Anthony Albanese takes on Dutton

Anthony Albanese

In a fiery breakfast TV clash, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese locked horns over the AFP’s controversial raids on journalists.

Mr Dutton insisted that the Labor leader apologise live on air during the clash — accusing him of personally attacking the federal police officers involved in the raids.

“We have laws that operate in this country and the Federal Police who have been criticised by people including Albo, which I think has been quite unfair to target those officers individually,” Mr Dutton said. “You are criticising police officers.”

However, Mr Albanese — who could be seen shaking his head and laughing at Mr Dutton’s assertions — was having none of it.

He said Mr Dutton was trying to “deflect” the issue of press freedom by trying to make him apologise to police officers on live television.

“I’m targeting you, buddy. I’m targeting you, you’re the government,” he hit back. “I don’t even know who (the AFP officers) are. I’m on to you.

Timing of AFP raids stinks to high heaven

“I have said it’s outrageous that (News Corp journalist) Annika Smethurst’s house was raided by seven police for seven-and-a-half hours. That’s an outrage.”

Albo’s response was water off a duck’s back for Mr Dutton — who single-mindedly pushed for an elusive apology.