Anthony Albanese says "I don’t talk about private dinners" about fundraiser amid tax probe

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has repeatedly refused to offer details about a private fundraising dinner he attended at the Sydney mansion of Felix Lee, whose father, Chinese-born businessman Phillip Lee, is the subject of an Australian Taxation Office probe over an alleged tax debt of roughly $272.9 million. The event reportedly included figures such as Commonwealth Bank’s CEO, a former Victorian premier, and ex-regulators. An unconfirmed claim cited by the Australian Financial Review contends that Felix Lee promised a $1 million donation to the Labor Party during the dinner. Albanese responded vaguely when asked about the gathering, noting he frequently attends many functions. The controversy matters because it raises questions about political donations and foreign influence, with some politicians calling for transparency and a return of any funds.