Some would say it was one of the darkest days in Australia’s campaigning history, with the Coalition announcing its new asylum-seeker policy.
Meanwhile, the Australian Electoral Commission announced 14,712,799 people have enrolled to vote in this election, and getting an interview with Kevin Rudd had to take place on the fly.
A picture of me interviewing Kevin Rudd as we fly to WA during the election campaign #ausvotes #tennews pic.twitter.com/wMQwXSf92t
— Matt Moran (@mattmorannews) August 16, 2013
Labor policy announcement
- A re-elected Labor government would spend $30 million for a new oil and gas research centre in Perth.
Coalition policy announcement
- An elected Coalition government would deny permanent residency (PR) to the 32,000 asylum seekers who have arrived by boat and are already in Australia. Anyone found to be a genuine refugee will be given a temporary protection visa, but not PR.
Greens policy announcement
- Greens Senator Christine Milne was on Airlie Beach announcing a $176 million rescue package to protect the Great Barrier Reef from mining.
Must read
Again, it’s a “must-look” rather than a must-read today. The ABC launched its Vote Compass last week, which has been some fun.
But The Guardian allows you to mix’n’match to create your own prime minister!
We had fun with it. Try it here.
Quote of the day
The deputy leader of the opposition, Julie Bishop, somewhat flattered the Home Affairs Minister, Jason Clare, on the Nine Network’s Today program.
Ms Bishop said: “Jason [Clare] is the Rob Lowe of Australian politics.”
Do they even look alike? Decide for yourself.
Jason’s the one on the left, just in case there is any confusion…
Tweet of the day
Somebody call a whambulance. 0400hrs start 0200hrs finish. Campaign window: over QLD – NT – WA pic.twitter.com/7ul9AhPeRq
— andrew meares (@mearesy) August 16, 2013
Today, we’d like to spare a moment’s thought to the journalists traveling with the candidates. While we have the luxury of covering the campaign from our comfy home-offices (read: beds), they’re enduring a tiring few weeks.
And thus, the tweet of the day goes to Fairfax photographer Andrew Meares who has displayed just how hard it could be.
Chin up, comrades.
Slip of the day
Bob Carr picks up our most dubious of awards of day 12 – assuming of course, the below tweet is accurate.
We’ll let you be the judge.
Bob Carr to schoolgirl in hijab: “where are you from?” Schoolgirl: “I was born here.” #awkward
— Honi Soit (@honi_soit) August 16, 2013
Wrap by Liam Quinn and Erdem Koç. Follow them and send them tips on Twitter – @Quinn_LP and@erdemkoc.
