Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Cash-for-pollies scandal

Check out The SMH today for my Heckler piece on the Press Gallery's innovative fundraising tactics: cash-for-pollies.

The gallery's running a charity online auction as part of its annual Midwinter Ball at Parliament's great hall tonight. The Herald didn't run the link to the auction, so check it out here and place a bid.

Fancy cocktails at the Lodge, followed by a day at the cricket with John Howard? Or a round of golf with Mark Vaile; a hearty dinner with Kim Beazley, maybe, or a walk in the forest with Bob Brown? It could be all yours, courtesy of the gallery and corporate sponsors.

I took a gentle sledge at the notion of journalists organising the social diaries of politicians in my piece, but I hope they raise a motza tonight. Jean Kittson will MC tonight's event, and we trust she'll have the skewers out for guest speakers John Howard and Kim Beazley.

The gallery's choir, the House Howlers, will tackle the politicians' group, the Parliamentary Poets, led by Peter Garrett, in a sing-off - the winner will take all the cudos.

In the lead-up to tonight's event, I'll be setting the scene with Canberra radio 2CCC's Mike Welsh just after the 5.30 news.

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I guess Ross Gittins might say that such 'cosiness' is another example of our belief in egalitarianism (SMH page 15 Comment article). Imagine the American press pulling a similar stunt? Would there be any takers for a ride in AirForce One with George Bush... a quick trip to and from Iraq for morning tea?

10:06 pm  
Blogger Hugo said...

Hmmm. I'd pay for a ride with Jed Bartlett. Or certainly the man who should be president, John McCain. Frankly, I'd rather a trip with Alexander Downer than Bush. Lex has plenty of time to chat, cos he certainly isn't reading his DFAT briefs.

6:09 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

But Downer is much too busy looking after the drunk Mrs Downer on flights. Allegedly. Or playing Super Mario Brothers.

5:57 am  

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