Malcolm Turnbull has become the first sitting Prime Minister to attend the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Mr Turnbull and his wife Lucy attended the parade before it began and mingled with spectators.
The PM uploaded an image to his Twitter account noting the historical moment.
“Lucy and I have been here many times but I am very proud to be the first PM to attend.” Mr Turnbull said.
Earlier this year anonymous members of Mr Turnbull’s own government said it would be “dangerous” for the Prime Minister to attend the event.
The PM wasn’t the only politician making history at the Mari Gras, opposition leader Bill Shorten became the first leader of a major party to march in the parade.
The Labor leader was critical of Mr Turnbull’s committment to LGBTIQ+ rights and the issue of marriage equality.
“You can’t be half hearted when it comes to equality,” Mr Shorten told news.com.
“The old Malcolm Turnbull would have marched in the parade but the new Malcolm Turnbull can’t march because he’s so in thrall to the right wing of his party.”
At least 300,000 people are believed to have attended the 38th annual parade that works it’s way up Sydney’s Oxford Street. 12,000 people took part in the parade which had 175 floats.
OIP Staff
