A photograph from a superannuation roundtable, initially posted on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's X account, was later deleted, sparking criticism and theories that the government was attempting to conceal its ties to wealthy business figures. The post, which included images from an Australian Financial Review and Visy roundtable attended by billionaire businessman Anthony Pratt, also showed Albanese seated near former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
The deleted post featured Albanese's caption, "Thanks for having me at the Australian Financial Review-Visy Super roundtable." However, sources claim the post was removed due to a misspelling of the word "roundtable" as "Rountable." Similar posts with correct spelling remain active on the Prime Minister's Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Former Liberal MP Craig Kelly, who has since left the party, alleged the post was removed in response to public backlash and to conceal the government's relationship with wealthy individuals. Kelly stated on X that the post had "vanished, disappeared, censored, straight down the memory hole," accusing the "rotten, lying Albanese regime" of attempting to cover up its "cosy relationship with the billionaire class."
Kelly also highlighted Daniel Andrews' connection to Visy, referencing reports that Andrews receives an annual retainer of $100,000 for strategic advice to the company, and that Anthony Pratt provided Andrews with this role. "It stinks to high heaven," Kelly commented.
The roundtable itself drew attention after Albanese described Australia's superannuation sector as a "national asset" and encouraged super funds to increase their involvement in financing nation-building projects. "There is a real potential to see these funds as a national asset that can be used more appropriately and get better returns as well, not just for individuals and for retirees, but for the nation," Albanese remarked.
These comments prompted criticism from some business leaders and the Coalition, who argued that superannuation funds should prioritize delivering returns for their members. Westpac CEO Anthony Miller advised against government interference in the superannuation system. "One thing I would call out is: don't touch the super complex, don't direct it, don't tell it where to go," Miller stated.
The Coalition, led by Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, seized upon Albanese's remarks, demanding clarification on the government's intentions for retirement savings. Taylor asserted, "It is very clear that there is a plan to raid Australians' super. The truth is, when Labor runs out of money, they come after yours." He further accused the government of intending to privatize pensions and transfer them to industry and union super funds.
Taylor pointed to past policy shifts, including changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount in the last federal budget, as evidence of the government's willingness to alter long-standing policies. "Anthony Albanese needs to explain what his plan is," Taylor said. "Superannuation is Australians' money and [The Coalition] will always respect that."
Neither Prime Minister Albanese nor his office has officially commented on the reason for the social media post's removal.