Opinion: Forget the so-called mean girls in the parliamentary schoolyard; in the marginal seat of Wentworth, candidates are still stuck reliving their high school results, writes Janine Perrett
Incumbent Liberal MP Dave Sharma was recently pilloriedDave Sharma and Allegra Spender both spruik their early achievements in education.To be fair, his opponent, independent candidate Allegra Spender, has been focusing on her school record since announcing her run late last year. In public and private meetings, she highlights the fact she was head girl and dux.
Perhaps only in the eastern suburbs could Spender avoid public criticism for constantly referring to her childhood achievements at the elite Ascham private school while Sharma’ s achievements at the “local public high school” led social media critics to call him a “dork” who has not moved on.and had a long career in the foreign service, ending up as ambassador to Israel.with stints at McKinseys, and the British Treasury and ran her mother Carla Zampatti’s fashion business.
Both candidates attended Cambridge University, perhaps even around the same time, but that is difficult to ascertain given Ms Spender does not include her private details, such as age, in her biography. Academic records and CVs have also become an issue for Labor leader Anthony Albanese after his gaffe on key statistics last week. To counter the criticism that he is an economic illiterate,Given that most of our current political leaders have spent much of their time in public or political roles rather than finance, it’s no wonder they hark back to their early education for signs of competence.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russian, Belarusian trucks stuck at Polish border as EU ban comes into effectPoland's border and customs officials are still processing Russian and Belarusian trucks that have had to leave the European Union, even though they are now banned.
Read more »
‘It’s the way the game should be played’: Why Roosters hard man Morley loves JWHAdrian Morley made the long, long trek to join in the Sydney Roosters’ 20th anniversary title celebrations - and one current Rooster remains his favourite.
Read more »
Why young people have it harder than everToday’s youth face challenges unimagined by previous generations. But amid the anxiety is a resilience that’s often overlooked.
Read more »
Why young people have it harder than ever“Young people today do have a sense of uncertainty … about things my generation didn’t have to worry about when we were young,” says Australia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, Dr Ruth Vine. Here's why. mentalhealth
Read more »
Yes, a DIY dildo could save your marriage: Chantelle Otten explains whyNormalising conversations about getting it on – from the heavy and heartfelt to the hilarious – is the siren call of Chantelle Otten, a high-profile champion of the sex-positive movement and partner to Dylan Alcott. dylanalcott chantelleotten
Read more »
What is a panic attack and why do we have them?Explainer: Two in five Australians will have a panic attack at some point in their life. Why do they start? What’s happening in your brain? And are they dangerous? | sopphie
Read more »