Anthony Albanese makes history: 'Unfortunate that I am the first'

Over 12,000 people and 200 floats marched, walked and danced their way down a packed Oxford Street for the first time in two years, with federal member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek joining the PM for the 45th anniversary of the event.

“It’s unfortunate that I am the first, but this is a celebration of modern Australia … a diverse and inclusive Australia,” Albanese said of his 35th time marching in the parade.

“We need to be a country that respects everyone for who they are.”

This year also marked the first time a defence minister has marched in the parade, with Defence Minister Matt Keogh and Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite there to celebrate 10 years since armed forces personnel were first allowed to march in uniform at the world famous parade.

Ahead of the NSW state election, opposition leader Chris Minns was also seen among the Labor Party contingent in the parade.

However NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet was notably absent, who had a prior commitment, and wasn’t among the Liberal Party set.

Celebrations kicked off around 6pm with a sea of rainbow flags, glitter, sequins and feathers taking over the streets of Sydney.

However, the politicians weren’t among those in the extravagant ensembles, with the PM opting for a short-sleeve shirt and black jeans with trainers.

“I’ll just be wearing clothes. I’ll be wearing jeans and a shirt, I won’t try and compete,” Albanese had said at a media conference on Saturday morning.

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“I’ll be just going along and celebrating the victories of the past but also making sure that we commemorate the people – the 78ers, 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.”

Albanese said while the event is a fun one, its activist roots need to be recognised.

”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,” he said.

This year’s parade comes as Sydney hosts WorldPride 2023, the first time the event has been held in the southern hemisphere.

Roads closures have been in place around the CBD, with Sydneysiders and other parade-goers told to use public transport where possible instead.

“We have plenty of extra services running for Sydney WorldPride across trains, light rail and buses to get everyone where they need to go,” Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said.

“Transport for NSW has been working closely with event organisers…to prepare our public transport network for an expected increase in patronage during Sydney WorldPride.”