Aussie Councillor Who Praised Russia’s Putin on State Television Criticised for ‘Regrettable Commentary’

The comments by a Port Hedland councillor who praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for a recent election win on Russian state television have been described as “regrettable” and counter to the interests of a small Aussie mining town. Adrian McRae was invited by the Russian government to travel to Moscow as an “independent” election observer, even before he held any official role. He was only sworn in as a councillor on his return to Australia. The election result last on March 24 meant that Mr. Putin extended his nearly quarter-century rule for six more years, overtaking Joseph Stalin to become Russia’s longest-serving leader in over 200 years....