It was a big year for AusPol – but thankfully despite lots of change, the reliability of political bloopers and blunders can always be relied on.
It’s been a big year for Australian politics – but thankfully despite plenty of changes in power and policy, the reliability of some political blunders, bloopers and bestings can always be relied upon. To end the year that was 2022, we share our 12 most memorable moments…
January: Dan Andrews bests Novak Djokavic game, set and match
On the first month of 2022, Novak Djokovic became the surprising loser of the 2022 Australian Open – when he was bested game, set and match by Victorian Premier Dan Andrews. Andrew’s strong stance to not let the unvaccinated world number one enter the state caused quite the racket!
February: Scott Morrison trades schmoozing for shampooing
On the second month of 2022, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison unexpectedly traded schmoozing for shampooing, when he tried his hand as an apprentice hairdresser. Despite feedback that “if it doesn’t work out politically, he could have a great career washing hair”…we’ve yet to see this transition since he lost office.
March: South Australians swap hoops for healthcare
On the third month of 2022, newly elected Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas cancelled plans for the construction of the $662 million basketball stadium to instead reallocate funding to healthcare.
Who would have guessed a state known for its refined culture would prefer healthcare over hoops?!
April: Unemployment…“sorry, I’m not sure what it is”
Awareness of Anthony Albanese’s need for a quick fact-check before he hits the campaign trail – with failure to name the Reserve Bank’s official cash rate and a response of “sorry, I’m not sure what it is” to unemployment all within a few weeks!
May: From “Scomo” to “Albo”
A new federal government! From “Scomo” to “Albo” – thank goodness Australian’s weren’t forced to learn a three-syllable name!
June: ACT leads country in health-focused drug reform
Canberra isn’t usually associated with the term “progessive”, however the nation’s capital announced it will decriminalise “small amounts of the most commonly used and best understood illicit drugs”…an Australian-first move aimed at targeting better health outcomes.
July: Brisbane 2032 to take on Sydney 2000
Another Olympic city on the horizon – with her energetic reaction to the announcement, Queensland Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk seems ready for Brisbane 2032 to take on Sydney 2000 for the title of “best Olympics ever”.
August: Scott Morrision’s extensive CV revealed
The news that, unbeknownst to many of his colleagues and the Australian public, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison held five other ministerial positions while he was in power…an overly-ambitious move which he has said “in hindsight these arrangements were unnecessary.”
September: Pocock to add money to the parliamentary swear jar
Senator David Pocock’s “unparliamentary”, yet arguably relevant, quote that arguing climate scepticism in 2022 is “bullshit”.
October: A new budget for “scary” times
Just in time for Halloween, and in response to some scary inflation rates, Australia got a new budget…. seen as a ‘treat’ for the environment and aged care, but a ‘trick’ from the perspective of business groups.
November: Promises get made (and retracted) quickly in Victoria
$2 all day public transport for all Melbournians! A HUGE campaign promise from opposition leader Matthew Guy during the Victorian State Elections…a great idea, until the spoilsports at the Department of Transport shared the reality that it would be unfeasible, costing over $900 million.
December: Pollies have an “extraordinary” and powerful end to the year
Powertrips aren’t uncommon in politics, and the national cabinet couldn’t finish the year without meeting on one of the most prominent daily issues for Australians today - power prices. Although calling a last-minute meeting on a Friday couldn’t have been a popular choice, in the words of the PM "extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures". A concrete plan to combat rising prices may be the early Christmas gift Australian’s can tick off their lists.
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