Nothing like a storm in a thimble to get the pollies up in arms. According to RN this morning, the ban on the word 'mate' is an issue that has everyone, from both parties and both houses, outraged. Or should that be slightly annoyed? Mildy bothered? From the SMH:
A parliamentary circular issued yesterday warned security staff and attendants against using the term when dealing with the public or members of parliament.
Secretary for the Department of Parliamentary Services, Hilary Penfold, said security guards were asked not to refer to visitors as mate in case they caused offence.
It's also an issue that has nothing at all to do with Telstra. Or Barnaby Joyce.
Mr Howard said he often used the affectionate Australian term and there was no need to ban it.
"These things are all a matter of context, and that's why it's impractical and absurd to try and ban something," he told ABC radio.
Mr Howard said most Australians used the term mate, and it was a matter of context.
I'm surprised he hasn't said anything about "mateship" and Australian values yet. I'm sure it's just a matter of time.
I should think that the MPs would be cross about the 'mate' embargo. It's one of their most useful words, a wonderful substitute for the name of any constituent or Party member who they've forgotten or don't recognise.
The one Strayanism I'd like to see banned with punishment of death, though, is 'bowwwled, Waaarney'.
Posted by: liam hogan | August 19, 2005 at 08:25 AM
This is outrageous! Nothing that has happened inside in the federal govt since 96 has made me as angry as this. I call everyone mate, women & men. It can express so much - from hatred to close affection. What kind of twisted Stalinist would do this?
Posted by: Ben Graham | August 19, 2005 at 08:54 AM
I think it was a twisted career public servant stalinist.
The memo has now been reworded to instruct security staff at parliament to treat visitors with sensitivity and respect instead.
Posted by: Kate | August 19, 2005 at 09:04 AM
Nice headline Kate, great to see you blogging.
Posted by: Philip Gomes | August 19, 2005 at 09:55 AM
We've a long tradition of confusing service with servility.
Posted by: anthony | August 19, 2005 at 01:47 PM
there was a very funny report today that the mandarins were calling everybody darl or love today.
Good blog mate.
Posted by: Bathsheba | August 19, 2005 at 02:28 PM
Kate, this really annoys me. I've been working on the proper Strayan pronunciation of 'mate' since I came to Aus in 1996.
What am I supposed to call people now? 'Ya bastard' perhaps?
Yeah... that'd work. "G'day, ya bastard. Owyagoin." All friendly & colloquial. :D
Posted by: weezil | August 20, 2005 at 08:26 AM
Yeah, Weezil, I reckon 'ya bastard' is perfect. Suitable for Prime Ministers, girlfriends, boyfriends, children, grandparents, the lady at the shop... everyone! (For true Australianness you need to be wearing footy shorts and thongs while saying it, of course, preferably with a VB in one hand and the keys to your Holden ute in the other.
Posted by: Kate | August 20, 2005 at 11:19 AM