‘Not just a mistake’: Meeting between Shaq and Albanese an ‘important warning’

Commentators and the Liberals have not got to the heart of why the meeting between NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was “not just a mistake but a very important warning,” Sky News host Andrew Bolt says.

“It’s a warning of the racism behind Labor's plan for an Aboriginal-only parliament – guaranteed forever in our Constitution. And it’s also a warning to the Liberals, why they can’t call this stunt out properly,” Mr Bolt said.

Mr Albanese and Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney clearly gave Mr O'Neal this “royal treatment above any other visiting celebrity for one reason only,” according to Mr Bolt.

“He's black. If he were white, do you think he would be trotted out by Albanese – ‘look, look you know, here is a rich white sports legend who promotes gambling, doesn’t know if the earth is flat or round but he does also support our race-based parliament’. Do you think that would happen?” Mr Bolt said.

“Not a chance. So, it is because he's black. O’Neal gets a private briefing; he gets the press conference with the PM because he is black.

“And to me that is racist. But more than that, this underlines exactly the problem with Labor's plan for an Aboriginal-only parliament. It does divide us by race, in fact by colour as well.”

[kevinthomson]

So glad celebrities are so important, their opinions count so much. Especially when they are paid for those opinions.

[seandelap]

He's an American basketball player why the hell is he getting involved in Australian politics.

[suepaterson]

This 🐂💩will make me vote NO and everything else labor does. A weak leader makes a weak country.🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

[TheRealBobSmith.]

Klaus Schwab was busy so he sent Shaq .

[shippy]

I agree whole heartedly with your summary of this debacle! As a Black Australian, I found this EMBARRASSING. Their treatment of Jacinta is insulting. She HAS a Voice that should be heard,

[TheRealBobSmith.]

One world Government . Labor love the UN and WEF . Labor isn't in control .

[concrete]

Standing next to Shaq, albo looks like the weasel we all know that he is

[joanelizabeth]

What is Shaq doing in Australia? He needs to stay in USA and take care of our own mess. Aussies don't deserve more shaming on a scale of absurdity.

[scottcurtis]

Aboriginals currently have as much right as I do to make decisions about our lives. By formalising a process where one race has more input into national policy formalises racism.
It forever locks Aboriginals into always arguing for a special deal. They as a group need to change the mindset from compensation for the past to embracing the world as it is now. I say NO to locking everyone into a never ending discussion of the past and look to the future.

[dimitzvonmelbourne]

Why australian aboriginal basketball hero Patty Mills is not there but Shaq? What have we done to deserve this mob? 🇦🇺 🏀

[pommiebears]

We need a giant black guy to…..what? I find this more insidious than anything Morrison ever did.

[mj]

Shaquille O'Neal is nothing more than an entertainer and is not taken seriously.

[drewsale]

How much are we paying for this sponsorship deal with Shaq to sell us our own politics? It'd be 6 or 7 figures.

[cishansen]

You know what's more of a joke than 'The Voice?' Shaq's career free throw percentage

[andrewstoll]

He would never be treated to some special meeting like this in the US.

[phil.s]

Australia has some serious issues regarding energy supply, mobilizing the work force, invigorating the economy, dealing with inflation, international defense issues with our major trading partner. Albos response, " lets get Shaq over here for a photo opportunity ".

[midnightteapot]

Nigeria have banned "diversity " in all advertising to give proper respect and opportunity to their own majority population, I salute that ! Now lets all follow suit!!!!

[helengormlie]

What about Australians in this country that love this country. Why is awol albo ignoring them?? How does awol albo decide who is worthy or not?? AWOL the puppet!!

[Md-jvpw]

Did anyone really expect anything better from Elmer Fudd??

[richardtravers]

They really are like 2 peas in a pod, Shaq a poor boy from the slums now a retired rich ex Basketball Player and Airbus Albo a Housing Commission Lad who is trying to convince people that he knows what he is doing. I'm actually surprised that Airbus didn't visit the makeup department and get his face blackened for effect.