Illustration:John Shakespeare
A storm in a schooner glass?
greg.beileiter He is a clown. But enough of the people in his electorate vote for him. Don’t know what to make of that.
gunther Please don’t dismiss this behaviour as an antic. It demonstrates again a massive abuse of privilege and position to behave like this while an on-duty parliamentarian. And he trots out the old “it was the medication” excuse … sure!
Billinudgel How could he be across policy,when he isn’t across his very own medication?
adrian williamson Talk about a storm in a tea cup. I like someone who has a touch of larrikin. In the old days we called them characters. Alas,we don’t do characters any more … just grey cookie-cutter boring pollies.
Nick Andrews,Bellevue HillIf the CEO of any Australian business was discovered at midnight flat on his back,drunk and swearing into his phone,he would have resigned the very next day. That someone who was elected to public office is allowed to retain their position tells us all we need to know about the “values” of the Coalition.
Illustration:John Shakespeare
Are some politicians coated in teflon?
tcan We are very forgiving of drunk white men. Other groups,not so much.
Tea,Earl Grey,HotCan you honestly trust anyone who ignores health advice to not consume alcohol when taking medication? If this is the best we can find to run our country,no wonder we are in the horrible state we are in. Time for a massive change to purge the political ranks of all of these dinosaurs.
Sox Imagine the inquiry,fines and suspension if this was a football player. Politicians are coated in Teflon thanks to the poor ethics of their colleagues in upholding acceptable standards.
jezza Joyce isn’t just anyone. He is a senior politician in a position of responsibility. This behaviour is absolutely unacceptable. Parliament itself is a work building. Alcohol should be banned within it.
beproactive The poor Barnaby response is simply not enough. Yes,he does need help. But he is in a position of responsibility,he is supposed to lead by example,he is making important decisions that affect the whole of Australia,he is paid a generous salary and multiple allowances from our taxes,and will be living on the public purse forever. It’s not good enough to shrug and say it’s just Barnaby.
jopaca I didn’t feel surprised or even disappointed over this incident. I have very little admiration for most federal politicians,even though some carry the title “honourable”. I think a lot of them fall well short of the mark. This incident doesn’t even make my Top 20 Things That Barnaby Has Said Or Done That I Don’t Like list.
David Ginges,ChatswoodAn opportunity lost for Pistol and Boo.
Illustration:John Shakespeare
Is Joyce being kicked while he is (literally) down?
NICKEN Nah. He is a grown up and has responsibilities. The blokey-bloke drinking culture of Parliament House isn’t an excuse.
Beachcomber It’s hard to feel sympathy for someone who is happy to impose his personal views into legislation impacting all of us,but fails to meet the standards we have to meet both in the workplace and in public.
amusedmuse Does Barnaby show any empathy for anyone? If anyone can tell me where Barnaby has shown empathy for anyone other than mining companies,I’d be keen to hear it.
Matthew Rowles Hands up if you have had a big night out where you might have drunk a bit too much and well,fell over on the way home? Did he attack anyone? Get into a fight with the coppers? Jump a cab?
Neil Reckord,Gordon (ACT)I’m amazed at the number of people who are going to great lengths to make Barnaby a victim of a “grub” who videoed him. I would not go to the assistance of someone lying on their back having an expletive fuelled rant on their mobile with no evidence of any injury other than to his liver. It would be a good way to get a smack in the mouth.
CFMelb Nope! Still don’t feel sorry for him. He’s an adult and a politician and should know better.
djc7894Over the limit driving a motor vehicle – big penalties including loss of licence. Meanwhile,over the limit while driving the nation in parliament,no penalty at all. Perhaps alcohol testing devices should be installed to test members and senators at the entry point.
Peter Campbell,Potts PointI’m a gay man who has diametrically opposed views to Joyce about the environment,politics,religion,marriage equality,and probably a lot more. However,I feel sorry for him. His private life has been the subject of ridicule,especially within his own conservative ranks,and I believe he is being kicked while he is literally down. I hope he gets over this current personal crisis soon so that I can once again be appalled by him. But right now,he’s one of us and entitled to some sympathy.