The Sketch: Ghosts of PMs past but no sign of Scrooge
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas … and it’s not too hard to picture Santa Scott Morrison coming down the chimney, especially if he knew there was coal in the fireplace.
The Prime Minister teamed up with Anthony Albanese and Adam Bandt to launch the Salvation Army’s end-of-year collection, popping bipartisan presents under the Kmart Wishing Tree.
Morrison gifted a 1000-piece map of Australia jigsaw puzzle (bought in Cronulla), comedian Peter Helliar’s book Frankie Fish, picture book Somewhere in Australia by Marcello Pennacchio, a pram toy, pastel dough and a pearl paint set.
He also offered up this odd missive: “Kmart, I’ve learnt this year from my daughters, is quite a thing that you go along to. It’s become a social event to actually go to Kmart this year, as well as a shopping event. So well done to Kmart. I’m sure they’ll be getting plenty of people coming along in the run in to Christmas.”
When you have a go, you get to go … to Kmart? How good is Kmart!
Sadly, the Prime Minister didn’t go for any of the jingo bells on offer in the Parliament House gift shop, such as a box of six Australian flag baubles (in blue, red and silver), a $22 must-have for patriotic trees. The glass decorations go nicely with the coat of arms wrapping paper, honey vodka (with honey from the parliamentary hives) and fresh Parlimints (that can double as percussion during carol singalongs).
Always looking for a chance to one-up his rival, the Opposition Leader wheeled in not one but two trolleys stacked with sporting goods, musical instruments and toys.
Albanese skipped past the ghosts of Labor PMs past Christmas card collection in the gift shop — “Hawke! The Herald Angels Sing”, “Season’s Keating” and “Julia To The World”. A pity, because they would have presented nicely as a preamble to Labor deputy Richard Marles’ festive question time probe.
“Why have Tony Abbott and Alexander Downer been able to leave and re-enter Australia multiple times this year when there are thousands of vulnerable, stranded Australians who haven’t been able to get home once?” Marles asked.
The PM hit back: “Why he would want to bring personalities into this, Mr Speaker, given that Mr (Kevin) Rudd has done the same thing. Surprises me. I think this reflects the politics of negativity that has overtaken the opposition.”
That was an “utter falsehood”, the former Labor prime minister said. “I haven’t left Queensland since March. Morrison has misled the parliament and he should apologise,” Rudd tweeted hours later. “The Morrison Government’s own records will prove this.”
It was revealed on Monday that the Prime Minister had written to the Clerk of the House of Representatives correcting his statement on Mr Rudd.
Those following the global travels of another former pollie, Mathias Cormann, will be pleased to hear his Falcon 7X is due back down under soon. He’s currently lobbying Chile and Colombia for their OECD votes, after flying from Europe to South America (via an island in the Atlantic).
Morrison claimed in the parliament today that I have obtained exemptions to travel in and out of Australia, taking quarantine places from other Australians. That is an utter falsehood. I haven't left Queensland since March. Morrison has misled the parliament & he should apologise pic.twitter.com/O7x6l3Q3qq
— Kevin Rudd (@MrKRudd) December 7, 2020
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