Former Premier of Victoria Dan Andrews has defended himself after a picture of him alongside Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un drew criticism from fellow politicians.
The picture was taken earlier this week in Beijing as part of China’s military parade marking the 80 years since Japan’s surrender at the end of the second world war.
While there, Andrews was seen posing for photographs with the Russian and North Korean leaders, with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian and Chinese president Xi Jinping also spotted in images taken in Tiananmen Square.
Andrews’ attendance at the parade caused a tizzy among some of his political peers, with Greens senator David Shoebridge questioning why he joined a parade with “a bunch of dictators” and current Victorian deputy premier Ben Carroll saying, “it’s not something I would have done”.
Responding to the criticism in a statement, Andrews justified his appearance as part of “Australia’s national interest”.
“I’ve said for years that a constructive relationship with China – our largest trading partner – is in Australia’s national interest and hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs depend on it.
“That hasn’t changed,” Andrews said, per The Guardian.
He went on to reiterate his previous condemnations of Putin, before criticising Iran’s “attacks on Australia, Israel and elsewhere around the world”.
“Just so there’s no confusion – I have condemned Putin and his illegal war in Ukraine from day one. That’s why he banned me from Russia last year,” Andrews said.
“Further, my support for Israel and Australia’s Jewish community has been outspoken and unwavering, and I unequivocally condemn Iran for its attacks on Australia, Israel and elsewhere around the world,” he added.
The topic later reared its head in Parliament, where Anthony Albanese was hounded by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley about the photograph.
“I am not responsible for what every Australian citizen does,” the prime minister responded, noting that Andrews’ Chinese visit was in a private capacity.
“We did not send any government representative because it wouldn’t have been appropriate,” he added. “None of my team would have sat in that position, as simple as that.”
It’s not the first time Andrew has copped heat while in the public eye, with the former premier drawing criticism from the likes of Commonwealth Games boss Craig Phillips, members of Melbourne golf clubs, and… Rob Schneider from Grown Ups?
Andrews stepped down as premier in 2023 and was replaced by current premier Jacinta Allan.
Lead images: 9News
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