JOURNALIST: How are you feeling about Mardi Gras tonight?
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: It will be a fun occasion but we need to remember as well, that after 45 years that began with a campaign for law reform, it’s about equality and it's about respecting people for who they are - no matter who they love, no matter where they live, no matter what their identity is. It's about respect.
JOURNALIST: And what does it mean to you to be the first sitting Prime Minister to march in the parade?
PRIME MINISTER: Well I first marched way back in 1983, so it’s been a long journey of reform that has occurred. In 1983, people were campaigning for basic rights. And of course, five years ago, we saw marriage equality, which has been a good thing. It's just uplifted everyone. It hasn't diminished anyone else's rights, it’s just given the same rights to a group of people who were previously denied.
JOURNALIST: Can you give us an idea of what you might be wearing?
PRIME MINISTER: I'll just be wearing clothes. I'll be wearing jeans and a shirt, I won't try and compete.
JOURNALIST: No sequins?
PRIME MINISTER: I won't try and compete in the fashion stakes. I'll be just going along and celebrating the victories of the past but also making sure that we commemorate the people - the 78-ers, who campaigned so strongly - and all those who've come. This has been quite a journey. And it's also a great event. Pride is something that we should be proud of, that Australia is moving towards a more and more equal community where everyone is respected, no matter who they love.