Albanese Condemns Mark Latham as ‘Repulsive,’ Discusses Xi Jinping Meeting

Download IPFS

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has branded former Australian Labor Party (ALP) leader Mark Latham’s views “repulsive,” while revealing details of his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This article explores Albanese’s sharp rebuke of Latham, the decision to retain his portrait in Parliament House, and the diplomatic nuances of his China visit, highlighting tensions in Australia’s foreign and domestic priorities.

In a 21 July 2025 interview with ABC’s 7.30, Albanese expressed regret over Latham’s 2003–2005 leadership of the ALP, calling his views “repulsive across a range of areas” (ABC News, 21 July 2025). Latham, expelled from the ALP in 2017, faces allegations of domestic violence by ex-partner Nathalie Matthews, which he denies, claiming no laws were broken (ABC News, 21 July 2025). The ALP caucus voted to keep Latham’s portrait in its Parliament House room but added a note condemning his behaviour: “In 2017, Mark Latham was expelled from the Australian Labor Party and banned for life. His actions do not accord with Labor values and failed to meet the standards we expect and demand” (Sydney Morning Herald, 21 July 2025). Albanese, who backed Kim Beazley in the 2003 leadership contest, lamented Latham’s election, citing his role in Labor’s 2004 election loss to John Howard (ABC News, 21 July 2025).

Simultaneously, Albanese discussed his 15 July 2025 meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing, describing it as “very constructive” (Associated Press, 15 July 2025). He raised concerns about China’s naval exercises in the Tasman Sea, which disrupted commercial flights, and reiterated Australia’s stance on maintaining the Taiwan Strait status quo (Queanbeyan Age, 15 July 2025). Albanese also addressed the detention of Australian writer Yang Hengjun, facing a suspended death sentence, but noted no immediate resolution was expected (The Examiner, 15 July 2025). Xi emphasised mutual cooperation, with China’s state media portraying the meeting as a signal of goodwill (ABC News, 19 July 2025).

The dual focus on Latham’s controversy and China diplomacy underscores Albanese’s challenge: navigating domestic criticism while managing relations with Australia’s largest trading partner. Critics have questioned the ALP’s priorities, amplifying public scepticism about its leadership (21 July 2025). As global tensions rise, Albanese’s balancing act faces intense scrutiny.