I have been doorknocked

[stephbg]

One of the joys of ill health is the opportunity to talk to stray mad persons who come knocking at the door.



I have just had a chat with our local Federal member of parliament Luke Simpkins, who is sadly a member of the Liberal opposition and in no position to be useful at all. OK, maybe he's on the odd committee here and there, but you know what I mean. I certainly didn't vote for him *hearts Kevin and Julia*.

One of his early lines "I know it's a long way to the next election" did not fill me with confidence for the practical value of his visit. It did, however, provide an opening for me to suggest *cough* that he not use so much paper on election mailouts next time. When he started to justify the last election I cut him off firmly but without heat, and he got the message and wrapped up wryly with "Just don't do it next time, right?"

I smiled. "Right."

This was fun.

He then offered me--with a startling lack of confidence--a free reusable shopping bag. I'm always up for shopping bags, and when I said something along the lines of "I'm not bothered showing your name at the supermarket, and hey, it's got the coat of arms on it," he responded "Well at least it doesn't have the party slogans." Way to go with party enthusiasm, Luke, but points for reality.

We then chatted briefly about reusable shopping bags, and I hit him with some advice about marketing to target the lost demographics.

Somewhere in there I tossed in "...and we'd like broadband." (And a pony).

When he showed signs of wanting to escape I politely (i.e. without feeling) apologised for the verbal assault. Poor thing, he seemed quite nervous under the political veneer and firm handshake.

"Oh that's OK," said he with feeling, "I've had far worse." I bet he had. I permitted him to leave.

Muhahahahahaha.

Comments

[punkrocker1991.livejournal.com]

damn, wish i was home today. he'd never set foot in 6024 again.

[lauredhel.livejournal.com]

The Australian coat of arms? Can you use the coat of arms on political campaign advertising?


Googling, DFAT says:

The Australian Government uses the coat of arms to authenticate documents and for other official purposes. Its uses range from embellishing the Australian passport to forming part of all Australian government departmental insignias. The use of the coat of arms by private citizens or organisations is rarely permitted by the Australian Government, and doing so would contravene laws relating to misrepresentation, forgery or trademark infringement.

Wikipedia says:

The coat of arms is used to identify Australian government authority and property, accordingly the coat of arms should never be used where it could wrongly imply a formal guarantee, sponsorship or endorsement by the Commonwealth.[6] Use of the arms by private citizens or organisations is rarely permitted, however there are provisions for use by sporting bodies and in educational publications. Use of the coat of arms without permission may be in breach of Sections 53 (c) (d) and (e) of the Trade Practices Act 1974, Section 145.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 or Section 39(2) of the Trade Marks Act 1995.[7] The import of goods bearing the arms is also illegal according Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations.

[stephbg.livejournal.com]

He *is* the local member of parliament, so I imagine he has the authority to use the coat of arms for official purposes. The motivation for producing and distributing the bags is somewhat open to interpretation. Is he as the sitting member just doing his job or is he campaigning for the next election? The latter seems most likely, but difficult to prove in a court of law.

[lauredhel.livejournal.com]

An opposition House of Reps member slapping it on a shopping bag with his name isn't exactly the Government of Australia using it for official purposes. I reckon it's dodgy as.

[baby-elvis.livejournal.com]

He refused to vote on the Sorry message. He has incurred my wrath.