With Joe Hockey in a tutu, Tony Abbott boogeying, Julia Gillard shaking it, Kevin Rudd walking like an Egyptian and Wayne Swan jamming, it turns out federal politicians are the perfect candidates for the latest Gangnam Style parody video.
South Korean pop star Psy's Gangnam Style film clip has had more than 222 million views on YouTube and has spawned many parodies, including a mash-up with the Hitler film Downfall and a performance from members of the US Navy.
With an unusually quiet start to the week in Canberra, Fairfax photographer Andrew Meares was inspired to make a version starring Australian politicians showing off their dance moves, using YouTube footage of his favourite amusing political moments.
He was particularly taken by the Downfall parody version.
"I was quite entranced by it, given that we've reached peak Call Me Maybe status for parodies.
"I went, 'Right I've got to do some sort of Australian political parody' so the idea blossomed on the way to question time on Tuesday."
Meares was working on the video on Wednesday, when Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi's comments about same sex marriage and bestiality hit the headlines.
He attended the press conference where Opposition Leader Tony Abbott announced Senator Bernardi's resignation as parliamentary secretary.
"So I had this moment when I was editing this crazy [footage] of Tony Abbott dancing and then having to go down to his press conference and document his announcement.
"So it was kind of a surreal day, in that sense, trying to fit that around some very serious breaking news."
Meares said the video, which took about a day to put together, is a reminder that politicians are just like the rest of us.
"I do enjoy the humbling nature of our politicians being as daggy at dancing as I am."
smh.com.au
