Andrews defends Attendance at China Military Parade as Criticism Mounts
BEIJING – Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is facing scrutiny after attending a military parade in Beijing and posing for a photograph alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and chinese President Xi Jinping.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese addressed the controversy during Question Time, stating he was not responsible for the actions of private citizens. “My position is very, very clear, which is we did not send any government representative as it would not have been appropriate,” he told parliament.He further emphasized, “None of my people would have sat in that position, as simple as that.”
The attendance has drawn criticism from opposition figures. Shadow Defense Minister angus Taylor questioned Mr.Andrews’s allegiance, stating he needed to “decide whether he’s Australian or not,” and accused Mr. Albanese of failing to condemn the former premier’s actions. Liberal senator Jane Hume described the move as an “appalling lack of judgement,” adding it was “not great for australia’s reputation” to see him near Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Since retiring as Victorian premier two years ago, Mr. Andrews has transitioned to the private sector, working primarily as a consultant with connections to Chinese companies.