During the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a controversial joke regarding Indonesian beef exports that upset farmers and opposition leaders.

The joke, which referenced a dinner with Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto, stated that they served 'beautiful Australian beef — not the live export, we made sure it was dead,' and was poorly received.

Albanese's comments drew immediate backlash, particularly from the farming community, as they come in the context of a total ban on live exports announced by Labor earlier this year.

Nationals leader David Littleproud condemned the remarks, suggesting they demonstrated that Albanese was 'completely out of touch' with the agricultural sector.

Ben Sutherland, president of WA Livestock and Rural Transporters, criticized the comments as hurtful, indicating a disconnect between the government and rural Australians.

A survey by the National Farmers Federation revealed that 80% of Australian farmers feel the Albanese government does not understand or listen to their concerns.

Despite the criticism, Albanese refused to apologize for his comments, asserting that he was merely supporting the Australian beef industry.

His office defended the remarks, emphasizing the importance of the beef industry and noting record-high beef exports to Indonesia in the previous year.

WA Premier Roger Cook and other leaders have called for an apology, stating that the remarks were insensitive to farmers affected by the recent live sheep export ban.

The incident highlights a growing rift between the Albanese government and rural communities, which could impact Labor's political support ahead of upcoming elections.

As farmers plan a rally outside Parliament House to protest the live export ban, Albanese's comments are likely to increase participation in the demonstration.

Shadow attorney-general Michaelia Cash also criticized the joke, claiming it showed contempt for the Western Australian live export trade.