Anthony Albanese is caught in very expensive act before claiming he still remembers what it is like to struggle in impassioned cost-of-living speech

Anthony Albanese enjoyed an expensive lobster lunch with billionaire Justin Hemmes just days before claiming he had not forgotten ‘what it’s like to wrestle’.

The Prime Minister joined the Merivale boss at his new Good Luck restaurant in Sydney’s CBD on Tuesday, where a kilo of lobster costs as much as $250.

The pair enjoyed three live lobsters just hours after Mr Albanese opened a new affordable housing project in Westmead, western Sydney, The Australian reported.

The Prime Minister was joined by Housing Minister Julie Collins and Treasurer Jim Chalmers as he announced 400 affordable homes would be built on the site.

Days later, Mr Albanese said he knew there were “people struggling right now” during his speech at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue on Friday.

The Prime Minister’s lobster lunch came just days before he knew what it was like to struggle amid a cost-of-living crisis (he is pictured at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue)

‘We “I understand there are still people struggling right now,” he said.

“And I know that when you live from week to week, it’s hard to even find the time to think about the future, let alone plan for it with confidence.

‘That’s where economic security – from fair wages to reliable services – is not just about making ends meet, but about the basis for ambition.

“And that’s why last week’s Budget was about delivering on the two things that have driven our government for two years.

‘One: helping people with their living costs. Two: making our future here in Australia. These are the priorities that drive us and the balance that defines us.”

Albanese lashed out at opposition leader Peter Dutton in his speech, comparing his rival to former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

“We have seen what happens when the only test politicians apply is their political self-interest,” he told the crowd.

“We saw it with Scott Morrison, we see it again with Peter Dutton.

‘Saying no to everything is the easiest thing you can do in opposition, but it doesn’t build anything, it doesn’t help anyone and it doesn’t get our country anywhere.

‘Governing Australia requires more than just sound bites; you need substantial proposals.”

Mr Albanese slammed opposition leader Peter Dutton in his speech, comparing his rival to former Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured, Mr Hemm’s restaurant, Good Luck)

Mr Albanese said he knew there were “people struggling right now” during his speech at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue on Friday (pictured)

Mr Albanese made no mention of Indigenous Australians or the failed Voice referendum in his speech.

Instead, he spoke about the efforts his government is making to combat the cost of living crisis with the budget and more affordable housing.

It comes as a new employment survey shows one in five Australians have been forced to take on a second job amid rising prices.

The research found that two in three have kept their jobs rather than seeking better pay elsewhere, and only 12 percent have received a pay increase to match rising costs.

In his speech on Friday, Mr Albanese assured voters that he had not forgotten what it felt like to “struggle and strive”.

“I understand Australians are going through a tough time at the moment,” he said.

‘To worry about the economic security of your family, to wonder whether you will have the opportunity to pursue your ambitions.

“That understanding drives our government: helping with the challenges Australians face here and now. Building the opportunities of the coming decade.

‘Implementing reforms that ensure that no one is held back. Achieving progress that leaves no one behind. So Australians can build a good life for themselves.

‘And this is how we can shape our future, here in Australia.’

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Albanese’s office for comment.