Anthony Albxjmtzywanese has denied he’s taken a page out of Grace Tame’s book after an awkward encounter with the Prime Minister.
Both men marked Australia Day by attending the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony in Canberra on Wednesday.
But when Scott Morrison extended his hand to greet Mr Albanese, he refused to shake it.
Asked later by reporters if the move was a “deliberate stunt”, the Labor leader played down the snub.
“I haven’t shaken anyone‘s hand today, and the health advice is not to shake hands,” Mr Albanese said.
He also refused to be drawn on the now-infamous standoff between Ms Tame and the Prime Minister.
“Grace Tame doesn’t need my advice. And she doesn’t need, with respect, your advice, either,” Mr Albanese said.
“Grace Tame is a courageous Australian. I think she did a great job as the Australian of the Year.
“I’m sure Dylan Alcott will also do a great job as the Australian of the Year.”
Pictures of the frosty meeting between Ms Tame and Mr Morrison at a morning tea for the Australian of the Year finalists went viral on Tuesday
An unsmiling Ms Tame refused to make eye contact with the Prime Minister during a handshake, and posed beside him looking uncomfortable and unimpressed.
The Prime Minister ducked questioning about the icy pictures as he left the Australia Day event.
“Today I’m just absolutely thrilled to be an Australian, as all Australians are, and I wish everyone a great day with their family and friends,” he said told reporters.
Later that evening, Mr Albanese took no time to stick the boot into his opponent, posting a happy snap with the beaming former Australian of the Year at the 2022 awards ceremony.
“The extraordinary 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame,” he wrote on Facebook.
Ms Tame also shared a picture of her talking with Mr Albanese, taken by the 2021 Young Australian of the Year Isobel Marshall, to her story.
“In fantastic company,” Ms Marshall’s caption said, accompanied by a love heart eye emoji.
