Has Labor lost the election already? While most believe so, a damaging poll by Guardian Australia shows Kevin Rudd is in danger of losing his own seat.
Meanwhile, Tony Abbott spent most of his days kissing people, including a nun.
Nun are safe from the Abbott Kiss pic.twitter.com/lvLt96FGlM
— Jason Murphy (@jasemurphy) August 22, 2013
Labor policy announcement
- No new policies from Labor today, though Kevin Rudd spent a bit of time arguing against the Coalition’s paid parental policy.
Coalition policy announcement
- Tony Abbott announced the Coalition’s $340 million health policy in Sydney, and will no longer accept donations from tobacco companies.
Must read
We might be blowing our own trumpet here, but this week’s Australia Decides 2013 podcast is a cracker. It features The Age journalist Daniel Flitton, as well as Professor Nick Bisley from La Trobe University’s politics department.
Quote of the day
There’s one person, at least, who’s hopeful of a Labor victory. And that’s former prime minister, Bob Hawke.
“Anything can still happen I think,” said Mr Hawke, now in his 80s.
“It’s still too early to tell. I think the campaign has still got a lot of time.”
Tweet of the day
Kissing always features heavily in campaigns – leaders like to kiss other people, children, babies and the like.
Though this could be the first time someone’s actually offered to be kissed…and not themselves, either.
Fantastic news–new baby available for kissing –granddaughter no3 just born. Family all well.
— Senator Sue Boyce (@SenatorSue) August 21, 2013
Slip of the day
There’s a reason why journalism educators often tell their students to be weary of what goes on Twitter and Facebook.
Today’s slip goes to a make-up artist in Brisbane, who had prepared both leaders prior to the people’s forum on Wednesday.
Lily Fontana had posted on her Facebook page that she enjoyed conversing with Tony Abbott, but her experience with Kevin Rudd was the exact opposite.
“Oh boy, I have never had anyone treat me so badly whilst trying to do my job,” she wrote.
The Australian reports it was shared more 1200 times before it was deleted.
Wrap by Liam Quinn and Erdem Koç. Follow them and send them tips on Twitter – @Quinn_LP and@erdemkoc.
