Anthony Albanese has shouted patrons a round of drinks at a pub in New York City, but not everyone is happy with the Prime Minister’s generosity.
The Prime Minister was seen at Old Mates – a pub owned by renowned Aussie celebrities like Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman, tennis superstar Ash Barty, and radio personalities Andy Lee and Hamish Blake.
Joining the scene, Albanese, along with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Communications Minister Anika, mingled with the crowd of revelers after participating in the UN General Assembly High Level Week.
In Aussie fashion and pub tradition, anyone who rings the iconic Bells Beach trophy must shout the entire pub a drink.
Albanese was jokingly introduced as a ‘very special Australian’ who was in New York City on a ‘student visa or working holiday’.
‘This is a great venue, I promised to come here when I did Andy Lee’s show,’ Albanese told the crowd.
‘Have a great night. It’s been a really proud occasion as an Australia’s Prime Minister to be here to talk to the United Nations tonight.
‘It’s also really fun to be with you tonight. Thank you to this amazing bar, Australians know how to have fun!’
Albanese rang the iconic Bells Beach trophy which, in Old Mate’s pub tradition meant patrons would receive a drink on the house (pictured)
The prime minister was then seen pouring schooners of beer for patrons (pictured)
After ringing the bell, Albanese set to work and poured beers, serving them to the massive crowd of pub patrons.
Aussies across the world celebrated with the Prime Minister, however critics suggested taxpayers would be the ones to pay the bill.
‘*Taxpayer shouting the bar. I doubt Albo used his personal credit card,’ one said.
‘So I guess we all just paid for the beer,’ a second person commented.
But others were quick to praise the generous gesture.
‘Legend Albo,’ one said, while another wrote: ‘He’s a star’.
Daily Mail has asked the PM’s office if he personally paid for the shout, but did not immediately receive a response.
The lively venue was also dotted with Australian A-listers such as fashion designer Pip Edwards, decorated Olympic medalist Emma McKeon, and her partner, singer, actor, and former swimmer Cody Simpson.
“Enjoy your evening. It’s been an exceptionally proud moment as Australia’s Prime Minister to address the United Nations tonight,” Albanese expressed to the enthusiastic gathering.
Radio star Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli is seen posing with the prime minister at Old Mate’s
Retired swimmer and decorated Olympic medalist Emma McKeon (pictured) was also spotted at the pub with her partner Cody Simpson
The festivity followed the introduction of the 36 Month’s Children in the Digital Age legislation at the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week in New York.
This legislation, initiated by Nova’s Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli and Rob Galluzzo, prohibits children under 16 from setting up social media accounts.
Wippa and Galluzzo, alongside Albanese, presented ‘Protecting Children in the Digital Age’ to a room full of world leaders.
‘Today I feel proud to be an Australian and a parent – not just because of our government and its policy, but because of our people and their power,’ Wippa said in his UN address.
‘Those signatures didn’t just change a law, they’ll change a generation.’
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Australia’s leadership and the 36 Months initiative for driving legislation which raised the minimum age to create a social media account from 13 to 16.
Ms Von der Leyen backed calls for countries across Europe to follow in Australia’s footsteps and move toward setting a ‘digital age majority’.
‘As a mother of seven and grandmother of five, I share this view,’ Ms Von der Leyen said.
‘We all agree young people should reach a certain age before they smoke, drink, or access adult content. The same can be said for social media.’
Australia is the first nation in the world to legislate a social media minimum age of 16 following the success of 36 Months.
The packed pub was full of other Australian A-listers including fashion designer Pip Edwards (second from the left)
The grassroots movement took grieving parents and a 147,000 signature petition to the Prime Minister urging for legislation to help combat online bullying.
The law, which comes into effect from December 10, will see tech giants face penalties of up to $49.5million for account breaches.
Von der Leyen added she would establish a panel of experts and talk to teachers, young people and experts ‘to assess what steps make sense’ at the EU level.
The 27-nation bloc already has some of the strictest rules in the world aimed at fighting harmful online content.
Greece and Spain are already pushing for further restrictions on social media for young users.
Meanwhile Denmark will be prioritising the issue during its EU presidency, while France has also added it to the top of its agenda.
