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NewsIf the PM walked into your pub, what would you say?
If the PM walked into your pub, what would you say?

If the PM walked into your pub, what would you say?

As if you needed reminding, the election is on. If the prime minister or aspirant leader walked into your pub, club or café. What would you say? And how might they reply?

Pensioner Ray Drury, aged 73, gave the PM an earful at the Edgeworth Tavern in Newcastle this month on his claim of low financial support for older Australians.

Mr Morrison's response was conciliatory but soon forgotten: "This is what we should do. You raised two very important issues - one on immigration and one on your pension - so let's sit down with one of my team. You can sit down right now," he replied.

It brings to mind a somewhat different reply when Bob Hawke ran into another pensioner called Bob Bell on the campaign trail in a Whyalla supermarket in SA on Sept 26 1989.

Bell told Hawkie, "You get more a week than we get a year." (Fact check Scott Morrison's base salary is  $211,250, plus an additional salary of $338,000, making for a gross $549,250, or $1505 a day)

But it was the PM's off the cuff and curt riposte which made history: "…you silly old bugger." 

The exchange made many of Hawke's obituaries and Whyalla once but sadly seems not to have erected a monument to a storm in a teacup.

So what would you say if you had your chance with a surprise meeting on the campaign trail with Morrison or Albanese?

And do you think pollies are now just too polite to people who have a go at them for fear of giving 'offence'?

I'd ask you to be a little respectful even if our leader's likely answer to you might not.
 

Originally posted on .

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Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

I would ask him (or even the Opposition Leader ) about the big gap when claiming Medicare for specialist doctors. John B from Maroubra. 

Christine
Christine from QLD commented:

What is he going to do for older people with a disability? My husband is now transferring to a motorised wheelchair which is being funded by his Aged Care package. He had to wait over a year to receive any help. I am his full time carer and help provided by agencies is very limited and could not be afforded by the aged pension and package. My concern is what happens if I die before him. . All older people deserve some security and to be able to enjoy their later years without being made to feel they are a burden to the tax payer. Most of us have worked all our life and contributed to the country. I just retired last December at the age of 68. Christine B Qld 

LORRAINE
LORRAINE from QLD commented:

Nothing. I would turn away, ignoring a man who opening lies to the public. If he was the person, that he projects himself as, he would not depend on ‘religiousness’ to communicate his values. He would live it, 

Someone
Someone from QLD commented:

The current government are betting they do not get back in, so that someone else can clean up their Mess! Under current "Rules" Australia is no longer united after an election! Each state/territory has it's own agender, right or wrong, and unless the states unquestioningly "Toe the line", the government will do their utmost to disrupt those states! United Australia Party! Equals "Lets line Clive Palmer's Pockets with our Money!!!???"! China in the Solomon Islands!!!??? I have to seriously consider returning to England for my health and safety! The Government has SERIOUSLY taken it's eye off the international Ball! 

ian
ian from NSW commented:

Over the last 3 years, we have all been to hell and back whether it be bushfires, floods, or covid and some have been hit worse than others. During that time the current Prime Minister has in my opinion done an excellent job of keeping the country going. In times of crisis, we all look for someone to blame, and the Prime Minister is an obvious target . I would shake his hand. Ian NSW. 

Someone
Someone from VIC commented:

I would tell Morrison that he has forgotten the self funded retirees, and that we are the demographic talking the least from the public purse. Most have paid private health insurance, raised kids, paid off their houses and not taken a cent from the public coffers. We deserve a bit of a break. I’d tell Albanese that a leopard can’t change his spots, his party will continue to penalise those who have been responsible enough to provide for themselves, and lastly to “piss off.” 

Trevor
Trevor from QLD commented:

Well done mate in very difficult times.Keep it up. 

Paul
Paul from SA commented:

I am very worried about the future for my Grandkids with such a poorly educated prime minister the standards and innovation is not being set having a good debate over medicare and economics and skill sets is impossible with our Prime Minister I can still remember Paul Keating wiping the floor with John Howard over economics Howard never had a clue when he was treasurer 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

I would ask him why he lied about being in Hawaii during the bushfires and why did he lie about the availability of the Covid vaccine. Further, ask him to provide full disclosure about his relationship with his mentor, Brian Houston of the Hillsong organisation. I would also ask Morrison to explain why he promised to purchase water bombing planes and hasn’t.. 

Keith
Keith from SA commented:

Why, as a man who wears his religion on his sleeve, have you lied to me so often and when caught out blames anyone but your own failings. Oh, and by the way I cant have a beer with you as I'm the designated driver and obviously need my wits about me. 

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