Albanese Asks 'Where Are My People?' at Festival

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was filmed searching for his security team while attending the Nepal Festival in Sydney.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Cultural

Albanese Asks 'Where Are My People?' at Festival

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was filmed yelling "Where are my people?" at a woman while looking for his security team at the Nepal Festival in Sydney. The moment comes as the government examines security upgrades for federal MPs following an attack on independent MP Helen Haines.

Why it matters

The incident draws attention to the security arrangements around federal politicians as threats against parliamentarians have increased. Albanese has promised to consider improvements to MPs' home security, electorate offices and the use of emergency alarms.

The Australian Federal Police received 785 protective security reports involving federal MPs between January and July. Almost one person a week has been charged for targeting Commonwealth parliamentarians, and the outcome of the security review has not yet been determined.

The players

Anthony Albanese

Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia and leader of the Australian Labor Party.

Helen Haines

Helen Haines is an independent federal member of parliament for Indi who lost both her legs in a vehicle attack.

Chris Minns

Chris Minns is the Premier of New South Wales and leader of the NSW Labor Party.

Krissy Barrett

Krissy Barrett is the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police.

The details

Albanese attended the Nepal Festival 2026 for the first time, which is organised by the Non-Resident Nepali Association Australia and has run for two decades. He was welcomed with a traditional Nepali Dhaka topi and khada scarf, extended Tihar greetings, and offered condolences for floods and landslides in Nepal in August. NSW Premier Chris Minns also attended the festival.

August 2026: Floods and landslides struck Nepal, which Albanese later addressed at the festival.
January to July 2026: 785 protective security reports involving federal MPs were received.
8 November 2026: Albanese attended the Nepal Festival and footage of the moment was published.

Cultural Context

Multicultural festivals such as the Nepal Festival in Sydney bring politicians into direct contact with diaspora communities, a setting that now sits alongside rising AFP protective security reporting on federal MPs. The 785 reports received between January and July frame the government's review of MP security measures.

Festival attendees in Sydney may see increased security presence at public events attended by federal politicians. Changes to MP security arrangements could affect how politicians move through public spaces at community gatherings.

The takeaway

Public appearances by political leaders at community events can prompt rapid review of security arrangements. Readers attending such events may notice changes to how crowds and officials are managed.