On the eve of the Australian General Election, what Julian Assange had to say about Anthony Albanese
The 2025 Australian election, the results are in and Albo has done what no other Aussie PM has for circa 20 years - got re-elected
Do I think this is a good thing?
Hmmmm…. in the words of Billy Connolly - “Don’t vote, it just encourages the buggers!”
But to not do so in Australia garners you a fine. If you’re of age, an Australian citizen an on the voters roll then abstinence is unlawful. But, to be fair, it’s only a $20 fine, which, in my book, is probably worth the price for not “encouraging the buggers.”
Not that I yet have any skin in this game. I’m about 90% through the application for Australian Citizenship but our recent interstate move from NSW to QLD in pursuit of work opportunities, scuppered the finalisation of that process. To be brutally honest, I just haven’t had the appetite to complete the paperwork but I shall, I promise.
But how would I have voted, being a non-believer in this fatally flawed system?
The truth is, I have no idea.
When my wife, Karen was handing out campaign paraphernalia on behalf of the Animal Justice Party some years back, she was appalled at the lack of knowledge exhibited by so many voters who would say something along the lines of: “Why should we vote for these people? What do they know about running a country? What are their policies and budget strategies etc?” Although, I’m sure I’m articulating the questions more lucidly than they did, by Karen’s account.
She would patiently explain to them that the AJP wasn’t trying to run the country, they merely wanted some parliamentary representation on behalf of animal welfare so that somehow they had more of a voice. When explained this way, there were many “Ah’s” and “Oh’s” that had hitherto been completely misunderstood.
To the current dog and pony show, I received the Assange newsletter on the eve of the election where Julian Assange’s brother, Gabriel Shipton, had this to say:
I just spoke to Julian who is in Rome after attending the Popes funeral last week. He wanted me to share this important message with you ahead of tomorrows Australian federal election.
"With the federal election fast approaching, many Australians have asked me: What role did Prime Minister Anthony Albanese truly play in bringing you home to Australia? Haven't Albo supporters overstated his involvement? And does Albo really have the backbone to stand up for Australians on other tough issues?
The truth is, in what became an impressive field of advocates, Albo did more to secure my freedom than any other politician or public figure-even more than the late Pope, whose support was both moving and significant. Even while in opposition, Albo listened to the Australian public (and my family) and promised to take action. But talk from opposition is easy. What did he actually do when he became Prime Minister?
Six previous prime ministers came and went during my long detention. Not one agreed to meet with my lawyers. In a crowded line up, Scott Morrison cut a particularly craven figure-publicly supporting my extradition to the US. After leaving office, Morrison joined US weapons contractor DYNE Maritime along with his mate, former CIA chief Mike Pompeo, who had openly boasted in his memoirs about orchestrating my detention. DYNE was set up to profit from the billions funneled into AUKUS, a program Morrison himself initiated.
So, what about Albo? Against all expectations for an Australian politician, once elected, he kept his word. He personally and repeatedly raised my case with president Biden, and empowered Kevin Rudd in Washington and Stephen Smith in London to walk into meetings and say, “The Australian Prime Minister and the Australian people want him free.”
Albo hasn’t just stood up to the US to end the political imprisonment of an Australian-he’s also intervened for other Australians detained in difficult circumstances, including in China. This government has proven itself unusually capable of rescuing Australians caught up in sensitive political situations.
Does this mean Albo will put Australian interests first and skillfully navigate tensions between the US, EU, and China? I can’t say for sure. But I do know this: He can. Albo did right by me, and he is worlds apart from Morrison. You don’t need to be a bully to have a backbone." - Julian Assange
He also wanted me to express his thanks to all of you who contributed to his freedom in ways big and small. and those that continue to urge president Trump to pardon Julian. Please consider donating to our Pardon Campaign here.
Peace,
Gabriel Shipton
So, after all that, did Julian vote for Albo?
That’s the question…
Maybe he copped the $20 fine instead. I know I would’ve…