Australian Politics

I hate this aspect of politics. No: Barnaby Joyce does not have to explain himself. He broke no laws, he did no harm. There are plenty of valid reasons to be taking issue with him. Making a fuss because he got drunk and semi-passed out in public is stupid.

Sure, laugh at him. He deserves that. He made a fool of himself. The chalk outline and the plaque are hilarious. But, he doesn't need to 'explain himself' or 'apologise to the Australian people' or whatever other stupidity someone comes up with. If he showed up to work in that state, it'd be very different, of course. But what he does in his off-time is none of my business.

Alcohol is a normal part of the day for politicians.. would have to be near the only government workplace in Australia where they have a (public subsidised) bar in the lunchroom

Even idiots like Barnaby need a hobby.

Next time he will use a pillow. For real though, is this really worth the fuss? Laying on the ground is newsworthy? What if he did a handstand or a cartwheel? Will he get fired for laying on the ground ?

"I understand a chalk mark has been drawn on the footpath – it can only happen in Canberra where all those Greens and Labor staffers are."

That's actually hilarious. Execution could've been better, but still.

This is the best summary I could come up with:

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce needs to explain himself after being filmed lying on a footpath in Canberra's entertainment precinct late at night.

Footage published on Friday by the Daily Mail showed the federal MP lying on the ground on the phone after he appeared to have fallen off a planter box on Lonsdale Street in Braddon.

Mr Joyce said the incident was "very embarrassing" and happened when he was walking back to his accommodation after parliament had risen late at 10pm.

The prime minister firstly said the incident was a matter for the Nationals party, avoiding making a comment when asked about it during a radio interview on Friday.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he would have a conversation with Mr Joyce about the incident this week, but suggested someone should have helped him.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said any consequences in terms of his position on the Coalition frontbench was a matter for the Nationals, when asked on Sky News.

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