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Australia’s former Prime Minister John Howard did not accuse Anthony Albanese of “betraying Australia” in a live broadcast following the Bondi Beach shooting, despite widespread claims on social media suggesting otherwise.
The fabricated quotes have circulated extensively across Facebook, primarily from foreign-operated pages with a history of spreading misinformation about the December 14, 2025 terrorist attack that left 15 people dead and dozens injured.
One particularly viral post from a page called “Swimming Times” claimed Howard confronted Albanese directly during a televised interview, allegedly declaring: “YOU ARE A TERRIBLE PRIME MINISTER, WHO BETRAYED AUSTRALIA WITH FALSE PROMISES!” The post garnered over 10,000 likes and 750 shares, with an accompanying article elaborating on a supposed confrontation where producers refused to grant Albanese a break during the heated exchange.
A similar page, “Swim Aquatics,” published different fabricated quotes allegedly from Howard in parliament, claiming he said: “I was wrong to trust him, causing Australia to fall into the darkest period we’re in now.” This post further alleged that Albanese responded with a “SHOCKING statement” on X (formerly Twitter) that triggered an “explosive controversy.”
Both claims are entirely false. While Howard has indeed criticized Albanese’s government following the Bondi Beach shooting, the specific quotes attributed to him in these posts are fabricated. No television interview featuring both men has occurred since the attack, and no parliamentary confrontation took place as described.
Howard did address the tragedy at a December 16 press conference, where he stated the government hadn’t adequately addressed anti-Semitism and suggested that debate about gun laws represented an “attempted diversion.” He also appeared in interviews with 9 News and Sky News, where he suggested Albanese had “failed the Jewish people immensely.” However, these measured criticisms bear little resemblance to the inflammatory language attributed to him in the viral posts.
The Bondi Beach shooting, carried out by Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed at a Jewish event in a Bondi Beach park, has become a magnet for misinformation. Sajid was killed by police during the incident, while Naveed remains hospitalized under police guard, charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder.
This pattern of misinformation follows a troubling trend. Facebook pages managed from overseas, particularly Vietnam, have repeatedly published false information about the shooting, including fabricated quotes from political figures and misidentifying victims. AAP FactCheck has previously debunked several claims from the same pages, which have published fake statements attributed to One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Prime Minister Albanese.
The spread of such politically charged misinformation highlights the challenges facing social media platforms and fact-checkers in the aftermath of tragic events. Despite clear evidence that these quotes were fabricated, they continue to circulate widely, potentially exacerbating political tensions during a period of national mourning.
As Australia grapples with the aftermath of this tragic attack, distinguishing between genuine political discourse and manufactured controversy remains essential for maintaining informed public debate about the issues raised by this terrible event.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
6 Comments
It’s deeply concerning to see disinformation campaigns targeting Australia’s political figures, especially in the wake of a tragedy. I hope the public can be assured that the truth will come to light through proper investigations.
This sounds like a classic case of foreign actors trying to sow discord and undermine faith in Australia’s democratic institutions. I hope the relevant authorities can swiftly identify the source of these false claims and take appropriate action.
It’s troubling to see former PM Howard’s name being used in this way. Fabricated quotes like this can be damaging to public trust. I hope the facts are clarified soon to prevent further misinformation from spreading.
Absolutely. It’s critical that the public has access to accurate, verified information, especially on sensitive issues like this. Fact-checking is so important to counter the spread of disinformation.
Fabricated quotes attributed to former leaders are a serious issue. I hope the authorities can quickly determine the origin of these false claims and ensure the public has access to the real facts around this tragic event.
This is concerning. Spreading disinformation, especially around tragic events, is highly irresponsible and can sow division. I hope the authorities investigate the source of these fabricated quotes and hold those responsible accountable.