EDITORIAL: Albanese spin hits new low over Haines ‘dirt file’

Anthony Albanese’s credibility continues to dissolve before our very eyes.

There appears to be no end to his blatant gaslighting of the Australian people.

The latest example is beyond the pale.

He refused to even acknowledge, let alone take responsibility for or condemn a reported dirt sheet circulated by his office about Helen Haines just weeks before the independent MP was horrifically injured this week.

The document had been circulated to journalists after Dr Haines questioned a $6 million grant given to the Marrickville Golf Club, which is in the Prime Minister’s electorate and where he was an honorary member.

The sheet raised questions about her support for local projects and whether she had any links to, or had obtained any benefits from some of those for which she had advocated.

To be clear, there is no suggestion the document disclosed anything untoward about Dr Haines’ actions.

But it sought to raise questions about whether she had acted with propriety and to encourage journalists to look into the topic.

When the existence of the dirt sheet was put to Mr Albanese on Wednesday, he did not deny his office had been involved and instead offered “Helen Haines is a good local member”.

“She put forward applications like other members do for grants, and that’s what good local members do. Helen Haines is a very strong advocate for her community,” he told News24.

On Thursday Mr Albanese rejected the characterisation that the document constituted a personal attack, saying instead that it was focused on policy.

“It’s a list of funding asks from Helen Haines . . . just showing that people of integrity stand up for their electorate. It’s no personal criticism of Helen,” he said.

Yeah right.

The revelation about the document came after appeals from across the political spectrum, including by the Prime Minister, to take the heat out of politics and to engage with respect in the wake of the attack on Dr Haines.

But with the nation now reflecting on the calls for change, it is unfortunate Mr Albanese missed the chance to show leadership.

He could have acknowledged the dirt sheet — even if he added it was something all sides did — and said he would instruct his office to desist.

Now that would be leadership.

Instead, from the Prime Minister who said there would be no change to capital gains tax and negative gearing before he did just that, and who said he didn’t offend the Japanese Prime Minister as he spoke about melons, we got the usual.

Mr Albanese’s default position when under question has become clear.

He pivots away from the issue and reaches for his usual tactic of deny or deflect or spin. Or all of them.

It is no wonder opinion polls show Labor has slid, along with Mr Albanese’s personal approval rating.

Mr Albanese now faces the reality that trust is hard-earned.

And when that trust is lost it is even harder to get back.

But he shows no sign that he knows how to go about changing his trajectory.

Responsibility for this editorial comment is taken by Editor-in-Chief Christopher Dore