One expects calm and dignified conduct from our leaders, but it seems Australian politicians simply can’t resist the opportunity to break into song.
Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson on Wednesday offered his satirical version of Billy Joel’s 1989 classic We Didn’t Start the Fire, reminding us of some of the greatest hits of Australian politicians.
Craig Emerson annihilates
Who could forget witnessing the former Labor minister mutter “there will be no removal of Whyalla” to the tune of Skyhooks’ 1974 hit Horror Movie?
Craig Emerson’s unique vocal style came in response to Tony Abbott’s comment that the carbon tax would wipe the South Australian city “off the map”.
Bob Katter has a feeling
Kennedy member Bob Katter is a master of political stunts. His laconic rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1969 classic Bad Moon Rising in 2018 appeared in a video posted to his Facebook page.
The veteran federal deputy changed the refrain to “There is a transversal bank on the rise.” Don’t miss the out-of-time applause!
Bill Shorten’s rap battle
When the then federal opposition leader channeled his inner rapper on the Fitzy & Wippa radio show in 2017, many were caught off guard.
Bill Shorten dropped quotes including: “Our economy is in debt, but Malcom is just chilling out. Hey Malcom, can you lend us a couple of million?” to the tune of 50 cent’s In Da Club, in what seemed to be a blatant attempt to traumatize (sorry, identify with) younger generations.
The ScoMo Ukulele
I would be remiss not to mention Scott Morrison singing April Sun in Cuba while strumming his ukulele on 60 Minutes in 2022.
He forgot the words halfway through and was out of tune the entire time. The band Dragon were not very impressed by the then Prime Minister’s version of their song, calling it “a cynical move by a politician to appropriate music in an attempt to humanize himself come election time.”
GG’s wife brings sunshine
Linda Hurley, wife of former Governor General David Hurley, was known for her penchant for turning performances into songs.
In 2019, she led Legacy Widows at a morning tea in Canberra with a chorus of You Are My Sunshine, hoping to boost the morale of staff and guests.
Western Australian Idol
Former WA House of Representatives leader David Templeman was known for belting out musical numbers in parliament.
Their hits include Always Look on the Bright Side of Parliament and Plastic Bags Banned (to the tune of Sound of Silence). His cover of the Bee Gees’ 1967 hit To Love Somebody recounted his efforts to buy tickets for Coldplay’s 2023 tour.
Clare Scriven has been everywhere
South Australia’s Primary Industries Minister may be the best singer of them all.
In a 2022 performance of I’ve Been Everywhere, posted on ABC Adelaide’s Facebook page, she He replaced the places named in the song with towns and cities in South Africa, while tapping a pen against a glass. Once heard, never forgotten.
There are plenty more musical politicians (Peter Garrett, former Labor minister and lead singer of Midnight Oil, looms large), but would you qualify if you were a rock star before entering parliament?
