Three protesters have been forced from a resources industry breakfast attended by the Prime Minister in Perth on Wednesday.
The group shouted over diners calling for disruptions to Woodside’s Burrup Hub liquified natural gas project.
One protester, wearing a blue blazer and moleskins, led the trio to the event stage but was swiftly collected by security.
Event organisers turned up background music as two further protesters, one in a hoodie and the other in a green anorak, were escorted from the room.
The Prime Minister, Western Australia Premier Roger Cook and Woodside’s boss Liz Westcott were among those dining at the Westin Hotel for the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA event.
Mr Albanese was asked at a press conference after the breakfast whether the security breach was a concern, given a recent alleged assassination attempt on the US president at a dinner with journalists.
“Security for people in public life is an issue, there are a range of people who have been charged over issues related to myself and others,” Mr Albanese replied.
“We should be able to have discourse and have debate which is respectful, I don’t duck from attending or engaging in events like this… and it’s a good thing in Australia.”
He said Australians had a right to protest, but some political rhetoric should be “turned down”.
“People have a right to protest by all means and to express their views, but they should do so in a way that is appropriate and we work with security agencies on this but I would say that we need also to turn the temperature down on public debate.
“There is no need for some of the positions that are put forward in the manner they are put forward.”
He revealed there were upgrades currently underway at Kirribilli House in response to an increase in malicious activity.
Woodside’s Burrup Peninsula gas project is designed to consolidate interconnected gas supply projects in the Pilbara.
Opponents, including the Greens and Conservation Council of WA, argued the large-scale project posed an environmental threat.
The Labor government has maintained projects related to the “hub”, including the North West Shelf extension, are subject to “rigorous environmental approval processes”.
Anthony Albanese announced a $1.1 billion road infrastructure funding boost for the Westport container development.
He also announced cash for state governments fast-tracking their own agreements relating to environmental approvals processes.
“The government will provide more than $45 million over four years to progress bilateral agreements with states and territories that will reduce duplication,” a joint release from the Prime Minister and Environment Minister Murray Watt read.
Addressing industry executives in Perth on Wednesday, Mr Albanese said the resources sector would be critical to navigating economic threats and weaknesses exposed by the war in the Middle East.
Continual closures of the Strait of Hormuz have crippled the international energy market, driven up fuel prices, and sown uncertainty in global trade.
“None of us here can determine when this war will end, but all of us can choose how we respond to the economic challenges it is creating. We can choose what we learn from this global crisis, even before it ends,” Mr Albanese said.
“And we can choose what we are going to do differently, as a country… so that Australia does more than weather this storm, we emerge from it as a stronger, fairer and more resilient country.
“Building and strengthening this national resilience will be a key focus of the Budget we deliver in 13 days’ time.”