Weekend Gold Coast Bulletin

CAMPAIGN HAS GONE TO THE DOGS

- DUNCAN MURRAY

THEY say never work with animals and children – but the election trail is a different story.

Kissing babies is a time-honoured tradition and while the first baby of the election campaign made his debut on Friday, week one has been outnumbere­d by pictures of the leaders with dogs.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison met the first baby following a church service at the Syndal Baptist Church in Glen Waverley, Melbourne.

After asking the baby’s mother how she was doing, Mr Morrison leant in to 35-day-old Muxi and said: “God bless you”.

But week one of the campaign so far has gone to the dogs – literally.

Unfortunat­ely for the Prime Minister, even dogs can cringe and one gave his internet detractors plenty to laugh about. The wide-eyed lab appeared all too keen to escape an awkward selfie with Scomo.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese also got in on the action, cosying up to a couple of dog walkers for a pat.

Mr Morrison did at least have better luck getting a handshake at this meet and greet and even got a kiss as well.

Albo and partner Jodie Haydon also posed up for a snap with puppies while on a visit to the Sydney Royal Easter Show, showing the man from Marrickvil­le has a tender side.

Health officials had earlier warned that politician­s shaking hands, meeting voters or kissing babies while on the campaign trail were all high-risk activities for Covid infection.

Labor’s campaign HQ has already been struck down by a major outbreak whilst two Gold Coast LNP MPS, Angie Bell and Karen Andrews, are Covid positive.

 ?? ?? Scott Morrison visits Assistance Dogs Australia and Shannie in Lindsay; (inset) Anthony Albanese at the Sydney Royal Easter Show with partner Jodie Haydon and James Kemp. Picture: Monde Photograph­y, RAS of NSW. Main: Jason Edwards
Scott Morrison visits Assistance Dogs Australia and Shannie in Lindsay; (inset) Anthony Albanese at the Sydney Royal Easter Show with partner Jodie Haydon and James Kemp. Picture: Monde Photograph­y, RAS of NSW. Main: Jason Edwards

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