A pointed question from journalist Latika Bourke, who asked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese whether he felt like a “fraud”, has fuelled a political row and prompted criticism of her occasional role as a co-host on an ABC radio program.
Mr Albanese faced reporters in New York on Sunday evening before the Atlantic Council Awards. He is due to accept a Global Citizen Award on Wednesday for his international leadership, particularly his work across the Pacific.
Bourke, a journalist-at-large for The Nightly, challenged the Prime Minister over whether he was a fitting recipient of the honour. Her question referred to a recent Newspoll indicating a decline in his popularity.
“Prime Minister, here in New York on Wednesday night, you will receive an award for being a global citizen,” she began.
She then pointed to domestic political difficulties, including the government’s response to what she described as the worst massacre since Port Arthur, Labor’s polling position compared with the period before Julia Gillard was removed as leader, and Mr Albanese’s net approval rating being below Scott Morrison’s. She asked whether he felt “a bit of a fraud” accepting the award.
After briefly pausing, Mr Albanese answered with a single word.
“No,” he replied, before the press conference continued.
The exchange rapidly spread across social media, drawing both condemnation and support from commentators on opposing sides of politics. Some critics also focused on Bourke’s occasional appearances as a co-host of ABC Radio National’s Global Roaming program.
Latika Bourke (right) has faced criticism from left-wing commentators and support from conservative figures after questioning Anthony Albanese at the UN
Economist and former adviser to Julia Gillard, Stephen Koukoulas, accused Bourke of showing insufficient respect for the office of Prime Minister.
“A disgusting lack of respect for the office of PM,” he wrote.
Mr Koukoulas added that he assumed the ABC would dismiss her over the incident, arguing that the broadcaster had disciplined other staff for less serious conduct.
Former ABC Four Corners producer Peter Cronau also criticised the journalist’s approach.
Referring to Bourke’s Ukrainian military cap and the tone of her question, Mr Cronau said she had turned an opportunity to question the Prime Minister before the international media into a direct accusation by asking whether he felt like “a bit of a fraud”.
Simon Banks, chief executive of Labor-aligned lobbying group Hawker Britton, meanwhile questioned the motivation behind the intervention.
“I see a certain ‘journalist’ attacking the PM for receiving an independent international prize,” he wrote.
Mr Banks said the award specifically recognised Mr Albanese’s efforts to rebuild Australia’s economic, defence and security relationships with its Pacific partners, asking who could oppose that achievement and why.
Several prominent Labor-aligned figures came to Anthony Albanese’s defence
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Veteran commentator and author Mike Carlton also questioned the purpose of Bourke’s intervention, suggesting it had been designed to generate headlines.
“And what, exactly, was the point of the question?” he posted.
‘What information did she hope to elicit? Anything? Or was it just a show-off..?’
Former Australian Democrats senator turned Labor MP Cheryl Kernot was also critical of Bourke’s question.
‘Respect is earned – and not like this,’ she wrote.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson meanwhile praised Bourke for challenging Albanese on the world stage.
‘Anthony Albanese has jetted off to New York where he will be receiving an award for being a good ‘Global Citizen’,’ Hanson said.
‘While he collects a trophy from elites on a world stage, Australians’ lives are only getting worse.
Latika Bourke (pictured) also serves as a co-host for ABC’s Global Roaming program
‘Credit to journalist Latika Bourke for confronting him about the hypocrisy on the world stage and visibly rattling the PM.’
The Daily Mail understands that One Nation is running Bourke’s question to Albanese on social media as a paid advertisement.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor also backed Bourke’s question, saying that he thought Albanese has ‘been fraudulent to Australians,’ referencing the government’s budget changes on negative gearing and capital gains tax, which they promised not to touch at the 2025 election.
‘He’s lied to the Australian people time and time again. He’s in denial about the state of the country right now,’ Taylor said.
Liberal Senate Leader Michaelia Cash said the question was a ‘very accurate character assessment,’ in a video shared to social media.
‘The truth hurts Albo, but not nearly as much as the pain that you’ve inflicted upon Australians,’ Cash said.
Conservative commentator Prue MacSween also applauded Bourke’s intervention.
‘Excellent question. Disgraceful answer,’ she wrote about Albanese.
Daily Mail approached the ABC and Bourke for comment.