A strange thing happens when world leaders go over their allotted speaking time in debates at the United Nations .

Standing before a huge auditorium of diplomats and politicians in New York, some of the most powerful people in the world fall suddenly silent. Down to the second, their microphones are unceremoniously shut off.

So it was as countries lined up to recognise Palestine’s statehood in New York on Monday. Required to keep to five minutes, the leaders of multiple countries went overtime, struggling to be heard in the huge general assembly hall.

A few kept going anyway. The leader of Angola got to the lectern only to realise he didn’t have any notes.

About 10th in the speaking order, Anthony Albanese appeared determined not to suffer a similar fate. He spoke at a steady clip,

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