Mardi Gras: Australia's PM Anthony Albanese first to join march

Anthony Albanese has become Australia's first sitting prime minister to take part in Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade - one of the biggest events of its kind in the world.

Huge crowds packed the city's Oxford Street as more than 12,000 participants and 200 floats passed by.

It is the first time the parade has been held in its traditional form since 2019 due to Covid restrictions.

"This is a celebration of modern Australia," Mr Albanese said.

He added that it was "unfortunate" that he was the country's first leader to march in the parade while in office. read more