflict here.” - Defends the approach to Royal Commission timing, stressing immediate priorities were public safety and intelligence assessments, and that criticisms sometimes lacked context.
5. Insights from Herzog and on Australia-Israel Relations
[23:42 – 26:39]
- Private Talks: Albanese declines to share private details of discussions with Herzog but notes their longstanding relationship.
- Suggests the visit was appropriate to show solidarity and comfort to the grieving, and counsels critics to consider the counterfactual had Australia denied Herzog’s visit.
- Quote (Albanese, 25:10):
“For those who say President Herzog should not have been allowed to come to Australia, can you imagine the message that would send to the world... particularly from the families at Bondi?”
6. Domestic Policy, Budget, and Economic Direction
[26:39 – 35:50]
- Focus this year is ongoing delivery on cost of living, future growth, strengthening international relations, and addressing productivity challenges.
- Reads out statistics on urgent care clinics, TAFE, and other programs.
- Repeatedly declines to be pinned on specific budget measures (capital gains tax, trusts, negative gearing), stating more details will come only once plans are finalized.
- Highlights “intergenerational equity” as a lens for policy.
- Emphasizes that housing issues are primarily about supply, not just tax settings.
- Quote (Albanese, 29:48):
“It’s [intergenerational equity] a lens that we put across everything... it’s why we had the 20% reduction in student debt... and free TAFE.” - Asserts that Labor is focused and orderly in budget planning, in contrast to the opposition.
- On spending restraint: $114 billion in identified saves; promises continued scrutiny and tight budgeting.
7. Leadership Crisis and Sexism in the Liberal Party
[35:50 – 41:06]
- Asked about Angus Taylor’s challenge to Susan Lee, Albanese characterizes Taylor as a “born to rule” figure and criticizes his inaction as Shadow Defence Minister.
- Portrays Taylor’s policy offering as vague and lacking substance.
- On Susan Lee: Asserts Lee hasn’t had a “fair crack,” hints at gender as a factor, and suggests Liberals are out of touch with modern Australia, especially on women’s issues.
- Quote (Albanese, 38:32):
“If you want to represent the Australian people, half are women... the Liberal Party have failed to modernise.” - Predicts the Liberal Party’s shift right is a misreading of electoral pressures.
8. Opposition Tactics and Political Climate
[41:06 – 43:23]
- Contrasts his government’s orderly, platform-driven style with the opposition’s focus on division and grievance.
- Asserts that adopting “One Nation light” tactics will backfire for the mainstream right.
- Quote (Albanese, 41:09):
“Our opponents... are good at identifying grievance and promoting division and trying to set Australian against Australian. But that's the One Nation agenda. If you’re going to be One Nation light, why not vote for the real thing?”
9. Critique of Coalition’s Timing and Sensitivity
[42:11 – 43:23]
- Albanese criticizes the opposition for poor choices of timing, such as leadership turmoil coinciding with national mourning or significant Indigenous reconciliation dates.
- Argues this approach jars with the wider public’s values.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “This is the worst I’ve seen... The Liberals don’t like each other, the Nationals don’t like each other, and the Liberals don’t like the Nationals.”
— Anthony Albanese, [02:16] - “You can have a strong position on the Middle East... but you can also empathise and understand the Jewish community are really hurting in Australia.”
— Anthony Albanese, [05:39] - “People need to have a right to practice their faith in peace...some of their behaviour does nothing to advance the Palestinian cause.”
— Anthony Albanese, [12:34] - “There needs to be nuance in this debate, and there’s too much anger.”
— Anthony Albanese, [14:46] - “If you want to represent the Australian people, half are women... the Liberal Party have failed to modernise.”
— Anthony Albanese, [38:32] - “Our opponents are good at identifying grievance and promoting division...If you’re going to be One Nation light, why not vote for the real thing?”
— Anthony Albanese, [41:09]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:26 – State of the Opposition & Labor reflection
- 03:10 – Herzog’s visit, imported conflict, social cohesion
- 10:59 – Policing of protests: condemnation and defence
- 14:08 – Reflections on antisemitism, Bondi, national response
- 19:02 – Royal Commission debate post-Bondi massacre
- 23:42 – Private insights from Herzog and relations
- 26:39 – Government priorities for 2026 and budget philosophy
- 35:50 – Angus Taylor/Susan Lee, gender and Liberal Party critique
- 41:06 – Opposition’s divisive politics vs Labor’s approach
- 42:11 – Critique of opposition’s timing/sensitivity
Final Thoughts
This episode offers a thorough snapshot of the Albanese government’s mindset as it faces fraught domestic and international challenges. The Prime Minister is frank on opposition failings, clear about his government’s “nuanced and principled” stance on foreign policy and community issues, and cautious but consistent on economic policy. The tone is adversarial regarding the opposition, but calls for empathy, unity, and practical problem-solving domestically. The hosts push for specifics, particularly on policy and budget, but Albanese largely sticks to broad commitments and process over specifics.
A rich listen for those following the intersection of domestic politics, multicultural Australia, and how global crises are reverberating locally.