Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under fire for purchasing a $2.9 million clifftop property in Copacabana, north of Sydney, amid a national housing crisis. Critics, including opposition lawmakers Sussan Ley and Angie Bell, argue that the timing of the purchase shows Albanese is out of touch with Australians facing high interest rates, rising prices, and limited housing availability. Some, like lawmaker Paul Fletcher, pointed to the government’s failure to address housing affordability, calling it a critical issue for many Australians who struggle to buy homes.

Albanese defended his decision, stating his personal financial choices should not overshadow his government’s efforts to improve housing access, whether through public housing, rentals, or home ownership. He noted that his purchase was linked to his fiancee’s family living nearby and that he plans to sell his current home to fund the new property. Government allies, like Chris Bowen, supported Albanese, suggesting that Australians would focus on policy rather than personal spending. The debate comes as Albanese’s Labor Party seeks re-election in a climate where housing affordability is expected to be a key issue.