Oops !

There can be few politicians who have not made a public statement that they have immediately come to regret.   Such is the comment that is coming back to haunt Families Minister, Jenny Macklin.

The Federal government has just changed the rules pertaining to single parent benefits. This benefit now ceases when the youngest child beneficiary reaches their eight birthday.  The carer is then transferred to " Newstart " - as " The Dole " is now called - with a massive drop in income.

Minister Macklin fronted a media conference and was asked if she could " survive " on the meagre $ 35 a day paid under Newstart ?     She unequivocally answered " Yes ".   From there it all went down hill !

This remark was pounced on by the Greens and all the welfare agencies that are struggling to help families facing unemployment and financial pressure from rapidly rising energy prices.  It seemed an inappropriate comment from a minister who earns over $ 6,300 a week - and many are demanding that the minister make good on this statement by living for a week on just $ 35 a day.

Of course " spin " was immediately applied.   The information sheet released after the media interview made no mention of this comment.   Those recording the interview claim that her reply was " inaudible " - but the television interview carried the comment - loud and clear !

It seems that the minister is on the horns of a dilemma.    By her own words she has become the defender of an unpopular government policy and seems destined to keep it in the public spotlight.   If she accedes to the many challenges being issued and publicly reduces her living lifestyle to fit in to that $ 35 a day budget, she will draw the attention of countless economists, dietitians, and all manner of folk who have an axe to grind.  Worst of all.   She will make this unpopular benefit drop a focal point of adverse publicity - in an election year !

Politicians facing this sort of problem usually retreat to " the bunker " and stay out of communication for a few days in the hope that it will blow over.    The courageous ones " fess up " and admit that they could have handled the matter better - and ask forgiveness.

It simply reinforces the need for all those in public office to observe one of the basic rules of politics.   Never under any circumstances give a direct answer to any question asked.     The art of the politician is to reply in a manner that evades a firm conclusion - and means different things to different people.

Such is the skill of the politician !