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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Tom McIlroy Political editor

As Albanese celebrates 30 years in parliament, what would the leftwing warrior of 1996 think of today’s PM?

Labor Anthony Albanese Nathan Albanese Bob Hawke Bill Shorten IS Chris Wallace Coalition Doug Cameron Julia Gillard
Anthony Albanese, at the time the Opposition environment spokesman, displays a copy of The Economist magazine during House of Representatives question time in 2006.
Anthony Albanese, at the time the opposition environment spokesman, during question time in 2006. The Australian prime minister celebrates 30 years in parliament this week. Photograph: Alan Porritt/AAP

It’s a point of pride for Anthony Albanese that his supporters drank Marrickville’s Portugal Madeira Club dry on election night 1996.

Albanese’s arrival in parliament, 30 years ago on Monday, coincided with John Howard’s victory and the end of the Hawke-Keating era. Pauline Hanson was another notable 1996 rookie MP.

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