Prime Minister Evacuated Following Suspected Chinese Bomb Threat at Official Residence
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was evacuated from his official Canberra residence, The Lodge, on Tuesday night following a suspected bomb scare reportedly made in Chinese. The Australian Federal Police moved the Prime Minister to a secure location after receiving the threat, which occurred just hours after he appeared on a live podcast episode calling for greater national unity and dialling down political rhetoric.
Timeline of Events Surrounding the Security Incident
The security alert unfolded around five hours after Albanese participated in a live recording of The Karl Stefanovic Show at The Lodge. During that interview, the Prime Minister emphasized Australia's need for more unity, stating: "The Australia Covenant is if you have any hatred or prejudice you leave it at the customs hall. When you're here, you subscribe to Australian values."
The threat, which according to The Epoch Times was sent to local presenters in Chinese, falsely claimed that explosives had been placed around The Lodge and would be detonated should performances by Shen Yun Performing Arts proceed. The New York-based classical Chinese dance company is scheduled to begin its Australian tour in the coming days.
Australian Federal Police conducted what they described as a "thorough search" of the premises and confirmed that no suspicious items were located. The incident represents a significant security breach at the Prime Minister's official residence, raising questions about protection protocols for Australia's highest office.
Albanese's Unity Message Contrasted with Security Alert
During his earlier podcast appearance, Albanese had highlighted Australia's multicultural strengths, mentioning his participation in Lunar New Year celebrations at the Museum of Chinese Australians in Haymarket. "Some of the achievements of people who've come here are just so inspirational," he told host Karl Stefanovic.
This message of inclusion and national cohesion stood in stark contrast to the security threat that would emerge hours later. The timing suggests potential political motivations behind the scare, though authorities have not confirmed any specific connections.
ISIS Brides Controversy and Legal Constraints
The Prime Minister also addressed the contentious issue of so-called "ISIS brides" attempting to return to Australia during the interview. When questioned about 34 women and children linked to Islamic State fighters seeking repatriation, Albanese maintained his government was "doing nothing" to assist their return.
"There are constitutional issues and legal rights that people have which is why 40 people came back on the former government's watch, including ISIS fighters," Albanese explained. While acknowledging the situation "didn't pass the pub test," he emphasized the government's legal constraints under Australian law.
Stefanovic responded sharply: "These people weren't on a Contiki tour, they went to a terror camp and they tried to establish a caliphate, this was Disneyland for terrorists." Albanese expressed personal contempt for those who had traveled overseas to participate in terrorist activities, stating they had "showed no belief in Australian values."
The Prime Minister clarified that while the government would not assist their return, those who do arrive "will face the full consequence of the law," leaving open the possibility of criminal charges.
Royal Succession Intervention and Mountbatten-Windsor Criticism
Earlier on Tuesday, Albanese confirmed Australia would support removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession to the British throne. The Prime Minister wrote to UK counterpart Keir Starmer confirming Australia's intention to introduce legislation that would help strip Mountbatten-Windsor of his succession rights.
When questioned about this diplomatic move during the podcast, Albanese launched a strong critique of the royal, describing him as having experienced "quite the fall from grace." He expressed confidence that Australians would be "disgusted by all of these events," referencing the sexual abuse allegations and subsequent settlement involving Virginia Giuffre.
"To think this is a guy who had a life of absolute privilege, and quite clearly, there's been an abuse of that privilege," Albanese stated. "How was Andrew's behaviour, that clearly must have been known to a lot of people, allowed to continue for such a long period of time?"
The Prime Minister emphasized Australia's direct involvement in the matter, noting that Giuffre took her own life after receiving a settlement payout. "We have right to put forward our view," he asserted. "I think I speak on behalf of all Australians when I say we don't want a bar of this bloke."
Changing the line of succession would require legislation from the United Kingdom and all other countries where King Charles serves as head of state, including Australia, making this a complex constitutional matter with international implications.
