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Australia news: Brethren, Russian interference
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Australian PM Albanese regrets Bush Deep podcast melon joke. Brethren denies paying far-right activists to disrupt election.
Background
The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced weeks of controversy after appearing on the comedy podcast Bush Deep, where he made a joke about Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's gift of melons. Separately, reports emerged that the Exclusive Brethren secretly paid far-right activists to disrupt the federal election, which the church denies.
How it unfolded
- last monthAlbanese appeared on the Bush Deep podcast, joking about Japanese PM's melon gift, sparking media furore.
- Thu 20 Aug 2026Albanese told ABC's 7.30 he regretted the podcast appearance, saying 'I need to do better every day'.
- Fri 21 Aug 2026Brethren director denied reports of paying far-right activists, calling them a 'lie'.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- PM Albanese said the podcast appearance was 'an error' and he wouldn't do it again.
- Party
- Tony Burke said reports of Brethren heckling 'should send a chill' among Australians.
- Support
- Brethren director Grimshaw denied any donations or support to political parties, calling reports 'gossip'.
Still unverified
Allegations that the Exclusive Brethren paid far-right activists to disrupt the federal election are unconfirmed and denied by the church.