#PMTea aka 'fluff politics'

I have been debating whether to write this post or not over the last few days but it was bugging me.  After reading many tweets and blogs from a select number of well regarded Aussie female bloggers, who happen to be mothers and who were privileged enough to be invited to morning tea with our PM, Julia Gillard.  Why the hesitation?  I'm rather new to blogging and tweeting but not new enough to know there are plenty of people out there ready and willing to show me that my skin ain't so thick and discussing politics in any shape or form could be just handing it to them on a platter. I also don't consider myself political and perhaps doubt my general knowledge when it comes to the subject matter but I have watched enough episodes of West Wing* to get the gist and at the end of the day, I vote. 

Firstly, the well regarded blogging women referred to include the likes of @chrissieswan, @Woogsworlds,@fatmumslim, @KerriSackville, @stylingyou, just to name a few. I love reading their blogs and tweets, they inspire me, I relate to them, they make me laugh and on occasions they have made me cry.  I will make it clear that my view expressed in this post is not directed at them or what they have written post #PMTea, it's purely at the political PR machine, that I don't think gives women enough credit. I will acknowledge that I'm not currently in Australia and I'm not completely up to speed with the day to day political happenings, particularly if it's not on The Age or hitting me in the face through social media.  I'm not trying to make a political statement but I am giving my opinion on what I have been reading over the last few days specifically relating to the #PMTea.

I found myself reading various tweets about the invite, I was intrigued and I was was impressed with the PM for taking time out of her hectic schedule and acknowledge their importance and influence.   A few days prior I was also impressed when @mummamia put it out there that the PM was coming in to discuss 'childcare' and asked readers to hand over their questions that she would ask on our behalf.  Excellent move and constructive, I now see exactly how stuffed our child care system is with underpaid staff and obviously the costs, making it a difficult decision for mothers considering a return back to work, little incentive.  Whilst working 3 days, I was fortunate enough to have willing and able grandparents to share the load for free, thus my lack of exposure to this system.

Anyway, I was waiting with anticipation to hear how the #PMTea went.  Yes there were plenty of funny stories about tuna mornay, cutlery theft and the artwork in the underwhelming toilet at Kirribilli, and yes, I had a little chuckle and I was a little envious**, but what was the deeper purpose of inviting these women, surely it couldn't be just to have a little chat?  These blogging women can influence a large female voting sector, how is @JuliaGillard going to win us over?  It seems that if you throw in a good mani/pedi, great hair and make up, a sense of humor and some touchy feely warmth, you'll have a winning vote.  These attributes help but was I missing something? Did these guys sign a confidentiality agreement on anything policy related? It seems that my fellow bloggers were more excited to be in the room with each other, than the PM and I completely get that, I'd be pretty excited to meet some of you too!  We're all only human and  I also get that a #PMTea is a serious nerve stimulant and I definitely wouldn't be the one to bombard the PM with policy demands.  I think it was great that guests were able to see a 'human' side to the PM but I think this was an opportunity missed by the PM.   Over the last 24hours, I have read plenty of compliments for the PR machine for executing such a smart move. Yes, it generated a few tweets and blogs but does the PM and her PR machine think that the content of these comments is enough to win the female vote?  As a woman herself, surely not?! & God I hope not! Perhaps I'm missing what their objective may have been?

We are in the middle of a global economic crisis that is hitting families regardless of socio-economic status and the juggle of work and family has probably never been this difficult for many given our lifestyles and the cost of living being out of control. Australia is not immune to what is going on around the rest of the world and it feels that our vote is more important than ever.  For the record I'm not Liberal or Labor, I'm looking for the best person with the best policies to keep our lucky country afloat and to keep my family healthy and educated.  In short policy affects my vote, not hair and make up.  In the post #PMTea discussions I was looking forward to a bit of humor, these girls do that very well, but I wanted a little more substance, given it was tea with the PM. Why? Because I want to be influenced, I want a reason to vote.  It appears that there were no political ideas or issues discussed that were relevant to those in the room? Seriously, am I missing something? A little politics without dampening the excitement in the room could have generated plenty of chatter and tweets that showed a little more substance, in addition to your gorgeous complexion and sense of humour.  Hell, you may even get my vote?!  We can then stand up and say how smart your PR team were to execute such a successful #PMTea.  Enough with the 'fluff politics'!  We get enough of that with your mate Tony.

*For the record I have all 7 seasons and it would be conservative to say I've watched them perhaps 4-5 times each! Sad really?!
**Love a good macaroon and I'm sure it would taste even better in the company of Chrissie Swan!