Albo’s awkward run in with baby

Anthony Albanese may have got more than he bargained for when he participated in a time honoured tradition of politicians kissing – or in this case – holding babies.

The Prime Minister, never one to shy away from a cute picture with a local baby, was seemingly unprepared in his encounter with little Ella.

Clutching the young one closely, Mr Albanese’s jaw dropped momentarily before quickly laughing it off.

The pair met while Mr Albanese was on a quick stop over at the Orion Shopping Centre in Ipswich on Thursday morning.

The 10-month-old’s mum was more than happy to hand her little one over to the Prime Minister while they chatted away.

During the walk-through, the Prime Minister stopped to take selfies before he left for an engagement with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at a Coles facility.

Mr Albanese stopped to chat with a worker at the facility, who admitted he didn't vote for Labor at the last election.

But in a sign the government’s honeymoon period is far from over, he told the Prime Minister he’d be “voting for you next time”.

A jovial Mr Albanese shook his hand and personally told the worker to “vote yes in the referendum” for the Voice to parliament.

“Yes, absolutely,” he responded as the Prime Minister began to walk away.

Mr Albanese is in Queensland ahead of a meeting of national cabinet on Friday.

But unfortunately for the rabid South Sydney fan he’ll be jetting out before his beloved bunnies clash with the Brisbane Broncos.

“Well, tragically, I‘ll be crying tomorrow afternoon as I fly out of Brisbane,” he said.

He blamed the faux pas on “bad planning” and lamented he’ll also miss out on Magic Round next month to attend King Charles’ coronation.

“It will be a great honour. But I know that Brisbane will be buzzing,” Mr Albanese added.