‘We’re punching below our weight’: Albanese criticised for 'bludging off allies'

Liberal Party Defence and National Security Policy Chair Lincoln Parker has slammed the Albanese government for “punching below” their weight by “bludging off our allies” by refusing to send a ship to the Red Sea. In December, Australia denied a request from the United States to send a warship to the Red Sea as part of international efforts to safeguard ships from attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. “We’re actually bludging right now off our allies. Australia relies on sea lanes for all of our important and all of our exports … we should be doing our bit,” Mr Parker told Sky News host Erin Parker. “We were asked by the Americans to come out and send a ship for the Red Sea to stop an attack on all the shipping. “Prime Minister Albanese has said no, and we’re not punching above our weight - we’re punching below our weight, and it’s a real shame.”