Albanese and Dutton Play ‘Russian Card’ Ahead of Australian Federal Election
Synopsis
Recent reports that Russia has requested a military base in Indonesia have sparked controversy ahead of the Australian federal election. The Coalition has requested that the Albanese government issue a response, but the government…
Recent reports that Russia has requested a military base in Indonesia have sparked controversy ahead of the Australian federal election. The Coalition has requested that the Albanese government issue a response, but the government has labelled this as propaganda. The opposition has accused Labor of neglecting a national security issue.
The story that Moscow had requested permission for the aircraft base came out Wednesday. The report claims that this base would be at Manuhua Air Force Base in Papua.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has insisted that the Coalition and Dutton are misrepresenting facts.
Russia Weighs In
Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, criticised both party leaders for using the ‘Russian card’ to create tensions ahead of the Australian federal election.
“It is clear that the leaders of the two main political parties, replacing each other in power and calling it democracy, are now trying to outdo each other, heating up the situation,” he said.
“They stop at nothing, and the time has come to play the so-called ‘Russian card’.
Albanese Pushes Back
Mr Albanese has continued to dismiss what he calls Russian “propaganda.”
“I have no wish to help promote Russia’s propaganda messages, and I’d suggest that that is not in Australia’s national interest either,” he said.
Coalition Stirs Up Controversy
Furthermore, Albanese has criticised Peter Dutton for ‘verballing’ the Indonesian president. Dutton claimed the Indonesian president had made a statement regarding the aircraft base, which later turned out to be false.
Senator Watt responded to Dutton’s statement.
"Indonesia has made very clear this is not happening. Frankly, I think it is bizarre the opposition want to keep reminding people of possibly Peter Dutton's lowest moment of what is a low campaign," he said.
Additionally, Coalition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie retracted her claim that Russia and China wanted the Labor party to win the Australian federal election
Sources:
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