Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered an emotional defense of his late mother after politician Pauline Hanson reignited criticism of his upbringing, stating the remarks were "nasty" and "spiteful."
The exchange centers on comments Hanson made earlier this year about Albanese's references to growing up in public housing with his single mother in Sydney. Hanson questioned why Albanese's mother remained in public housing for decades, suggesting it should be a temporary solution.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Albanese mounted a passionate defense of his mother, Maryanne Ellery, who raised him as a single parent while managing serious health problems. Albanese stated that his mother's life was characterized by courage and sacrifice.
"She was someone who made the courageous decision in 1963 to keep a child out of wedlock, who is now the Prime Minister of Australia," Albanese said. "She was compassionate, not uncaring. She was generous, not mean. And she was kind, not nasty. She was a person of great character."
Albanese recalled his mother working overnight cleaning offices in Sydney while raising him during the day, despite living with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis. He described her as a "battler" who never complained and was highly respected in her community.
"I grew up in a community that looked after each other. It was the opposite of being elite," he added. "She never complained, she never denigrated anyone. She respected everyone."