Comedian Dave Hughes has publicly accused Peter FitzSimons of ghosting him after the author did not respond to Hughes' comments regarding Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the state of the nation's politics.
The exchange began on social media when FitzSimons agreed with a user's prediction about Pauline Hanson's declining support due to her association with British activist Tommy Robinson. Hughes used the post as an opportunity to argue that corruption has become Australia's most significant political issue.
Hughes wrote on FitzSimons' post, "Pete the corruption has to stop mate. It's too much. Honest people are going out of business all over Oz and the criminals are thriving." He referenced allegations that organized crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union, with investigations indicating extortion, violence, and inflated project costs due to bribery.
Hughes also expressed his disappointment with Prime Minister Albanese, stating, "You know I was an Albo man but that election deception blew my mind and then I had a good look. We gotta change the way we govern."
After not receiving a public reply, Hughes posted again, questioning FitzSimons' silence. "Pete why no response?" he asked. "You know I'm a reasonable person. I've helped promote you many times over my media career, I've played tennis on your court many times, we have had great chats. If you don't think there's an issue with corruption, convince me. I don't give a f*** who is in power, but the stealing has to stop. Tell us why you don't agree."
Hughes further questioned FitzSimons' friendship with Albanese, adding, "@albomp is one of your best mates. How could he let this happen?" He identified himself as a "lifetime Labor voter" whose "eyes have been opened to the scale of corruption," asserting that "@australianlabor and @victorianlabor have been corrupted, and if they continue in power, everyone apart from criminals, will suffer greatly."
Hughes has been a vocal critic of the Albanese government since the May budget, particularly targeting changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax. He has accused the government of lying to Australia, causing significant financial loss and impacting the housing market. Hughes described the government as "idiots" who treat public money irresponsibly, pointing to the nation's $1 trillion debt and the government's perceived extravagant spending.
He also criticized a first homebuyer scheme, suggesting that non-citizens who do not renounce their original citizenship can access Australian funds to purchase property. Hughes stated, "I am happy for you to stay here, or if you want to go home you can go home, but you are not getting our money to buy houses here… that's insane."