By Ashley Nickel,Editor
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The odd detail that Aussies love in a Prime Minister – and Albo’s lacking
Aussies prefer leaders with one key physical attribute
READ MORE: The most attractive HEIGHTS for men and women
By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA
Published: 07:59 BST, 30 September 2025 | Updated: 08:01 BST, 30 September 2025
On top of promising to reduce taxes, lower carbon emissions, and solve the housing crisis – data from the last 30 years has revealed Australian politicians have to be taller than their opponent to secure the top job.
Australia has had eight Prime Ministers since 1996 and only three have managed to beat out an opponent taller; Anthony Albanese, Julia Gillard and John Howard.
Body language expert Louise Mahler told Daily Mail a preference for tall leaders is observed worldwide and is becoming more prevalent as the digital age makes it harder for politicians to distort their height.
‘It is simple as this: tall people win!’ she said.
‘Australians, just like everyone else, fall for the bias of associating height and leadership with increased self-esteem and social dominance.
‘In fact, height is positively associated with cognitive ability.’
Howard beat the odds in three elections against men who were taller than him; Paul Keating, Kim Beazley and Mark Latham.
Albanese is nearing Howard’s record, having won against Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton in the last two federal elections.
Anthony Albanese has claimed a rare political achievement by twice beating candidates taller than him (pictured, Albanese, left with Scott Morrison, right)
Despite appearing much shorter than both Morrison and Peter Dutton (right), Albanese (left) is considered taller than the average Australian man
In the last 30 years, more than half of Australia’s prime ministers claimed the spot by beating a shorter opponent (pictured are rivals Kevin Rudd, left, and Tony Abbott, right)
‘Most research conducted over the last century in the UK and USA shows leaders are usually at least an inch taller than the average height,’ Dr Mahler said.
‘Looking at the research, the height premium in earnings is often attributed to the greater strength and better health that accompany height.
‘Researchers in developed countries have emphasised factors such as self-esteem, social dominance and discrimination.
‘In a recent paper, Persico, Postlewaite and Silverman suggest that boys who are taller during adolescence are more likely to participate in social activities that build productive human capital.’
Howard’s height was repeatedly used against him on the campaign trail but it wasn’t until his fourth election that he was beaten by a taller rival, Kevin Rudd.
That loss saw him join the pool of shorter candidates, including Bill Shorten and eventually Kevin Rudd, who lost to the slightly taller Tony Abbott in 2013.
‘It is interesting to note that to undermine John Howard, he was nicknamed by the opposition as “Little Johnny” when, in fact, Mr Howard was 5’10” which is not considered short,’ Dr Mahler said.
Though fellow politicians often appeared taller than Howard, who stood at 1.76m, he is technically above the 2023 average height of 174.6cm for men over the age of 45.
Bill Shorten was shorter than his political rival Malcolm Turnbull (pictured in 2018)
Opposition leader Sussan Ley (pictured with Anthony Albanese) may consider swapping her practical pumps for a pair of higher heels in the next election
Dr Mahler added the same applied for Albanese, whose previous two opponents have been taller than him.
‘Mr Howard was about the same height as Mr Albanese, our current leader,’ she said.
‘Therefore, Mr Albanese is no exception to the height rule because he’s actually not that short!’
While only time will tell if the rule keeps proving true, Opposition leader Sussan Ley may want to consider a taller pair of heels for the next election.
Anthony Albanese
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The odd detail that Aussies love in a Prime Minister – and Albo’s lacking
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