Pollies and journos ascend on Perth for the ALP’s campaign launch

Whereas the accreditation desk is struggling to seek out my lanyard, ABC political editor Andrew Probyn pops up subsequent to me, immaculately turned out, neat and compact and welcome in every single place just like the TV guys at all times are. I head for the elevate, and take into consideration holding it for him, however he is in a pleasant dialog with the folks behind the desk and in addition to, what if he asks where I work?

That is the dynamic of the primary few hours of Crikey‘s time on the ALP marketing campaign launch, held in Optus Stadium, the primary Western Australian marketing campaign launch for both main get together this facet of World Battle II. I am one of many first to reach within the media room and watch it fill with varied high-profile journalists; the out-of-towners arriving masked up, the locals not (the pandemic actually did not mattress in right here in the identical manner). And it is actual “first day of faculty and nobody will sit with me” vibes; the Australia Monetary Assessment, The Guardian and the Information Corp crews all grabbing tables collectively. I briefly make eye contact with Peter Van Onselen, standing throughout the room, and he seems sorry for me. The TV presenters are all spotless and made up, whereas the writers (notably of the older, male, selection) are all denims and cozy sneakers.

There’s the briefing, speaking us by means of the varied safety checks we’ll be topic to and etiquette of the occasion — do not do a dwell cross from in entrance of Albanese’s speech, it would echo all through the room, everybody will roll there eyes and, apparently “Michelle Grattan will rip my balls off”. I see David Crowe in my periphery, glazed and distracted like a frequent flyer throughout the security demonstration.