Anthony Albanese under fire over "cringe" cost of living joke
Anthony Albanese has come under fire for a tone deaf joke about the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The Prime Minister took to his Instagram page to share a parody photo of the So Fresh compilation CDs, with the cover instead saying “so helpful, cost of living relief — Winter 2024”.
In place of top songs, the album cover references government initiatives including “cheaper medicine”, “tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer”, “$300 off power bills” and “$3 billion of student debt wiped”.
“New album just dropped,” Mr Albanese captioned the post.
While the references on the cover are in relation to the cost of living relief measures introduced in the 2024 federal budget, many were quick to slam to the post as "insensitive" as everyday Aussies continue to struggle.
“This just isn’t it bro. You’re making light of a very situation currently happening in our country. Whatever intern posted this, be better,” one person commented.
“The cost of living isn’t a joke! You created it and live off our taxes,” another wrote.
“People are losing their homes because of you and what’s your response,” another commented.
Another person described the cost of living relief measures as "literal crumbs while the rich get richer."
Others took aim at the prime minister's social media team, with many wondering how the post ever got approved.
The post comes after the Albanese government came under fire for some of the cost of living relief measures, including the $300 energy rebates.
A number of economists have been highly critical of the rebates, arguing they threatened to exacerbate already persistent inflationary pressures as households that can cover their electricity expenses themselves will simply spend the money elsewhere, adding to demand.
Image credits: LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial