ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has weighed in on an incident that saw the stolen bronze head of King George V resurface at a concert in Melbourne, describing it as “uh, quite disrespectful but, uh, also very fucking hard, so, uh, yeah, play on I guess.”
Speaking at a press conference in Canberra today, Albanese was asked about the events that unfolded at Federation Square and later at the live music venue 170 Russell, where the Northern Irish rap group Kneecap performed to a sold-out crowd.
The severed head, which disappeared from its bust in King’s Domain nine months ago, made a surprise appearance on stage. Videos from the gig show the sculpture surrounded by Irish, Palestinian, and Aboriginal flags, while the crowd erupted in cheers.
The whereabouts of King George’s head are still unknown.
When asked whether he condemned the act, Albanese appeared torn between his role as the nation’s leader and his deep, intrinsic understanding of things that are, objectively speaking, quite cool.
“Look, uh, obviously we respect history in this country,” he said, visibly suppressing a smirk.
“And, uh, King George, uh, the fifth was it? But, uh, yeah, that’s a fair bit of effort. Terrible, I must say, but, uh, I think we can all admit that’s, uh, pretty sick.”
Meanwhile, Melbourne’s media class is in complete meltdown over the fact that three lads from West Belfast managed to do what no Australian artist has done in years, fill Federation Square to capacity.
Radio shock jocks and columnists alike have been left stunned and angered, with one commentator on 3AW describing the scenes as “completely unacceptable” and that police and the Victorian Government have questions to answer.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton took a stronger stance, calling the stunt “un-Australian” and demanding Victoria Police track down those responsible and flog them half to death with their telescopic batons.
More to come.
