WTF: Voices of AI, parental priorities, the (old) Corio candidate

Are the voices of a crucial Geelong seat generated by AI? Plus clarification as to who is in fact the Liberal’s Corio candidate in this week’s federal election-themed WTF.

WTF?

They’re the little – and sometimes not so little – things that can really irk us. We’ve asked the people of Geelong to point out the problems that irritate and exasperate and have us all saying, woah, that’s frustrating!

HEY I THINK THAT’S AI

Are the voices of Corangamite AI generated? Picture: Supplied.

Podcasts are becoming an integral part of political campaigns, particularly following the recent US elections.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been on an audio march towards the to-be-announced election, appearing on ex-Bachelor contestant and social media star Abbie Chatfield’s podcast, among others.

But it was a Geelong-based show that pricked up ears at WTF HQ.

A dedicated listener of the Sustainable Hour podcast was enjoying the March 3 episode titled “When in doubt, vote the man out” when they noticed something odd.

The sincerely interesting conversation between a group of female Geelong political candidates – including Voices of Corangamite candidate Kate Lockhart and Greens Corio hopeful Emilie Flynn – was paused to feature what at first seemed to be just an inoffensive, if anything bland, song.

Kate Lockhart will contest the 2025 federal election in the seat of Corangamite. Picture: Supplied.

Turns out, however, it was the work of AI.

“The podcast was transparent, and even discussed the merits of AI following its playing, which was good, I suppose” the not-so impressed listener said.

“But it's a bit of a slap in the face to the countless number of talented Geelong-region artists who are struggling with a lack of work at the moment.”

Ms Lockhart’s party have adventured into the world of AI tunes before.

Linked to a press release announcing Ms Lockhart’s candidacy was an AI-generated song “Rising Voices”, which was also produced for the Sustainable Hour podcast.

The podcast has, in fact, played nine songs so far on the show.

“Are the voices of Corangamite real or AI?” the listener asked.

PARENTAL PRIORITIES

Darcy Dunstan campaign launch in Corangamite.

Priorities are important for any would-be politician.

Just last week, newly-minted state Labor MP John Lister came under fire for not listing crime as one of his key focuses.

So it should be no surprise that a campaign slogan for a local federal hopeful has come under some scrutiny.

“Tradie, soldier, dad.”

Readers might’ve seen this slogan on corflutes across Corangamite.

They’re promoting Liberal candidate Darcy Dunstan, who is a chance to take the seat, which has been held by Labor’s Libby Coker since 2019.

“I understand loving your job and being proud of your military service,” a reader said.

“But if you’re promoting being a dad, it’s weird not to have that first.”

DUAL CANDIDATES?

A confusing corflute was noticed near South Geelong station.

The Liberal Party’s Corio branch haven’t had the ideal lead in to this year’s election.

Candidate Darren Buller hasn’t been sighted since a botched campaign launch that involved a fake Facebook page and a fabricated event featuring Sam Newman.

The campaign confusion only intensified when one of WTF’s spies was taking a leisurely stroll up Yarra St.

“I was overjoyed to sight my first Darren Buller corflute, much like seeing the first flower bloom in spring, it was a reminder of the thrilling election cycle to come,” he said.

Darren Buller IS the Liberal Party's candidate in Corio. Picture: Supplied.

“But I had to do a second take, when on the corner of Carr St near South Geelong Station, I sighted a second corflute, this one for Liberal candidate Peter Read.

“I’m perplexed, I understand Corio is a safe Labor seat, but surely running two candidates can only hurt the Liberal cause?”

Peter Read is NOT.

After some quick Googling, Peter Read stood for the Liberal Party way back in 2013.

It seems as though the corflute is a relic, rather than an attempt to rekindle Mr Read’s more than decade-old tilt.

SUBURBAN HIGHWAY?

An East Geelong resident has been left confused after new lines on Myers St have made a single road look like a dual highway.

The election is yet to be called, so we thought it would be remiss of us not to include a more traditional WTF entry.

An East Geelong resident has been left confused after new lines on Myers St have made a single road look like a dual highway.

“I have lived here for 15 years, there has never been lines painted previously, the street is wide, with a medium strip in the middle, and until (recently), I have never seen a car on the wrong side of the road.

“As I’m coming out of my driveway a motorbike comes past my house heading the wrong way.

“When l drove the intersection for the first time today, I, too, was confused really its over use of signs and painted compartments.

“It’s too confusing. The pictures doesn’t do it justice, it’s worth a trip to have a look and then you will clearly see the issues and my concern that someone will get in an accident as the lines painted look like Myers street is a dual road … on both sides of the medium strip.”

Originally published as WTF: Voices of AI, parental priorities, the (old) Corio candidate