Anthony Albanese blows up at reporter asking if an Aussie will be on the $5 note: ‘Bit of respect’
The Prime Minister has blasted a reporter who asked him if he would like to see an Australian replace The Queen on the $5 note in the wake of Her Majesty’s death.
Anthony Albanese expressed frustration during a press conference on Tuesday at what he seemed to think was a trivial question.
‘I’m speaking about a funeral that will take place of Queen Elizabeth II next Monday – and I’m being asked a question about a replacement on the $5 note.
‘I think this is a time for a bit of respect is required.
‘And, you know, we will deal with these issues appropriately, in an orderly way, in a way that is respectful – so, I have not turned my attention towards that matter.’
Anthony Albanese (pictured) exploded at a reporter who dared ask him a question on Monday, calling for ‘a bit of respect’
Queen Elizabeth’s death after 70 years on the throne heralds a raft of changes that will come into place in Australia, with the country’s coins set to bear the new king’s face.
But some Aussies have flocked online to demand famous Australians instead be memorialised on the country’s legal tender when the printing press kicks into gear.
‘Time to replace Queen Elizabeth’s face on cash with Steve Irwin or Heath Ledger, I reckon,’ one woman Tweeted.
Earlier, Mr Albanese was called out live on radio over a bizarre ramble about next week’s public holiday on September 22 to mourn the Queen.
Asked by Ben Fordham on 2GB to explain how the holiday wouldn’t result in long-booked hospital appointments being cancelled, Mr Albanese tripped over himself.
Some Aussies want Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin to be inscribed on the $5 note instead of the new king. Pictured is a mock up of a $5 note with Steve Irwin’s face on it
‘The day after in Melbourne, for the Melbourne doctors … is a public holiday because it’s the day before the AFL grand final,’ he said.
Fordham interrupted to ask ‘So what does that mean?’, and then the Prime Minister stumbled on.
‘Well think about, the AFL grand final happens every year, they have a day off every year … on the Friday before,’ he said, before finally forming a coherent sentence.
King Charles III will be printed on Australia’s $5 note and on the nation’s coins as he ascends the throne
The announcement of the Thursday public holiday to commemorate the Queens Victorians will get a four-day holiday as they already have the following day off for the ALF grand final.
‘This is a one in 70 year event and I’m sure that these issues, with a bit of common sense can be worked through,’ the PM said.
‘If someone needs chemotherapy on that specific day of course they should receive it.’
Some Australians want Steve Irwin (pictured with baby crocodile) to replace the Queen on the $5 note