Politicians take the plunge for inaugural FREEZE Parliament event

Ben Carroll and Brad Battin were among the MPs from different parties to get dunked into an ice bath to raise money in the battle against motor neurone disease.

You can always count on a frosty reception between Labor and the Coalition.

But the icy exchange took on a whole new meaning on Monday as MPs braved an icy plunge to raise more than $50,000 for the battle against motor neurone disease (MND).

Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and Opposition Leader Brad Battin were among 11 MPs to be dunked by Labor MP Emma Vulin, who is battling the beast.

Opposition Leader Brad Battin takes the plunge. Picture: Ian Currie

Mr Battin was one of 11 MPs dunked at the FREEZE parliament event. Picture: Ian Currie

Monday’s event has already raised more than $50,000. Picture: Ian Currie

They were cheered on by more than 100 colleagues, staffers, business and political figures who turned out to watch the icy spectacle at Victoria’s Parliament House.

All dressed up in his Kangaroos jumper, footy in hand, Mr Carroll was one of the first to take to the ice at the inaugural FREEZE Parliament event, organised by the Herald Sun and FightMND.

“Feeling great,” he said as towelled off.

“Such a wonderful cause.”

National Party MP Tim Bull wearing pyjamas emblazoned with Emma Vulin’s face. Picture: Ian Currie. Picture: Ian Currie

Mr Battin flashed the crowd his arm tattoos as he climbed up to the dunking board in his Geelong Cats jumper.

“Holy bejesus,” he exclaimed as has shook off the ice.

Labor MP Paul Mercurio, who scored bragging rights for his fundraising efforts – reeling in $10,000 for FightMND – summed up just how cold the water was as he emerged.

“Holy s—t,” he said.

The line-up of brave MPs also included Police Minister Anthony Carbines, Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams, Nationals Leader Danny O’Brien and Greens Leader Ellen Sandell.

Premier Jacinta Allan was one of the biggest donors, chipping in $1000, along with Independent MP Will Fowles.

Ms Allan called the event “a great display … of unity”.

Donations can be made to individual MPs’ pages on FightMND’s FREEZE Parliament website

Originally published as Politicians take the plunge for inaugural FREEZE Parliament event