Strewth: Shorten’s dog days

Bill Shorten appears to have a tough time getting his bulldog to support his AFL team.

Bill Shorten’s dog, Theo, appears to have little taste for the Pies.

Bill Shorten appears to have a tough time getting his bulldog to support his AFL team. “Another Sunday spent trying to convince Theo to barrack for the (Collingwood) Pies,” Shorten posted on social media yesterday. The Opposition Leader’s mutt does not look too enthusiastic about his Collingwood scarf at all. Perhaps Theo is a South Melbourne fan? Shorten notoriously switched allegiance from South Melbourne to the Pies as a young man, when his former team moved to NSW in 1982 and became the Sydney Swans. Either way, we’re sure Theo can’t withstand Shorten’s powers of persuasion much longer.

Another Sunday spent trying to convince Theo to barrack for the Pies.... #aflpieseagles pic.twitter.com/74O2DuCSx4

— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) July 15, 2018

Presser panic

Journalists fear one thing more than anything — getting told to ask questions they don't really understand. One such reporter had to face Shorten in Adelaide on Saturday with a thorny question about Mayo’s Centre Alliance candidate Rebekha Sharkie. “Do you agree that Sharkie is doing a good job and do you expect her to back (you) into the office?” the brave reporter queried. Shorten asked to

what office the reporter was referring. The reporter uttered eight words in response, eight terrible words: “I’m not sure, sorry — I’ve been given these.”

Report repetition

Anthony Albanese is known for his candour and “authenticity” but even he can’t help evading a yes-or-no question. Last Friday, Sylvia Jeffreys on Nine’s Today asked Shorten’s leadership rival if he had, yes or no, read a ACCC report into the electricity market. “I’ve read the recommendations of the report,” Albo replied. Jeffreys tried again. “Have you read the report?” she asked. “I’ve read the recommendations of the report,” he said again. And then Jeffreys played the Shorten card: “Shorten did admit to not reading that (report) yesterday.” Alas, it did not work. “I’ve read the recommendations of the report,” Albo repeated.

Latham’s Ladder

Could Mark Latham rule One Nation one day? James Ashby, the chief of staff to Pauline Hanson, suggested as such to Fairfax newspapers yesterday. “Pauline has always said the party must continue beyond her … She would be grateful if (her) legacy was led by people like … Mark Latham,” he said. Latham, who has recorded a robocall for Hanson’s party, got stung by Labor MP Ed Husic on Facebook yesterday over the new prediction. “Ahhhh, THAT’S how the Latham ladder of opportunity works! OK. Got it,” the Labor MP said. Readers will remember “ladder of opportunity” was a favourite line of Latham when he was ALP leader. But it must be noted that Latham has competition for Pauline’s crown should she ever give it up. Ashby also mentions WA senator Peter Georgiou, One Nation in Queensland leader Steve Dickson, and former senator Malcolm Roberts as potential leaders. What old line would Latham use for his One Nation rivals? Are they another conga-line of suckholes?

Jack and his grandad combine work and playdate. Picture: Facebook

Turnbull Jr

Malcolm Turnbull unleashed his ultimate electoral weapon on Friday — his little grandson Jack. “Off to work with Jack today,” the Prime Minister wrote on Instagram, adding a smile emoji. And what a day at work they had. Jack, now a veteran campaigner after years of going to events with his grandfather, joined Turnbull around the electorate in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. They even went to a baking event. Politicians are often criticised for using their kids on the campaign trail but surely that cherubic little face is a vote-winner? Well, not with Instagram commentator david-danger-hst r. “Neither of you have a real job,” he wrote on Turnbull’s post.