Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former prime minister Tony Abbott at the unveiling of the latter’s portrait.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
Speaking at the unveiling of the portrait of former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott to be hung in Parliament House,Albanese described Abbott as a man who continued to contribute to public life after being unseated in 2019 by volunteering as a lifesaver and a firefighter.
Despite their differences in politics,Albanese said,“you have my respect”.
“Privately,as you know,we discuss things probably more than some of your colleagues would want to know,but we do,and I appreciate ... the advice you’ve given me as a former prime minister,as other prime ministers do as well,” he said.
Abbott,who lost his northern Sydney seat of Warringah to independent Zali Steggall in 2019,said the occasion was akin to the valedictory speech he’d never had the chance to give.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott unveils his portrait with artist Johannes Leak.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
He said the portrait would be the third likeness of him in the building after photos in the ministerial wing and Liberal Party room,adding wryly,Albanese would be honoured with his own portrait as a former prime minister “soon enough”.
Speaking to a packed audience of politicians from both houses,Abbott honoured Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and the man he took the reins from,Morrison,who were both watching on.