Matthew Guy’s polished rebranding raises eyebrows and pens

Matthew Guy’s second crack at becoming Premier has seen him spruce up his look and his scribble.

Image is everything when you’re having a second crack at becoming Premier.

Fresh suit, clean shoes, good hair.

It seems team Matthew Guy has extended that to his signature, too.

The graphically designed version appearing at the bottom of much of his social media content is a vastly improved version of the real deal.

But it has raised some eyebrows across Spring St, with critics of the Opposition Leader questioning the polished rebranding.

“Your signature is just about the most personal thing you’ve got, if that’s not real, what is,” one aggrieved government source said.

Baz only knows one thing about signatures: they’re best when they become an autograph. Then you know you’ve made it.

Matthew Guy’s original signature.

The digitised and much more legible version.

GETTING THE JAB DONE

In an era of career politicians, it is always nice to see MPs with broader skill sets.

Most recently, Cooper MP Ged Kearney was applauded for donning some scrubs and putting jabs in arms to both assist the vaccine booster rollout and encourage people to come in for an appointment.

Baz reckons more politicians should follow suit in incorporating their past lives into their work.

Karen Andrews could dust off her skills as a drafter, Damian Drum could lace up his footy boots and Rob Mitchell could operate tow trucks in between campaign spots.

Today I put on scrubs for the first time in more than 15 years and joined the healthcare workforce delivering vaccinations into arms. 💉

The pandemic is not over yet. If you haven’t had your vaccines or booster yet, it’s not too late. pic.twitter.com/N9Pe9jXr4V

— Ged Kearney (@gedkearney) February 1, 2022

WHERE’S THE PLAN MAN?

Just on the opposition, they launched a great five point plan last week announcing how they’d manage Victoria’s transition out of the pandemic.

Only problem was, the official media release was missing the actual five point plan. Oops.

RATS IN THE RANKS

Parliament is back this week, and with it a request that all visitors to the great building use rapid antigen tests twice weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays if possible.

That’s MPs, staff, parliamentary workers, gardeners, guests and media.

Problem is, they’ve all been told to find their own. Good luck!

Baz reckons it’s a bit rich to ask people to BYO when they’re as rare as hen’s teeth.

If only the parliament had the same foresight as the Victorian County Court, which started using the tests in July last year.

Michael O'Brien getting a rapid test in the days you could actually find them.

THERESA’S $1000 DINNER

Former British PM Theresa May hits town this week for her first ever visit Down Under.

Baz will be watching closely to see just how many people cough up for the $1000-a-head gala dinner on Saturday night.

It will also be curious to see just which iconic Melbourne landmarks the former PM takes the chance to visit.

Baz is told May, and a huge security detail, will make the most of her five or so days in Melbourne, hitting the city and regional areas between speaking engagements and charitable work.

And while she absolutely ruled out doing any media, Baz will be watching.

A ticket to dinner with Theresa May will set you back $1000.

WHAT’S IN A NAME

Food for thought this week.

This time over the move by Moreland Council to change its “racist” name because of a centuries-old link to a Jamaican slave estate which traded in slaves, sugar and rum.

The move has been backed by Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane and Aboriginal elders.

But Baz got to thinking this week, where must the renaming end?

And indeed, will it extend to Moreland councillors Samuel Riley, Michael Davidson or John Bolton who all share names with slave trader-owners according to an online record of American slave owners?

Will those three councillors change their names or resign, perhaps?

Very unlikely, nor should they.

HENDERSON’S OMICRON FAIL

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah. If you’re going to boast about how your government has kept Australians safe during the pandemic you must, I repeat must, take more care than this.

Because it’s Omicron, not Omnicrom.

Baz would forgive a slip of the tongue, but typing this out then hitting publish on social media, poor form.

We’re two years into the pandemic and you’re part of the team trying to save us!