Strewth: Politicians jump on board for nostalgic #MeAt20 challenge

Self isolating politicians itching for attention jump on board the #MeAt20 challenge, sharing snaps of their halcyon days.

Who is this Australian politician? See the answer below. Picture: Supplied

It’s the viral craze no one asked for. And now our self isolating politicians itching for some attention have jumped on board the nostalgic #MeAt20 challenge by sharing snaps of their halcyon days. Gladys Berejiklian sent social media into a meltdown when the normally reserved NSW Premier posted a pic in a Superwoman costume — complete with blonde wig, spandex, cape and knee-high red boots.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian joins in the #MeAt20 challenge.

“Embarrassing I know, but this is from my 21st (nearly 20),” Berejiklian wrote.

“Very prophetic,” former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull commented. “Run for PM with this photo. You will have my support,” declared Nine host David Campbell. But can you pick the other youths pictured here? For the answers, scroll to the end of this article.

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Berejiklian’s banger

Here’s an Easter egg you may have missed over the long weekend. As she was stepping up to give her daily 8am press conference on Easter Saturday, Berejiklian’s phone began blaring out a pop song. What tune? US singer Dua Lipa’s top 10 banger Don’t Start Now, which contains the lyrics “don’t show up, don’t come out”. Hard to think of a better song to draw the yoof’s attention to social distancing rules. So, was it a well timed stunt? Or a genuine forgot-to-turn-your-phone-on-silent blooper? Our spies in Berejiklian’s office say it isn’t the Premier’s ringtone, but the result of an accidental bump which set off the last song she listened to on iTunes (perhaps while running on the treadmill she bought instead of taking a holiday?) Hence her endearing/baffled reaction, “I can hear someone’s radio music.”

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Shots fired

“NSW might want to bring a peashooter to the fight. That’s fine. We'll bring a bazooka and we're not afraid to use it,” Queensland State Development Minister Cameron Dick threatened over where Virgin Australia jobs will land. Now that’s one State of Origin replacement Strewth would happily watch!

Cameron Dick doesn’t do things by halves. Picture: File

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All’s fair

This paper’s resident historian and tome-lord Troy Bramston had some thoughts after reading Monday’s column: “If the Liberal Party is going to expel Malcolm Turnbull they should also posthumously expel Robert Menzies.”

Sir Robert Menzies in 1959. Picture: File

Turns out the two-time PM unquestionably voted for the Democratic Labour Party in 1972, and most likely also in 1969 and 1974. On the Liberal Party's 30th anniversary, Menzies offered this stinging public critic of the movement he founded: “Many things that I believed in, and many of the principles which made the Liberal Party, have so far been forgotten or put on one side that I am deeply concerned about the future.”

He also gave an interview to The Bulletin magazine, which he thought was off-the-record, in which he trashed Harold Holt, Billy McMahon and Billy Snedden. Bramston continued: “And let's not forget John Gorton stood against the Liberal party as an independent Senate candidate in 1975. Malcolm Fraser and John Hewson have been persistent critics of the party too. So maybe expel them all!” Hear hear!

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Swan’s hot air

Dr Norman Swan.

It's the question you didn’t know you needed answered: Can you catch COVID-19 from farts?

The ABC’s omnipotent Dr Norman Swan told listeners to his Coronacast podcast that yes, you probably can.

Hence why the government is testing our waterwaste for fragments of the virus shed in faeces.

Swan warned flatulent Quiet Australians to avoid passing wind “close” to others, adding it was important “that you don’t fart with your bottom bare”.

Solid advice, pandemic or no.

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Double trouble

Federal parliament has welcomed its first Generation C (or quarantine) baby. Jenna Thompson and Liberal MP husband Phil (nicknamed “Pirate” by his federal colleagues) welcomed Emery Carolyn to this new world at 6:58pm last Tuesday at Townsville’s Mater Hospital. The 31-year-old former soldier turned first term member for Herbert said mum and 3.08kg bub are doing well after the long labour, as is older sister Astin (who turns two next week), and his “nappy changing skills are in high demand”. Thompson is donating 10 per cent of his monthly wage (backbenchers earn a base salary of $211,250) to charity Food Relief NQ to support locals struggling with coronavirus.

Great to catch up with Phil Thompson, our hard-working @LNPQLD candidate in Herbert & his family today. He’s a veteran, mental health advocate & was Queensland’s Young Australian of the Year. He’ll make an excellent MP so make sure you give your vote to Phil tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/WvFkMg52Rb

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) May 16, 2019

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ANSWERS:

Main image: Tanya Plibersek

1. Annastacia Palaszczuk

2. Jim Molan

3. Ken Wyatt

4. Jenny Leong

5. Anthony Albanese

6. Mehreen Faruqi