Fact and fiction
Australian transport minister Anthony Albanese's speech is very similar to that of Michael Douglas in The American President Paramount

Australian transport minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of taking a little too much inspiration from the movie world for his speeches.

Albanese, of the ruling Labor Party, made a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra criticising opposition leader Tony Abbott.

Some viewers found some comments from the speech to be a little familiar.

Critics pointed out the almost word-for word similarity between Albanese's speech and one given by Michael Douglas in the Aaron Sorkin-scripted The American President.

See below for a comparison (video uploaded by Campbell1308)

Sorkin's scripts have become synonymous with politics because of The West Wing, which featured Martin Sheen giving many rousing speeches as the US president.

Albanese's Speech

"In Australia we have serious challenges to solve and we need serious people to solve them. Unfortunately Tony Abbot is not the least bit interested in fixing anything.

"He is only interested in two things: making Australians afraid of it and telling them who is to blame for it.

Michael Douglas's Speech

"We have serious problems to solve and we need serious people to solve them and whatever your particular problem is I promise you that Bob Riompsden is not the least bit interested in solving it.

"He is interested in two things, and two things only: making you afraid of it and telling you who's to blame for it."

Australia