Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an apology for making an insensitive remark in parliament, in which he mocked opposition lawmakers by asking them if they had Tourette’s syndrome. The comment, made during a parliamentary debate, has sparked widespread outrage, drawing criticism from disability advocates and political figures across the spectrum.
The incident occurred during a heated exchange in parliament, where Anthony Albanese responded to interjections from opposition frontbenchers, including shadow treasurer Angus Taylor. In a moment of frustration, the prime minister retorted, “Have you got Tourette’s or something? You know, you just sit there, babble, babble, babble.” The comment was quickly withdrawn, but not before it ignited a strong backlash, with many labelling it as “ableist” and “despicable.”
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes people to make involuntary movements or sounds, known as tics. Anthony Albanese’s remark was seen by many as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and using a serious medical condition as a punchline. Disability advocates swiftly condemned the comment, with Mandy Maysey, President of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia, expressing deep disappointment. “For him to just flippantly use it in such an offhanded manner speaks volumes… we have a lot of work to do,” Maysey told Seven News. She warned that such comments, especially from a national leader, could encourage others to use the condition as an insult or joke.
Opposition politicians were also quick to criticise the prime minister. Australian Greens disability spokesman Jordon Steele-John, who has cerebral palsy, condemned Anthony Albanese for “using disability as the butt of his jokes,” adding that “casual ableism is still ableism.” Meanwhile, opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston described the remark as “despicable,” demanding that the prime minister issue a formal apology to the entire Tourette’s syndrome community. “Mocking a disability is no laughing matter,” Ruston wrote on X, previously known as Twitter.
Recognising the severity of his actions, Anthony Albanese returned to the parliamentary chamber late on Tuesday to apologise. “I regret saying it. It was wrong. It was insensitive, and I apologise,” he said, addressing Australians living with Tourette’s syndrome and acknowledging the hurt his words had caused.
Research indicates that one in every 100 school-aged children in Australia may have Tourette’s syndrome, a genetic and inherited neurological condition that affects about 1-2% of people in the UK as well. Anthony Albanese’s comment has reignited discussions about the importance of raising awareness and sensitivity around disabilities.
