October 29 – November 4, 2016

journalistA reporter begins to ask the prime minister about his poor showing in Newspoll. It seems only fair that, having taken all of Tony Abbott’s policies, Malcolm Turnbull should get his popularity, too.

Malcolm TurnbullThe prime minister encourages the reporter to be a little louder as he asks about his poor showing in Newspoll. Turnbull might be as unpopular as Tony Abbott, but his ears are not as big.

journalistThe reporter loudly asks the prime minister about his poor showing in Newspoll. Voter satisfaction with Turnbull is now a point below Abbott’s worst rating. To quote Abbott: “You bet you are; ah, ah, you bet I am.”

Malcolm TurnbullThe prime minister deftly pretends not to be taking a question on his poor showing in Newspoll. To be clear: only 29 per cent of people register satisfaction with his prime ministership.

journalistA reporter brings up Brisbane’s mayor, who is apparently a yardstick on popularity. You cannot argue with a guy who literally believes koala tourism will replace mining revenue in his city.

Malcolm TurnbullThe prime minister gives up. Quirk delivers no advice, but last month he did offer this: “To say that Brisbane is the koala capital of Australia is not an overstatement … It’s not a case of taking advantage of the koala, it’s just simply saying we have this wonderful, treasured iconic little animal and we ought not lose that opportunity.”