Australian PM Albanese Evacuated from Lodge Over Threat

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was evacuated from his official residence, The Lodge in Canberra, on Tuesday evening following an alleged security threat, prompting a swift response from federal police.

The incident unfolded around 6 p.m. local time when the Australian Federal Police responded to the protected site near Parliament House. Officers moved Albanese to a secure location as emergency vehicles arrived at the property. A thorough search was conducted, and authorities found nothing suspicious. Albanese returned to The Lodge after 9 p.m., once the premises had been cleared. In a statement, an AFP spokeswoman confirmed the response to the alleged security incident and emphasized that no current threat exists to the community or public safety. Further details about the threat were not disclosed.

Government sources indicated the alert was likely not credible but warranted immediate action given the heightened risks to elected officials. The prime minister, who has made The Lodge his primary residence since taking office in 2022, breaking from the tradition of predecessors who often preferred Kirribilli House in Sydney, was reported to be safe throughout the ordeal.