It’s hardly a dog’s life for the PM’s jetsetting pooch

Just how much of a dog’s life Australia’s first pooch has been living has come under scrutiny, with the opposition pushing to find out how many times the jetsetting cavoodle has flown as a VIP.

Anthony Albanese’s beloved Toto has apparently been living the high life on his private jet since his owner took the prime ministership in May last year.

This gave Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie “paws” for thought.

“Could you provide a list of all flights since the 21st of May 2022 on which animals – and specifically an animal called Toto – have been permitted onboard special purpose aircraft?” she asked the air force chief in a Senate hearing on Wednesday.

But the senator appeared to be barking up the wrong tree, with Air Marshal Robert Chipman saying the air force doesn’t normally keep data about pets on flights.

“I am aware that there is a history of VIPs travelling with pets on VIP aircraft,” he said.

“(But) we do not keep comprehensive records of when animals travel on VIP aircraft.”

Pets on VIP flights do not need to wear a muzzle but need to be restrained in some sort of harness, the air marshal said.

All animals remained the responsibility of their owners, he said.