Why Aussies are furious over this ordinary photo of Anthony Albanese and his dog Toto
Anthony Albanese has been accused of committing an ‘act of dog’ over a detail in an apparently innocent photo of the Prime Minister and his cavoodle Toto.
Mr Albanese shared a few photos with X of his pet during a walk outside Parliament House in Canberra on Saturday morning.
In one photo, ‘Australia’s First Dog’ sat next to her owner posing for the camera, with Parliament House and the famous 81-metre flagpole in the background.
Mr Albanese, who shielded his eyes from the harsh winter sun behind sunglasses and a cap from his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs, captioned the post: ‘Lawn at Parliament House = Toto approved’.
In another photo, Toto was seen wandering without any clues on the lush green grass in the heart of the government.
Eagle-eyed observers pounced on the airy pole, wondering if Toto would be allowed to run free.
In one photo, ‘Australia’s First Dog’ sits patiently in front of the camera next to her owner, with the buildings of Parliament House and the famous 81-metre flagpole in the background
Mr Albanese, who shielded his eyes from the harsh winter sun behind sunglasses and a cap from his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs, captioned the post on
Under ACT government rules, the area around Parliament House is off-limits to dogs – whether on a leash or not – and the fine for violation is $150.
It is unclear whether Mr Albanese has a permit for Toto that allows her to walk on parliamentary grounds.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Capital Authority for comment.
Social media users accused Mr Albanese of flouting the rules.
“Apparently the law doesn’t apply to Albo and his dog,” one wrote.
‘Dogs are banned everywhere in and around Parliament House. Rules for you, but not for me.”
Another addressed the government-run Transport Canberra and City Services’ directly
“Are you going to fine Albo for walking his dog and letting it run loose in a restricted area?” they asked.
Others simply put the boot in and accused the Prime Minister of being out of touch.
“Can’t you demonstrate for one day – just one day – how completely disconnected from reality you are or how entitled you are?” someone asked.
Under ACT government rules, the area around Parliament House is off-limits to dogs – whether on a leash or not – and the fine for violation is $150.
The response to X, formerly Twitter, was not pleasant for the Prime Minister
Toto, who is believed to be eight years old, made headlines in October last year when her travel habits came under scrutiny.
Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie spoke to Air Force chief Robert Chipman at a Senate hearing about Toto’s jet-set lifestyle.
“Can you provide a list of all flights since May 21, 2022 on which animals – and in particular an animal called Toto – have been allowed on board special purpose aircraft?” she asked.
Mr Chipman confirmed that a pet was known to be traveling on the special aircraft used mainly by the Prime Minister for official duties.
Toto is often pictured with the Prime Minister and became a celebrity in his own right during the intense campaign period leading up to the 2022 elections
The pooch splits her time between her owner’s homes at Kirribilli House in Sydney and The Lodge in Canberra when Parliament is in session (Photo: Toto, Mr Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon)
“I am aware that there is a history of VIPs traveling with pets on VIP aircraft,” he said.
“(But) we do not keep comprehensive records of when animals travel on VIP aircraft.”
This is not the first time Mr Albanese has been in trouble for posts on Toto’s social media.
In 2022, the Labor leader shared a photo of his beloved cavoodle, Toto, watching as he did a series of live crosses to the ABC and the Nine Network’s Today Show on Friday morning.
However, the photo was quickly deleted from social media as the wannabe prime minister’s phone number was clearly printed on the dog’s collar.
Toto is often pictured with the Prime Minister and became a celebrity in his own right during the intense campaign period leading up to the 2022 elections.
The pooch divides her time between her owner’s homes at Kirribilli House in Sydney and The Lodge in Canberra when Parliament is in session.
“Toto has a special brand of dog food, it is the only thing she eats – yes, she is a princess,” the prime minister told radio station Nova last year.
Toto fans have created an account on X, formerly Twitter, for the pet bag.
Toto’s profile bio reads: ‘Office of Toto Albanese, Australia’s First Dog.’