The Australian Medical Association (AMA) recently received a royal seal of approval from King Charles, signifying a continuation of the organisation’s royal patronage that dates back to Queen Elizabeth II in 1964. Despite the significance of this achievement, the AMA received only a brief mention on their website by president Steve Robson, who acknowledged the milestone regardless of one’s stance on the republican issue in Australia. The AMA was sure to clarify that they had no influence in receiving the patronage, as it was part of a review conducted by King Charles after he ascended the throne. With over 100 organisations being culled in the review, the AMA was fortunate to retain its royal patronage, showcasing a proud moment for the doctors’ union.
The NSW Liberal opposition has criticized Premier Chris Minns for being a “part-time premier” due to his frequent requests for pairs, where members from both parties agree to miss a vote so one can be absent. This issue first arose in March when the premier was spotted at a Labor event after being granted a pair, leading to further scrutiny of his use of pairs. With Minns being granted a pair on seven out of 16 sitting days this calendar year, there is a perception that he may not be fully committed to his duties as premier. However, Minns’ office did not comment on the matter, highlighting the demands of his schedule which may necessitate his use of pairs, especially following the death of his father this year.
In a surprising revelation, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard has not seen the play “Julia” based on her own life and times. The play, which features Justine Clarke in a one-woman show portraying Gillard and Tony Abbott, has received positive reviews and captured the attention of audiences during its Sydney and Canberra runs. Despite the play centering around Gillard’s famous 2012 misogyny speech, the former Prime Minister has not watched it, showcasing a level of detachment from her political past. This stands in contrast to another former Labor leader, Paul Keating, who frequented “Keating! The Musical” based on his prime ministership.
The play “Julia” has received acclaim for its portrayal of Julia Gillard’s life and times, particularly focusing on her famous 2012 misogyny speech that garnered international attention. Starring Justine Clarke in a one-woman show, the play has captivated audiences and politicos alike, shedding light on Gillard’s experiences in the male-dominated world of politics. Despite the popularity of the play, Gillard herself has not watched it, showcasing a level of disinterest in revisiting her political past. Similarly, Paul Keating, another former Labor leader, embraced his portrayal in “Keating! The Musical” attending multiple showings of the play based on his prime ministership.
Overall, these instances highlight the complexities of political and royal engagements within Australia, from the AMA receiving royal patronage to Premier Minns facing criticism for his use of pairs. Additionally, the contrasting reactions of former Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Paul Keating towards plays based on their political careers showcase the diverse responses of politicians towards their past achievements. As these stories unfold, they provide insight into the unique dynamics of Australian politics and the individuals who have shaped its history.
