The Australian's long-standing Strewth columnist James Jeffrey is set to move into Anthony Albanese's office as the Labor leader's speechwriter.

It is the latest in a long line of hires by Albanese, including former Labor national secretary Tim Gartrell as chief-of-staff, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews' former digital director Sabina Husic as his deputy and Gillard-era cabinet director Mathew Jose as strategy boss.

James Jeffrey, performing in Parliament last year, will leave The Australian to join Anthony Albanese's office. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

We were reminded by Jeffrey — who was at the broadsheet for more than a decade — that it was Albo who launched his tome My Family and Other Animus last year.

“I kind of owed him one in return,” Jeffrey told CBD.