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Gillard should have bobbed. It’s just common curtsy

Jo Thornely

by Jo Thornely

20 Oct 11:45am

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Filed under: Etiquette, Julia Gillard, Queen Elizabeth, Royals

247 comments

Tired of scrutinising slow-mo footage of suspicious ripples in Beyonce’s baby bump, I’m pleased to announce that we’re free to analyse another equally significant, universe-buckling event.

Tell me, you in the pink - who is this awful woman? Pic: AFP

The Prime Minister didn’t curtsy to the Queen. No. I don’t think you understand. PRIME MINISTER. DIDN’T CURTSY. QUEEN. Surprisingly the police weren’t called, but the indignant tutting of monarchists could be heard from space, much like the Governor General’s outfit.

See, ‘curtsy’ is an abbreviation of the word ‘courtesy’. Well, it probably is – I leave that kind of research to proper journalists. They sound similar though, and that can’t be a coincidence, right? It’s similar to the way that ‘Negus’ is short for ‘Never Give Up Sixty Minutes’, in that I made it up just then.

In this day and age, it’s courteous to pretend that royalty is relevant to most Australians. It’s courteous to know the difference between one slightly discernible body movement and another barely perceptible one.

It’s courteous to realise that one form of genuflection can be seen as a political stance, broadcasting your position on the monarchy and smacking of disrespectful snubbery, whilst another can be seen as just adorable, particularly in a hat.

To save confusion in future, I’ve constructed a reminder list for greeting dignitaries and other celebrities. Remember – the way you say hello to someone is of grave political importance.

The Queen
Curtsy. For the love of God and his chosen affiliates, curtsy. Of course, if you’re a man, you should avoid curtsying, especially in Australia where you’ll immediately be labelled a nancy. A short bow, a comment on the fabulousness of one’s hat, and you’re done.

If your testicles are particularly robust, however, feel free to place a hand on the small of one’s back, you stud.

The Duke of Edinburgh
Keep your greeting brief, succinct, and LOUD. No darkies.

Prince Charles
The Prince of Wales believes in homeopathy and organic farming, so your handshake with Charles will be stronger if you are both in separate rooms, and talking compost is acceptable.

Prince William
One should not labour the point that William is batting well above his average – a quick glance at his missus and a high-five is adequate. Avoid chest-bumping, though – that’s more of a Harry thing.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Be gentle. The Duchess is hungry and brittle, so avoid creating any breezes or food odours. Do try to make Kate smile though, because have you seen those dimples? MAGICAL.

Prince Harry, Roguish Ranga
Gloves should be worn, as one doesn’t always know where one has been. Avoid saying ‘Heil!’ or goose-stepping or similar, because some people just have NO sense of humour about that sort of thing.

Almost any other greeting is acceptable, although the Prince is partial to complicated gang-esque multi-action handshakes, as he’s totes down with dat. Don’t call him ‘The Party Prince’ in front of his nan, as she tends to cut off his allowance.

Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall
Seriously, just ask her if she wants to go for a gin after the event you’re attending finishes and she’ll be putty in your hands. Depending on who’s in earshot, a bawdy joke probably wouldn’t go astray, but be sure not to flinch or make a fuss when she snorts, winks and elbows you in the ribs.

Princess Beatrice
Whatever your greeting, mind your head. Any sudden movements might knock the stylized reproductive system fascinator off hers.

Fergie
What’s SHE doing here? Call security.

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247 comments

Show oldest | newest first

    • Lolly Legs says:

      11:12am | 20/10/11

      The Queen Of England should have crowned Julia as Queen Of Australia ?

      Reply

    • Esteban says:

      11:45am | 20/10/11

      The Queen of Australia and Queen of England whilst being the same person are two seperate legal entities.

      It is no different to one person being a director of two seperate companies.

      Does England share our Queen or do we share England’s Queen?

    • Definitely Queen says:

      01:36pm | 20/10/11

      Julia Queen of AustraLIAR?

    • Billy B says:

      07:25pm | 20/10/11

      Lolly Legs - She is the Queen of Britain not just England.

    • acotrel says:

      04:09am | 21/10/11

      @Jo Thornley
      Some people should lose their poisonous politics.  It doesn’t matter how you try to spin it, Julia Gillard did not snub the Queen.  She observed the protocols and acted with proper decorum. Personally I am a republican at heart, however I recognise that Australia is led by a triumvirate of PM,Chief Justice, and Governor General.  The powers of the Governor General are defined by conventions which have in the past been generated under the monarchy.  The republican model which would be the replacement hasn’t yet been defined, nor has the process required to move towards it.

    • AdamC says:

      11:18am | 20/10/11

      “I leave that kind of research to proper journalists.” A rather unfortunate admission contained in a very unfortunate article. Excruciating unfunny.

      One wonders whether the PM is able to doing anything at all correctly.

      Reply

    • Third from the Crown says:

      11:48am | 20/10/11

      One wonders if you have a sense of humour. Perhaps a hot peppermint tea will relax you enough to have a second read and understand it as a humour-piece. Alternatively, you could try a dash of lavender in your bath this everning.

      Opposed to both those ideas, then one could simply piss off.

    • Joan says:

      12:33pm | 20/10/11

      PM is a loser and she looked it next to Queen and GG who outsmarted Gillard with their grace, their outfits,  and their style. Nothing gracious about Gillard - just the common touch and looked like she didn’t even try . Hope Gillard smartens up for Obama event- Obamas are always slick .

    • Rose says:

      12:55pm | 20/10/11

      The Prime Minister behaved appropriately and followed correct protocol. It is those who are criticizing her who are actually incorrect.

    • AdamC says:

      01:10pm | 20/10/11

      Third from the Crown, I understood it was an attempt at a humourous article. Hence my criticism that it wasn’t funny. Obviously, I wouldn’t have said that if I hadn’t realised the article was trying to be funny. A pet dislike of mine are articles that are nether serious nor funny.

      Of course, Rose, it’s not Julia’s fault. (Again.) It’s just that everyone else is wrong. (Again.) I seem to hearing that refrain an awful lot of late.

    • NicoleG says:

      01:25pm | 20/10/11

      She behaved appropriately. Yes Rose you are correct. Yet another display of her lack of class. Appropriate for her indeed.

    • Joe says:

      01:30pm | 20/10/11

      @Joan The Obamas are a bad example, as not only did Michelle Obama bow instead of curtsy when she met the Queen, she also caused a furore by placing her hand on her back.

    • Jason Todd says:

      01:57pm | 20/10/11

      I hear that Gillard also abjectly refuses to call a toilet a lavatory! What a breach of decorum. The queen should have her beheaded!

    • harpin' snobs says:

      02:04pm | 20/10/11

      Wow, some of the women who have commented on this feed are worse than the misogynists. You snobby righteous sheilas, you oughta get a load of how youse sound. ‘Appropriate behaviour, class and commoness’, what year is it now?

    • Rose says:

      02:17pm | 20/10/11

      Go read the protocol NicoleG, you will find that her actions were in fact correct. She owned her decision to follow protocol rather than out-dated tradition so yes, if you have a problem with that’s your problem not hers!

    • NicoleG says:

      02:43pm | 20/10/11

      She may have followed protocol Rose, but she showed no class, because she has no class. As I said, appropriate for her. I would expect nothing more.

    • Joan says:

      02:48pm | 20/10/11

      Joe: With respect to the Obamas I was talking about style not etiquette. The Obama`s etiquette is suspect without doubt - they do as they please- who can forget the picture of Obama kowtowing to an Asian leader- he bowed so low that his nose nearly touched his knees!

    • Rose says:

      03:44pm | 20/10/11

      Curtsying is a sign of subservience, not class.

    • Leah says:

      04:25pm | 20/10/11

      Yes, the PM’s behaviour was, technically, ok. Still lacked class and graciousness compared to the behaviour of those around her.

    • acotrel says:

      04:21am | 21/10/11

      @Joan
      Tony Abbott certainly has a lot to answer for.  Your sort of petty and toxic comment starts and finishes with him.  Even during the cold war when Mr B.A.Santamaria was doing his thing, our politics were never dragged down to this level.  And people like you seriously believe he is foreman material - HARDLY ! !  Have a look at what he represents, and the tone he has introduced into our lives.

    • acotrel says:

      04:28am | 21/10/11

      @Rose
      ‘The Prime Minister behaved appropriately and followed correct protocol. It is those who are criticizing her who are actually incorrect.’

      ‘Incorrect’ is an understatement which gives them some sort of escape.  The word is POISONOUS !  And they are just so bloody petty along with it !  They seem to believe that their ideology has some sort of credibility.  This stuff just shows how unsuited the LNP is to run this country !

    • acotrel says:

      04:34am | 21/10/11

      @NicoleG
      ‘She may have followed protocol Rose, but she showed no class, because she has no class. As I said, appropriate for her. I would expect nothing more. ‘

      Have a think about what the Brits would think , if they read this forum !

    • Quinn says:

      11:45am | 21/10/11

      @Joan:
      Wasn’t aware that we were voting our PM’s in based on their fashion nous.

    • NicoleG says:

      06:00pm | 21/10/11

      acotrel, they’d think you’d escaped again?

    • Robert Smissen Of rural SA says:

      11:41pm | 21/10/11

      Rose FYI, governments around the world with the exception of the Bogans running Oz follow conventions with visiting dignatories, for instance if a president of anywhere visits Oz a 19 gun salute is manners, just as manners an protocol demands that you call a magistrate your honour

    • Lolly Legs says:

      11:18am | 20/10/11

      We are The Champions! We are the Champions.
      Queen is here!

      Reply

    • VVS says:

      01:11pm | 20/10/11

      A zombie Freddie Mercury would be 7 different flavours of awesome…

    • stu H says:

      02:04am | 21/10/11

      Paul Keating did the Same thing As Michelle Obama Did once when he was P.M and he copped it aswell , Maybe people need to liven up A Little ..The Queen is A Human Being just like the rest of us and she knows times have changed and to be totally frank ,,I don’t think it bothers her who does what ,so long as it isn’t something that’s not in reasonable taste ..

    • acotrel says:

      06:57am | 21/10/11

      @Stu
      A couple of years ago when I was in the UK, a Pom asked me ‘who was the guy who patted the Queen’s bum’.  I answered him by saying, ‘it must be in a strange place ? - in the middle of her back !’  The conservatives in the UK did the same sort of shit that they are trying on here with Julia.

    • iansand says:

      11:19am | 20/10/11

      Princess Anne
      Whinny.  Paw the ground. 

      Princess Anne’s first husband, whatever his name was
      Speak very slowly, using words of one syllable.

      Reply

    • Ghost says:

      11:43am | 20/10/11

      Kind of like how you write iansand?

    • iansand says:

      01:11pm | 20/10/11

      That should be GhosT.  Get it right, next time.

    • VVS says:

      01:12pm | 20/10/11

      BURN!!!

    • Babe in the Woods says:

      01:30pm | 20/10/11

      That was very funny iansand.  Would hate to be at her birthday when she counts the candles *stomp, stomp, stomP8

    • Against the Man says:

      11:20am | 20/10/11

      HaHaHa funny article but well I told you she’ll embarrass Australia in true uncouth Gillard style. It comes from her poor upbringing. Another one for the ALP minority to try and spin with their usual blah, blah BS wink

      Reply

    • Nick42 says:

      11:52am | 20/10/11

      Against the Man where exactly did she embarrass us, the only embarrassing thing is your comment. I wouldn’t bow or in a woman’s case curtsey as I do not see that as a form of respect but a form of groveling. Do you think we live in Medieval times or something?

      A nod and shake of the hand is all people should have to do, that is all I would do for anybody in this world and all I would expect back and I would considerate that polite. People who want more than this have ego problems as far as I am concerned.

    • Daniel says:

      12:06pm | 20/10/11

      I’m offended she didn’t curtsy to someone that has absolutely no relevance to Australian society.

    • nossy says:

      12:12pm | 20/10/11

      @Against the Man   agreed ATM - a low act by Gillard to not curtsy to the 2nd longest reigning monarch ever - it wouldnt have hurt her to do a simple curtsy - POOR FORM GILLARD!

    • Against the Man says:

      12:42pm | 20/10/11

      Well guys, the Yahoo poll once again shows your minority view. How exciting to see me be right again and again and again about the Gillard/ALP.

      Hey at least the Queen didn’t lie about a carbon tax, screw up a working asylum seeker policy and screw up health care! We get a holiday because of her Super Yeah wink

    • For the man says:

      12:51pm | 20/10/11

      As usual you’re living in the past - or in your own sad little dream world.. No one has to curtsy anymore, a simple bow of the head will do for women now.. Not that you care about facts when there’s something to whine about..

    • Anonymous says:

      12:56pm | 20/10/11

      People who see Monarchy, a non-democratic and morally bankrupt system where your status is determined based on who’s vagina you emerge from, as relevant in a modern, progressive society, are an embarrassment to the human race.

    • Adam says:

      01:07pm | 20/10/11

      The only Australians who seem embarrased are the hilariously old fashioned monarchists.

    • Frank says:

      01:25pm | 20/10/11

      I reckon she can’t bend down that far…that’s probably why..Look at Quentin shes a fit older lady and she can courtsey better than most

    • LDLS says:

      01:40pm | 20/10/11

      @Anonymous

      Your comment is an embarrassment to the human race.  Then again crudeness might be part of your life values.

    • Anonymous says:

      02:17pm | 20/10/11

      Awww, what’s the matter? You find the word “Vagina” and the concept of birth crude, LDLS?

      I find your lack of maturity appalling.

      While you’re choking back your tears, try swallowing spoon-full of cement so you can harden up.

    • Dave says:

      02:59pm | 20/10/11

      Wow, how far this country has come. During World war I it was a matter of pride for Aussie diggers NOT to salute British Officers. Those that know about these things know that when you salute an officer youre actually saluting the King or Queen (the salute is to acknowledge the Crown’s authority). ANZACs of course are supposedly our pivotal archetype - authority disregarding, rambunctious, and disdainful of stuffed shirt protocols and authoritarianism. Yet today on this blog we have a veritable litany of lickspittles criticising the PM for doing something thats perfectly within the rules. Pathetic. Why dont you forelock tuggers all piss off back to Britain? - you dont fit in the true Aussie tradition.

    • me my mo says:

      03:05pm | 20/10/11

      “I wouldn’t bow or in a woman’s case curtsey as I do not see that as a form of respect but a form of groveling… A nod and shake of the hand is all people should have to do, “

      You know how all those visitors come to Australia and say we have no culture? No class? Well people such as Nick42 are exhibit A.

    • harry the hobo says:

      03:20pm | 20/10/11

      “I find your lack of maturity appalling.

      While you’re choking back your tears, try swallowing spoon-full of cement so you can harden up.”

      Pot meet kettle.

    • Bonestar says:

      04:26pm | 20/10/11

      @Dave, you are totally wrong. Most diggers during world war 1 went exactly for the reason of king and country and to defend the empire. They were disrespectful to authority but that wasn’t limited to British officers. Check your local war memorial read what it says at the top.

      Gillard should have curtsy it was the proper thing to do in that situation, it would’ve been a better image for Australia. This was our Queen after all not just some lady.

    • Nic says:

      05:05pm | 20/10/11

      @Dave

      What ridiculous misinformation. Why do you think they went over there in the first place? (HINT: To serve the crown)

    • Against the Man says:

      05:20pm | 20/10/11

      The main point is that Gillard has f@#ked up again. I mean seriously the high five after the carbon tax should have been proof of her immature mentality and rude nature, but guess that was just the tip of the iceberg.

      Some idiot doesn’t understand the chemistry of cement…....he must be a newly unemployed teacher wink

    • Dave says:

      06:40pm | 20/10/11

      Nic, you clown, its not misinformation. Its fact. Just read any history you care to read on the diggers. And just to explain it to the slowies, yeah, the diggers fought for king and country, but, no, they didnt feel they needed to go through all the bullshit ceremonies and courtesies to do it. Thats fact. Thats history. Insisting on all this nonsense traditional royal courtesy stuff is not consistent with the spirit of the diggers. Again, go and read your history on that.  We have gone from the spirit of the diggers to the spirit of the pendantic lickspittles. The diggers would have scoffed at you people because they would have recognised you forelock tuggers for what you are. The bow was enough.

    • Bruce says:

      07:40pm | 20/10/11

      Gillard is just clueless. OR, maybe one of her advisors has set her up.

    • bananabender says:

      10:22pm | 20/10/11

      @  Dave says:  03:59pm | 20/10/11

      You have obviously never served in the military because are talking complete nonsense. A soldier is ALWAYS saluting the individual as a sign of respect. They are NOT saluting the Crown.

      ALL military personnel, including the Chief of the Defence Force,  are required to salute VC winners. 

      Commissioned Officers must salute higher ranking officers. 

      Military personnel are expected to salute (higher ranked) Commissioned Officers from ALL other countries (including enemy combatants) .

      Military personnel in uniform are expected to stop and salute funeral processions.
      In the past soldiers were also expected to salute their mother, wife or fiancee if they met in public.

      BTW 1/4 of all Australian troops serving in WW1 were born in Britain. Half had a parent born in Britain.

    • acotrel says:

      04:47am | 21/10/11

      @ATM
      I always thought you were pretty down, but trying to score points with this petty crap - where do we go from here ?I hope we get to see what happens when Abbott meets her, it will probably be the humiliation of the century for Australia ! Do you really believe he could keep his stupid mouth shut for five minutes.  Perhaps we might get lucky, and the sword will slip and cut his ear off ? Then he’ll be known forever as a ‘poor benighted fool’ !

    • Against the Man says:

      06:14am | 21/10/11

      Calm down acotrel. Don’t burst a blood vessel. Think about this - Gillard does high five inappropriately, Gillard is a liar, Gillard lacks manners (and who teaches us manners when we grow up?) ATM has nothing to say if Gillard starts acting like a grown up with values. Wow did we just have a yoda moment? I’m just reminding you what Gillard has done, you minority slops don’t like being reminded about it. Maybe you should send Gillard a letter and tell her to stop f@#king up because it is making acotrel look really silly here on The Punch.

      The truth really hurts huh ? And that is something Gillard has no concept of wink

    • Nick42 says:

      09:02am | 21/10/11

      Well thanks for that “me my mo”, it is a pity you do not understand class - as I said in my comment bowing or curtseying is not class it is groveling.

      While I acknowledge that the Queen of Australia is the head of the country and respect her I will not grovel to her I will be polite to her. Again I say the only people who want someone to curtsey or bow to them have ego issues.

      Perhaps me my mo you explain how groveling has any class about it as you seem to think throwing insults at people is classy.

    • me my mo says:

      10:35am | 21/10/11

      Yes Nick42. Like when a stage actor or actress bows at the end of play, they’re actually grovelling. Like when a soldier salutes another soldier, they’re actually grovelling. Those Japanese… constantly grovelling!

    • Mazza says:

      11:24am | 20/10/11

      That the least we should do… curtsy to the Queen for giving us another holiday - Queen’s Birthday!

      Reply

    • reddragon says:

      11:45am | 20/10/11

      Pure gold.

    • Ken says:

      11:33am | 20/10/11

      Gillard is just too low class to follow protocol. No doubt she was also afraid the bones in her corsets might snap although they would have to be strong to hold that rear and front in place. 80% of other Australians deeply respect the Queen.

      Reply

    • CJ says:

      12:58pm | 20/10/11

      Yeah good one, Protocol Boy. You realise that sticking one’s fingers up at “protocol” is about as Australian a trait as there is. Hanging shit on women for their size and shape, however, is decidedly pathetic, slimy and “low class.”

    • Adam says:

      01:08pm | 20/10/11

      80% of other Australians couldn’t care one way or the other (Sir) Ken.

    • gobsmack says:

      02:18pm | 20/10/11

      “Australians deeply respect the Queen”
      Agree.  I was aghast when that long haired lout, Dennis Lillee, had the audacity to ask for her autograph.  He should have been taken out and horse-whipped.

    • reddragon says:

      11:37am | 20/10/11

      Just cannot take any of it seriously. I know she is a head of state but bowing to potentates whether it be HM, Il Papa or the Saudi King is somehow distasteful even if it is only a sign of respect to office rather than feality. It all seems so, so dated and unnecessary unless you believe we will all go to hell in a handbasket if we stop tugging the forelock to every visiting head of state then by all means let do it.

      OK, now let’s step out of the way and let the trolls ahave a go.

      Reply

    • WayneT says:

      02:49pm | 20/10/11

      Gillard can’t ask us trolls to respect the office of Prime Minister, or her, if she doesn’t demonstrate respect for a foreign dignitary in a manner appropriate for their office.  Our double standard two faced leader should keep that in mind in future when she reminds us about showing due respect to her office.

    • Glen says:

      11:39am | 20/10/11

      I don’t give a stuff whether Gillard curtseyed or not. The more important thing is that the Queen felt welcome to our country. And I do worry that all this fuss over protocol may have reduced her pleasure at being here for what is probably her last visit.

      (And yeah, I’m a republican, but I’ve got a soft spot for the old biddy.)

      Reply

    • Raelene says:

      06:07am | 21/10/11

      Agreed Glen. I dont care that she didnt curtsey, We all know Gillard is little more than a boban anyway, so what else could we have expected…..lol I am also a republican even though I am distantly related to most of the royalty and nobility of the UK. It is time that Australia broke from the Commonwealth and became a republic. I also have a soft spot for her, but I see the reality that we do need to break free.

    • Raelene says:

      06:08am | 21/10/11

      Oops I meant BOGAN…..lol….dammed typo fairies!

    • Andy D says:

      11:40am | 20/10/11

      I love Julia’s bogan version of dressing formal. The shinier it is the classier it is.

      I’m pretty sure I had a car in the 80s with the same paint job as Julia’s jacket.

      Reply

    • Kevin says:

      12:50pm | 20/10/11

      She has about as much class as a rat with a gold tooth

    • gobsmack says:

      02:15pm | 20/10/11

      The walls of my loo are the same colour as QEII’s dress.

    • RickY says:

      04:11pm | 20/10/11

      You cant polish a turd Andy D….............  smile

    • Shane From Melbourne says:

      11:41am | 20/10/11

      It’s only the Queen, it’s not like it’s someone important…..

      Reply

    • Dash says:

      12:40pm | 20/10/11

      Like say Bob Brown, Oakshott or Windsor. Then she would have gladly bent herself over!

    • Shane From Melbourne says:

      01:54pm | 20/10/11

      I leave it to the LNP to do all the ass kissing these days….

    • Dash says:

      03:57pm | 20/10/11

      Why? Are you not into that anymore? - lol

    • RickY says:

      04:13pm | 20/10/11

      Hahaha, gold Dash! Its funny because its true!  smile

    • Shane From Melbourne says:

      08:19pm | 20/10/11

      @Dash- because the LNP have had heaps of practice and I haven’t had any….

    • neo says:

      11:51am | 20/10/11

      I thought it was a bit disrespectful, especially seeing how the GG curtsied (is that how you spell it :S) like a proper lady.

      Made Gillard look like an uncivilised bogan.

      Reply

    • Greg says:

      11:53am | 20/10/11

      Well, I am aware of the fact that Gillard diddnt really have to curtsy in front of the Queen, but she should of been aware of the protocols and the fact that “IF” she wanted ANY type of respect or “Brownie points” from the public (and of course the media) she should of done just that, just a simple curtsy and none of the negativity pointed at Gillard would of eventuated. That being said, Gillard`s actions showed how far from really knowing whats going on and what to do at the appropriate moment has (and always seemed) to have gone out the door. I DID have high hopes for Gillard as the first female Prime Minister, but sadly she`s failed miserably on many levels and with one to many of the policies she`s signed off on and the public knows it, seems she wont be around after the next election…..That sentiment is more prevalent every day as I read the news and see how Gillard has handled her position in Government since the beginning.

      Reply

    • Darrell says:

      11:55am | 20/10/11

      Who does she think she is?, she’s the Prime Minister, the Head Minister of the COMMONWEALTH of Australia.  If you don’t want the job, Don’t apply!

      Reply

    • Shane* says:

      02:01pm | 20/10/11

      That’s actually a really good point.

      @Jo Thornley, the line about Charles, homeopathy and handshakes from seperate rooms being stronger is pure gold!

    • fml says:

      03:23pm | 20/10/11

      Do we all have to follow the English premier league too and eat jellied eels??

      Please say yes. for the love of god, please say yes.

    • Martin says:

      12:06pm | 20/10/11

      I guess it’s all a bit of a joke to some, however seriously Gillard was, as expected, an embarresment, terrible clothes and no hat. The GG is Labor party aligned, and she showed dignity both in the way that she dressed and in the fact that she did curtsy. Gillard didn’t wear a hat, however what’s the bet she turns up for the Melbourne Cup with a hat on, however couldn’t wear one when welcoming the Queen. These Labor people are simply are terrible. Knowing the way they think, she probably reckons the Queen should have curtsied to her!

      Reply

    • Bert Maverick says:

      04:47pm | 20/10/11

      Haha! Your generalizations about “Labor people” “are simply are terrible”. How can you possibly know what they think when you cant even sort your own thoughts.

    • Martin says:

      08:34am | 21/10/11

      Bert, my thoughts are completely sorted. Given you have taken objection to what I have said confirms your good self as a Laborite. You poor bugger. How does it feel to be part of the 26% of Australia that still cluelessly supports these dills?

    • Chris L says:

      11:13pm | 22/10/11

      I’m surprised that Coalition supporters are spending so much effort trying to stretch the Queen’s visit into a political point score. After all, Gillard was well within protocol… but she didn’t wear a hat!!!!

      If the polls weren’t so far in their favour I’d describe this as desperation.

    • Just in says:

      12:09pm | 20/10/11

      She does not respect us - why should she change for anyone else?

      Reply

    • Mary says:

      12:10pm | 20/10/11

      I would refuse to bob, bow or curtsy to the Queen too. In this day and age, bowing and scraping to Royalty is ridiculous.  I would be respectful by being polite to her but I am not going to demean myself by bobbing, bowing or curtsying. Why do the media always have a drama with the Queens visit? Remember that kerfuffle when Keating touched her back to guide her and people were having meltdowns that he touched her bottom. Well done Julia, I respect you even more for refusing to back down on your principles.

      Reply

    • Ken says:

      01:12pm | 20/10/11

      Mary, I doubt you would be asked considering your foolish “bowing and scraping” comment. As I said earler, you need to have class to understand protocol. Gillard has no principles and is devoid of class. Fancy “respecting” something like Gillard…..say’s a lot!

    • Leah says:

      04:29pm | 20/10/11

      Sad for you if you think bowing and curtsying is demeaning. Does anyone think any less of the GG for curtsying? I actually think more of her.

    • John B says:

      12:18pm | 20/10/11

      Gillard doesn’t respect her own people (who pay her wages), why should she respect the Head of a Royal Family? Despite our uncouth PM, I hope you enjoy your visit, Your Majesty.

      Reply

    • Damian says:

      01:46pm | 20/10/11

      You think Betty will have time to read this site?

    • John B says:

      09:09am | 21/10/11

      No, but Gillard probably should!

    • Tony Bee says:

      12:22pm | 20/10/11

      Why should the elected head of our country have to curtsy, 19th Century style, to any royal freeloader? Leave that kind of pandering to people like John Howard.

      Reply

    • Joan says:

      01:03pm | 20/10/11

      Why? Because Australians respect the Queen and expect Australian PM to behave in courteous and graceful manner as befits the occasion- but that`s impossible we are talking about Gillard - nothing gracious about her. Even though Gillard taking Australia back to 19th century with her Carbon Tax and industrial relations policies- she lacks style of 19th, 20th or 21st century. When meeting world dignitaries Howard always looked the world statesman, and was respected on world stage.

    • Dash says:

      01:04pm | 20/10/11

      You mean the un-elected head. Twice now I might add. Yes leave the courtesy and manners to someone who has them eh Tony.

    • Peter says:

      02:32pm | 20/10/11

      Christopher Pyne would still be licking her feet if the queen would let him.

    • God Save the Queen!! says:

      03:24pm | 20/10/11

      As stated by a fellow blogger, she’s the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, of which the Queen is the Head of State, that’s why.

      The GG’s attire and manners looked like so incredibly graceful against Gillard’s horrendous outfit, windblown hair due to her lack of a hat and failure to afford the Queen a simply curtsy. 

      Never have I seen a PM look more bogan and ocker.  I’m surprised she didn’t slap Liz on the back and offer her a coldie and a Winnie Blue!!

    • Dash says:

      04:04pm | 20/10/11

      @Peter - When did Christopher Pyne do that? Or are you just makin shit up again?

    • Larry Duff says:

      04:30pm | 20/10/11

      Dash I really appreciate the irony of your comment when talking about how Julia, our twice “unelected head”, didn’t curtsy to the queen of England who has never at any point in time been elected by anyone. Well done!

    • Leah says:

      04:35pm | 20/10/11

      Royal freeloader? You are aware the Queen owns a lot of her own shares etc and makes a lot of her own money, right? And she makes most of her grandchildren go out and get their own jobs? One of her granddaughters, Eugenie I think, wanted to live off the taxpayer and be a royal respresentative or whatever, Grandma Windsor told her grow up and get a real job.

      And, as many others have pointed out, Julia Gillard may be the head of our country but being head of the COMMONWEALTH of Australia means being ‘under’ the Queen of England. Gillard is an international laughing stock (for far more reasons than this), at least the Interntational community respected John Howard even if they didn’t all like him (which a lot of them did).

    • Andrew says:

      06:02pm | 20/10/11

      Yeah Leah the queen made all her money from scratch….fool. What ever you think about Gillard personally and whatever you may think of the way she became PM or bitter that she worked out how to form a government she has made this of her own accord, not born into a pile of ill begotten gains ala the royal family. Look up how they ‘acquired’ their land, money etc over the last 500 years or so. The monarchy’s time will come we just have to wait till luddites like you toddle off back to the last century where you belong.

    • Billy B says:

      07:33pm | 20/10/11

      Tony Bee - You can’t help yourself can you?  It is a wonder you didn’t say Tony Abbott instead of John Howard. UNBELIEVABLE!

    • ozamybee (no relation) says:

      07:21am | 21/10/11

      Tony Bee, The Queen actually pays taxes and by order of the Royal Gift only receives monies from the public funds (to which she contributes) for that portion of her official duties that are carried out on behalf of the people.  The big estates are working farms and pay their own way, or are supported by the Queen’s private income.  The Queen works very hard, supports many charities and will retire only when she dies.  Will you still put in the kind of hours she does if you are fortunate to reach her age?  By comparison, our politicians are the freeloaders.

    • Peter says:

      09:42am | 21/10/11

      @Dash
      When did Christopher Pyne do that? Or are you just makin shit up again?

      I leave the making shit up to you mate smile

    • scumbag says:

      12:26pm | 20/10/11

      Jo baby…..  I’m sorry,  I’ll read that again.  Jo baby,  I’m learning these rules, remembering something similar years ago on a Royal visit. Being in line to be presented to Her Maj, (Phil and Chas were there too), I half bowed, said ‘welcome Your Maj’, (we have pet names); Prince Chas considered this unsatisfactory, and whispered loudly, that it wasn’t low enough. I tried my best baritone voice, and repeated the welcome, unbalanced, and falling forward, (having to support a beer gut),  I pretended to greet Prince Chas, by raising a left hand in a high five, of which I knew he was familiar. He ducked to one side, I fell face first into the gravel, and was banished from the proceedings. I have fond memories of previous invitations to the Royals, when me and Dulcie were younger, we won a competition to invite the Royals for morning tea. Dulcie is a good scone maker, and we cleaned up and put on the tablecloth. She wasn’t able to come, and we sat dissapointed, me reading, until Dulc said it’s time for bed, folding up the tablecloth, just as I was halfway into reading the Japanese had surrendered.

      Reply

    • SimpleSimon says:

      12:29pm | 20/10/11

      I’m glad this article turned out to be tongue-in-cheek - the headline initially made me cringe. The “customs” are so outdated, I think I would have been embarassed if she HAD curtsied - nobody’s curtsied since the ‘50’s!!

      Who cares that the PM didn’t curtsy? That’s not rhetorical, I’m actually curious to know who actually cares, and why?

      Reply

    • Tubesteak says:

      12:29pm | 20/10/11

      I think it’s a rule that people like Julia should not wear horizontal stripes.

      Reply

    • Iain says:

      12:31pm | 20/10/11

      we dont “bob’ to anyone anywhere, any time..we are not sub-servient or a lesser person becuas we dont ‘bob’...we are free people with free sprirt.. if we choose not to ‘bob’ then we don’t. if you want to ‘bob’ then ‘bob’ away ...

      Reply

    • Nan says:

      12:34pm | 20/10/11

      Ms Gillard is to rapped up in her own ego to bow to anyone,it is going to be someone else’s fault she didn’t cursty forsure,Tony Abbotts most likely

      Reply

    • egg says:

      02:30pm | 20/10/11

      it’s nobody’s fault, because she didn’t do anything wrong… how often do you curtsy in your daily life, just wondering?

    • Mining Bogan says:

      08:30pm | 20/10/11

      I’m guessing with Mr Abbott’s reputation with women, he would have punched Liz on the nose.

      Now THAT is bad protocol.

    • Aitch B says:

      12:35pm | 20/10/11

      Enjoyed the article….. very funny.

      Seriously, I doubt that the Queen could really give a twopenny stuff whether the PM curtsied or not. I think she’s a realist and far more relaxed about ‘royal etiquette’ these days. And I don’t see Julia as the sort of person who would do it anyway.

      However, if she’d done a ‘Keating’ there WOULD be hell to pay!! smile

      Reply

    • melissa says:

      12:38pm | 20/10/11

      Curtsying to the privileged is vile. Am so glad she didnt. No Australian PM has ever done it, why should she. Of course if she did the haters would be carrying on now screaming at her for bowing down to the Queen…...

      Reply

    • Aussie Born and Bred says:

      03:33pm | 20/10/11

      @ Melissa

      You poor, uneducated bogan.

      Do you think, just perhaps, that “...no Australian PM has ever done it…” because ONLY FEMALES CURTSY and Julia is the FIRST FEMALE Prime Minister we’ve had??????

    • Dash says:

      04:07pm | 20/10/11

      How many female PMs have we had again?

    • Lady Chatterley says:

      12:47pm | 20/10/11

      This may be Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s last visit to our shores - I think it behoves the PM (who currently needs all the friends she can muster) to at least execute a discreet bob in deference to her monarch.  And I do wish the GG would stop scene-stealing with her fluorescent outfits - conduct unbecoming!
      Lady Chatterley ( lovelylifestyles.com)

      Reply

    • Louisa says:

      03:12pm | 20/10/11

      Queensland women always wear loud clothing - look at Mrs Rudd. No idea

      The GG was dressed as though she was off to the Melbourne Cup

    • engineer says:

      12:47pm | 20/10/11

      Sigh, typical.

      She takes the office but wants to pick and choose what parts of the role she plays.

      When you bow to the Queens your not submitting to the person, nor even the office of monarch. You accepting your part of our whole system of government and until Australians decide to change head of state that’s the card your dealt.

      But then I’m not surprised. These are the same imbeciles who think we are clever when we vote for them but not smart enough to have any say on policy between elections.

      I wish I could pick the bits of my job I want to do and discard the rest…

      Reply

    • Dash says:

      12:47pm | 20/10/11

      Will Bob Brown Curtsy? Actually now I think about it, he most probably will. He might even wear a frock for the occasion?

      Reply

    • Matt says:

      02:14pm | 20/10/11

      Such a mature comment, saying more about yourself than anyone else..  Politics aside Bob Brown is the sort of guy that takes out a bank loan to help fellow Australians with ransom money.  He’s a better man than you’ll ever be.

    • Dash says:

      04:00pm | 20/10/11

      But Matt, you hardly know me.

    • RickY says:

      04:22pm | 20/10/11

      Ha ha ha Dash, look at ol’ Matt Crying & squealing into his handbag. Friend of Bobs are you Matt…....?

    • Matt says:

      04:44pm | 20/10/11

      But Dash, you hardly know Bob Brown.

    • Matt says:

      10:36am | 21/10/11

      Hilarious RickY - or should I say RyaN…  You get that insult from the playground at recess?

      Your usual stupidity shines through your poor attempt at hiding your name..  I’d be happy to be friends with someone like Bob, he at least has principles, something you wouldn’t know much about.

    • RyaN says:

      04:10pm | 21/10/11

      @Matt: Clearly I would fess up to that since I don’t like hypocrites and have previously had a go at people who post under different pseudonyms.
      I don’t say things like “Ha ha ha” either.

      Sorry but that is not me.

    • Matt says:

      12:49pm | 20/10/11

      Why should she curtsy?  You don’t have to, she’s not going to chop your head off if you don’t and it’s a dated tradition that means nothing.  She showed respect.  Why is one form of respect greater than another for the Queen? She was told you either curtsy or bow your head, which she did - end of story.. Oh wait, there was no story to begin with..

      Amusing though, the amount of ‘sudden monarchists’ around now that are offended that Julia didn’t curtsy.

      Reply

    • fml says:

      03:33pm | 20/10/11

      Im surprised they haven’t used this “travesty of etiquette” as a reason to call an election! now!

    • Matt says:

      04:46pm | 20/10/11

      True fml, nevermind Julia was advised a nod of the head is sufficient.. I’m surprised this even warranted an article, but then again, this is The Punch..

    • Vaunted says:

      12:23pm | 21/10/11

      For God’s sake, call an election, NOW! There @ fml, said it.

    • Mark G says:

      12:49pm | 20/10/11

      I think it needs to be noted that she is the first prime minister of Australia ever to be abused for not doing a curtsy to the Queen. I would why that is? Because she is the first female Prime Minister. All other prime ministers have done exactly what Julia Gillard did and it was considered completely respectful. Yes it is tradition for a woman to curtsy to the queen but under the same lines of tradition, a woman should not hold the position of Prime minister in the first place. I find it funny that the complaints are not coming from the Queen or the royals, they are coming from Australians. The Queen recognises Julia’s position of power and accepted her gesture of welcome. The curtsy is one of several subjugating traditions from a time when women were less than equal in the eyes of the ruling monarch. A curtsy differs from a handshake and bow in that a handshake opens up the chance of further communication. A curtsy is a seen but not heard gesture reserved for women and I don’t see this as something appropriate for a prime minister. I am surprised that more feminists haven’t run with this one.

      Common courtesy is one of the most misused terms. Common courtesy is to say please and thankyou and using a knife and fork when you eat. This article is about traditional courtesy and if you break down the tradition into what it represents, then you will realise that Julia’s greeting was not all that bad. She is the prime minister not a courtesan.

      Reply

    • engineer says:

      01:39pm | 20/10/11

      Keating was abused for putting his arm aorund her. The story went round the world. Maybe your not old enough to remember.

      I think if you made any reasonable assessment Gillard has been treated very gently BECAUSE she’s a woman. Imagine if similar comments were made about her as have been made about Pine or Abbott ? eh ? Vicious attacks about how she looks in her swimsuit or how she walks ?

      As has been said it’s nothing to do with curtesy, it’s a part of the formalities of the office, like stuffing around with the septre and all sorts of oaths and such at the opening of parliment. Eitehr respect it or change it but don’t snub your nose at this aspect of the job you took on.

    • Redeker Plan says:

      01:56pm | 20/10/11

      +1.  Exactly right. 

      I’m not a Gillard-fan at all, but sweet zombie Jeebus people, give it a rest. The PM has stated that she sought advice on the correct etiquette - I assume from people who are actual (as opposed to armchair) experts in these matters, and was told that either a curtsy or a bow of the head and handshake were acceptable.  She made the choice that was appropriate and comfortable for her.

      She is damned if she does and damned if she doesn’t - if she HAD curtsied it would have been all over the news that our hypocrite republican PM was brown-nosing the royals and how pathetic she was, and how she doesn’t stand by her beliefs, yada yada yada.  And a lot of the same people who are criticising her now would be having a go again - the majority of them couldn’t give a stuff about the Queen, it’s just one more thing to have a go at the hated JuLiar about.  Seriously folks, get a life.

    • MDG says:

      02:23pm | 21/10/11

      Engineer - so you missed those news articles about Gillard’s earlobes and her (lack of a) handbag?  Do you think Abbott would make cracks about “making an honest man” of a male political opponent?  Do you think he would have jokingly questioned a male opponent’s sexual morality in an election campaign (remember his “no doesnt mean no” remarks)?  Christopher Pyne can take care of himself since he’s the one who introduced the phrase “slag and bag” into Hansard.  As for attacks on how she looks there are several in this very thread ranging from her demeanour to her dress sense.  At least you’re right that the curtsy isn’t the point - the point is to show respect, which she did, according to all the rules of modern protocol.  The people whinging are the inveterate Gillard-haters who would whinge no matter what she did.

    • Martin says:

      12:49pm | 20/10/11

      I see it didn’t take long for the Labor drongos to come out in support of uncouth behaviour. No surprise there. In true australian yobbo tradition,  would you Labor wallies suggest the greeting party should of got out there and greeted the Queen in a gruubby flanno , stubbies and a pair of thongs!  Or perhaps, since Ms Gillard is a “shiela”  a pair of leggings, a T Shirt with some yobbo moniker (JIm Beam, or Bundi and Coke or the like) and a pair of well worn and stinky Nikes. I mean this is 21st Century Australia Right? LMFAO

      Reply

    • Ando says:

      03:24pm | 20/10/11

      So all Liberal voters think she should have curtsied and Labour voters think she shouldn’t have? What a simple world you live in.

    • The Guardian says:

      03:29pm | 20/10/11

      Your right Martin this is 21st Century “Australia” not 19th Century England. LMFAO (even more).You know where the door is Martin.

    • Dave says:

      01:43am | 21/10/11

      Yeah, well, Martin when youve finished stuffing yourself with cucumber sandwiches and waving your little pinkie in the air as you drink your afternoon cup of tea from your set of bone china perhaps you can go back to the old country? Sounds like youd be happier there. Then you could get a spot of rowing in at Henley and do a bit of polo playing between fox hunting and leisurely afternoons at the MCC. Off you go now ,chummie fellow. What ho,pip pip and all that.

    • Martin says:

      08:37am | 21/10/11

      And right on cue, out come the chip on shoulder Labor yobbos. LMFAO

    • Fay Hicks says:

      12:53pm | 20/10/11

      To cursty is a sign of respect to the Queen as is her due. she is the official Head of State of Great Britan and Irelan and of all Commonwealth countries of which australia is a member. Regardless of the monarchists or republicans views its protocol and should be followed to the letter. You can be sure that the arrival of the queen and the telecasts would have been watched by countires worldwide just to see if our Prime Minister has the right stuff and she failed dismally here. Lets not forget Julia Gillard represnets Australia in foreign circles and when she’s overseas she is expected to follow protocl in other countries. Such a mistake would not go down well in some coutnries and could affect whether their heads of state actually meet with her if she ever has cause to visit other countries to tout for industries to make Australia part of their visitor list.

      Reply

    • Mouse says:

      11:25pm | 20/10/11

      Like taking the boyfriend to Malaysia,  a conservative Islamic country?  What was she thinking, to a country where you can be gaoled for sleeping with someone you are not married to. Then the President got “chicken pox” and could not keep his meeting with her.  Hmmmmm After that little faux pas I suppose a non-curtsey is nothing is it?

    • Al says:

      12:54pm | 20/10/11

      Maybe the Queen can get back at her by expelling Australia from the Commonwealth.
      That will show all those Republicans and Monarchists that she still has power and is relevant won’t it. Wait a second…....

      Reply

    • fairsfair says:

      12:58pm | 20/10/11

      I appreciate this is a humourous article, but I am a bit sick of the same jokes about the royals. Its getting a bit old.

      I also don’t really care if you are a republican or not, they are visitors to our country (a country that they helped develop, but even if they didn’t), they derserve a bit of respect.

      I regularly see traditionally dressed Japanese people around Cairns. If I went up and kicked their wooden thongs out from underneath them and laughed at their culture, it wouldn’t really go down to well. The Bhutanese King has just taken his wife and it was presented with a lot of respect in the media. Just imaging if I cracked a joke about his stupid outfit. Oh wow unacceptable.

      So why is it OK to sh*t all over the english royals for upholding their own traditons (which a lot of Australians also believe in)?

      Reply

    • nossy says:

      01:11pm | 20/10/11

      @fairsfair bravo FF! well said and I note you are a fellow Queenslander.

    • Your name: Richard says:

      04:15pm | 20/10/11

      Please outline how the current bunch of individuals forming the royal family helped develop Australia. 

      Please also explain how making some jokes about people who will never read it and wouldn’t care if they did is the same as kicking out the footwear from people you don’t even know. 

      Also please explain how anyone has “sh*t all over the english (couldn’t you at least use a capital “E” you sycophant?) royals for upholding their traditions” when it is quite clear the Queen could not care less?

      Honestly, other countries must look at how pathetic conservatives are in Australia and absolutely p1ss themselves laughing.  Defending the Queen because someone made a joke about her?  Are you serious?  Build a bridge and get the f*ck over it.

    • Leah says:

      04:30pm | 20/10/11

      Love this.

    • RickY says:

      04:30pm | 20/10/11

      Spot on Fairs. Well said.

    • fairsfair says:

      10:54am | 21/10/11

      Richard, aren’t you just a joy?

      Maybe someone (anyone on this forum) would seek to have an adult conversation with you when you stop speaking to them like pieces of Shit (note the capital S there).

    • Craigt says:

      01:01pm | 20/10/11

      Haha thanks for a good laugh. Great Piece… Who really care how the PM greets the queen…

      Reply

    • Rover of North Cooma says:

      01:02pm | 20/10/11

      And if she had curtsied, you’d all be on here ranting about how hypocritical it is for a republican to grovel to a monarch and how undignified it looked for a national leader.

      Reply

    • Janine M says:

      01:04pm | 20/10/11

      I was always taught to show respect to your elders so I found Gillard an embarrassment, personally I feel that it would only be common courtesy to curtsy to the Queen who has been in reign a lot longer than Gillard and Gillard seems to expect people to respect her!!  I guess that’s just the way I was brought up - I’m very proud to say that obviously I don’t have the same values or upbringing as Julia so that’s something I’m extremely happy about - thanks Mum and Dad!!

      Reply

    • Lisajw says:

      01:06pm | 20/10/11

      the heading made me laugh…Gillard should have bobbed, it is common curtsy..  even with the play on words, no one could seriously say that curtsying was COMMON.  give the poor woman a break.

      Reply

    • TarBaby says:

      01:08pm | 20/10/11

      “Oh hello person of fortunate birth, I am the prime minister, so how’s about I just give you a quick nod to your history and we dispense with the nonsense”

      Reply

    • The Bunyip says:

      01:10pm | 20/10/11

      “if you are both in separate rooms”

      BOTH in separate rooms?  So Charles is in separate rooms and so am I?

      And here I was, thinking the royals had given up drawing and quartering a long time ago.

      Reply

    • Arthur Pintel says:

      01:15pm | 20/10/11

      Watch it fawn and giggle in front of BO.
      And can you imagine the ring kissing if the the Papa ever makes it over again for a tax-funded jaunt

      Reply

    • P. Darvio says:

      01:18pm | 20/10/11

      “There will be no Cursty Tax under a Government I lead”........

      Liar Liar pants on fire…...

      Reply

    • Chuck says:

      01:29pm | 20/10/11

      No matter what you think of the Windsors and Phil the Greek Julia showed not only bad manners but poor dress sense. You have to give it to HRH she knows how to behave in public!

      Reply

    • Lucas Edwards says:

      01:31pm | 20/10/11

      Once an anti Monarchist, Anti Religion, Anti Marriage, Communist always a Monarchist, Anti Religion, Anti Marriage, Communist.  She has the same level of respect for the Queen as the majority of the Australian people have fore her, none.

      Reply

    • fml says:

      03:26pm | 20/10/11

      You left out an “Anti” before the second Monarchist.

      Your welcome.

    • amy says:

      04:24pm | 20/10/11

      and theres nothing wrong with that

    • davey street says:

      01:46pm | 20/10/11

      You don’t seriously think Gillard would be smart enough to curtsy for the Queen, do you ? With 66% of Australians in favour of the monarchy, and against becoming a republic, Julia has cemented her image as a minority leader who doesn’t give a stuff about the majority. Bi Bi Jules

      Reply

    • Against the Man says:

      02:12pm | 20/10/11

      Well said, looks like the minority have a short time to enjoy their time in power,,,,,,,,,,,,,heard CT’s situation is about to get interesting.

    • BobC says:

      04:11pm | 20/10/11

      On ya Davey! It is obvious that the Queen would be briefed on every aspect of the people she would encounter during her visit including Gillard. She was probably having a bit of a giggle in anticipation of what avenue our beloved PM would take to push her personal agenda. Unfortunately it shone out only too well. A bogan without the intelligence to represent the people who didn’t vote her into office, but who can certainly bow and scrape to the independents who did! And she expects the public to respect HER!

    • marrickvillain says:

      01:48pm | 20/10/11

      I reckon she should have pashed the Queen. Britney and Madonna style.
      Isn’t that what famous women do when they meet in public?

      Reply

    • Shane From Melbourne says:

      04:13pm | 20/10/11

      Why not, John Howard practically had his tongue down George W Bush’s throat…..

    • Against the Man says:

      06:45pm | 20/10/11

      Mmmmmmmmm…...I wonder which part of Bob Brown Gillard has her tongue down…...........I believe the term for Timmy boy is cuckold.

    • Dani says:

      01:57pm | 20/10/11

      Particularly loved the sections about Kate and Wills. Great stuff!

      Reply

    • The Guardian says:

      02:01pm | 20/10/11

      Freedom does not curtsy to anyone. Good on her!

      Reply

    • fml says:

      03:25pm | 20/10/11

      as long as we dont give patriotic names to fast food items i am happy.

    • Lauren says:

      02:09pm | 20/10/11

      Ah, but could you imagine the uproar if Gillard DID curtsy?

      An outed republican, doing a curtsy for The Queen - she’ll be JuLIAR once again.

      Those saying “She’s such a bogan with her awful fashion sense, what an embarrassment, she could have at the very least curtsied the Queen!” would now say “Who does she think she is? She is a republican, and she is curtsying the Queen! Hypocrite! Just goes to show she’ll do anything to suck up to the voters now, well it’s too late JuLIAR!”

      For the record, I’m a young monarchist, and I think doing a curtsy is out of date. (And the article did give me a bit of a chuckle).

      Reply

    • rockoyster says:

      02:49pm | 20/10/11

      What Lauren said (from an old republican).

    • Johnt says:

      02:13pm | 20/10/11

      Well if we are supposed to curtsy when meeting an old queen, I hope I never have to meet David Flint

      Reply

    • RickY says:

      04:37pm | 20/10/11

      Or Bob Brown!!  smile

    • palone says:

      01:51pm | 21/10/11

      Or Alan Jones!

    • Esteban says:

      02:33pm | 20/10/11

      The media has done a full circle in Australia.

      The extended honeymoon and love affair that the media had with Kevin Rudd was sickening. I am sure it gave the ALP confidence that they could spin their way out of any situation including the massive backflip by Gillard on the carbon tax.

      Now the media has gone the other way. If protocol says a bow or curtsy and Gillard felt more comfortable with a bow then protocol has been observed. There is no issue to be discussed apart from a mild interest in “will she bow or curtsy?”

      I will give Gillard the benefit of the doubt that she did not intend any offence and none has been taken. Had she not bowed then it would have been a different matter.

      I think the Royals are less rigid than people believe. There is even legislation to be introduced into the UK parliament to change the rules so that the first born child of Wil and kate will be the monarch irrespective of gender.

      Reply

    • James says:

      02:36pm | 20/10/11

      Has everyone started smoking crack?  is this really of any importance what-so-ever?  Next we will all be giggling at Telly-Tubbies and foaming at the mouth.

      Reply

    • Ned says:

      02:48pm | 20/10/11

      I can’t believe this whole curtsy thing is even front page news.

      Reply

    • Horns Up says:

      04:06pm | 20/10/11

      Anyone would think that the media has an agenda and are actively trying to paint Gillard as evil…nah that would never happen….not in Australia surely.

      \m/

    • loxy says:

      03:00pm | 20/10/11

      I don’t understand how not doing a curtsey shows disrespect? In modern Australia we usually shake hands as a mark of respect when we meet someone – why is our own customs, instead of an English, ancient and pompous one, what counts? I say good on Julia, I wouldn’t curtsey either to the Queen or any other royalty for that matter!

      Reply

    • Kassandra says:

      03:21pm | 20/10/11

      I don’t see any uproar about the GG’s curtsy or her arresting choice of wardrobe, unlike the PM"s dull performance. In making an effort to be class-free our PM has managed to be just that (again). She should have asked the GG for a few style pointers.

      Reply

    • lxtn says:

      03:22pm | 20/10/11

      Don’t get me wrong, she’s a nice lady and all but this whole grovelling thing is so Un-Australian.  Respect yes, the curtsy is waaaay to medieval for Aussies.  Haven’t people got any real problems to talk about?

      Reply

    • Leah says:

      04:41pm | 20/10/11

      personally I wish Australians would get a bit of class and learn to bow and curtsy. Curtsy is just the female version of bowing. But people get their knickers in a knot over the fact there’s a separate action for women to men and say women should be able to do the same thing as men. Maybe we should make men curtsy raspberry

    • Steve says:

      03:26pm | 20/10/11

      What’s the bet the people saying the PM should respect the Queen are the same people that said “ditch the witch”....

      It’s 2011 people. Common courtesy is to acknowledge people with a smile and some sort of gesture, either a nod or a handshake. If you have done that then to me you are a courteous person. Anything else is just outdated “protocol”.

      If this is the biggest whinge you lot can come up with perhaps you’ll realise how damn well you have it in this country!

      Reply

    • Horns Up says:

      04:04pm | 20/10/11

      Even if Gillard had curtsied to the regulation depth exactly these people would be screaming fake. It’s all very silly.

      Besides no Australian should ever bow to anyone unless they chose to.

      \m/

    • AdamC says:

      04:16pm | 20/10/11

      ‘What’s the bet the people saying the PM should respect the Queen are the same people that said “ditch the witch”....’

      What is the significance of that? I imagine the people you are referring to simply believe that the Queen is more deserving of our respect than the ‘witch’. I, for one, agree with them, but fall short of describing our PM as a witch or bitch. Especially when the more perjorative, but less crude, moniker of ‘JuLiar’ is readily available!

    • RickY says:

      04:56pm | 20/10/11

      Come on guys, Gillard is used to humbling herself for an old Queen. Bob Brown anyone….....  smile

    • fml says:

      03:35pm | 20/10/11

      Jillard should introduce a Curtsy tax to really get the goat of all you crusty old traditionalists!

      Reply

    • RickY says:

      04:44pm | 20/10/11

      Or better still fml, why doesnt she promise to NOT introduce a Curtsy tax, sneak into office & THEN introduce it! Now havnt you got a rally to get to somewhere fml? Those placard wont hold themselves sweety!! smile

    • Super D says:

      03:38pm | 20/10/11

      Could it be that all the commentators are overanalysing this and there is a far more straightforward explanation?

      Consider the following:

      1. Curtsying isn’t easy, certainly not easy to do gracefully.

      2. Julia Gillard isn’t very fit and probably has poor balance

      3. Julia Gillard tried to curtsy in front of the mirror or Tim and botched it completely

      4. Julia Gillard decided a bow would be better than winding up on her backside and featuring on funniest home videos every saturday for the rest of her life.

      Reply

    • Danny B says:

      09:28am | 21/10/11

      Super D,

      It’s realistic, practical and makes sense.

      They’ll never buy it.

    • Gail says:

      04:09pm | 20/10/11

      At least the red Welsh twat isn’t a real Aussie.

      Reply

    • SLF says:

      04:22pm | 20/10/11

      Whats a real Aussie?

    • Tony Bee says:

      04:23pm | 20/10/11

      Oh, dear. That’s insulting and ignorant on so many levels. Give my regards to Pauline Hanson.

    • amy says:

      04:10pm | 20/10/11

      I dont care what the queen thinks, neather should 99% of us..because she DOES NOT MATTER

      Reply

    • RickY says:

      05:01pm | 20/10/11

      No Amy, she doesnt matter to YOU.To many Australians she represents our history & traditions, which are being watered down to suit our new PC multicultural utopia.Like or hate the monarchy, we can thank the british for many of the traditional institutions that have helped make Australia great.Now we will just leave it to the Gillards & Rudds to destroy it….

    • amy says:

      07:33pm | 20/10/11

      oh please

      under all the prestige and ceremony now, in 2011 the queen is simply a relic, a symbol of somthing that has no relevance, I dont begrudge her existance, as it obviously bring joy to people, but in the end to me shes no more important than any other “celebrity” thats famous just for being famous

      but hey, at least she has some class

      but my problem is, thats its not like the PM was rude to her, or ignored her

      no people are having fits over somthing so insignificant as “a coutsey or a bow” that is what i fail to understand, WHO CARES? honestly

    • Sam says:

      11:45am | 21/10/11

      Wow, Amy. I don’t think anyone could possibly take your argument seriously given that you appear to have the writing abilities of a 3 year old child. Focus first on learning some basic grammar and spelling, and then maybe you’ll be able to muster some credibility in a debate.

    • David says:

      04:12pm | 20/10/11

      It was the height of rudeness. It does not matter what Julia Gillard personally thinks or believes. She was representing Australians. We are part of the Commonwealth and the Queen is the Head of the Commonwealth. What is more even those outside the Commonwealth will curtsey to her as a mark of respect for her position if not the person.
      Someone should have advised Ms Gillard of the proper protocol.

      Reply

    • Cat says:

      04:16pm | 20/10/11

      I have met several members of “The Firm”. They have been unwaveringly polite even when faced with poor behaviour by others. 
      I also happen to have a physical disability. It is difficult for me to curtsey and I was told I need not do it but I still managed a small bend of the knees. If I can do it our PM can do it. Not to do it was an insult and there will be people all over the world, including republicans, who will think even less of her than they do now. As it is, I am again ashamed to be Australian because of Julia Gillard’s behaviour.

      Reply

    • Susan says:

      04:30pm | 20/10/11

      Gillard was making a political statement since she’s not a monarchist. That’s unacceptable. As the PM her responsibility is to be curteous to important dignitaries, not run her own personal stance and agenda. That’s her all over though. The carbon dioxide tax, not considering Nauru for off-short processing and now this are all evidence of her stubbornness and selfishness. She doesn’t care what anyone else in the country thinks or wants except the Independents and Bob Brown. Someone needs to remind her that her job is to represent the Australian public.

      Reply

    • Dean says:

      04:53pm | 20/10/11

      You know what’s unacceptable?  Stupid people like yourself rambling on about shit you obviously haven’t a clue about… She wasn’t making a statement at all - the Queen’s aides informed her a nod of the head OR a curtsy is sufficient greeting.  You whine about a ‘tax’ then argue about Nauru?  I suppose you don’t even know Nauru was shut down due to the huge cost to taxpayers?  But that’s alright with you is it?  You whine about a ‘tax’ you’ll be more than compensated for, then whine because your tax money isn’t wasted on Nauru? You really need to inform yourself properly before making yourself look an idiot..

    • Col Sanders says:

      05:36pm | 20/10/11

      I wears a cap so I can doff it, whenever management or gentry passes by.
      Knowing how Liberals love to gush over Royalty Gillard should ask herself ‘What would Abbott do?  Kowtow, Genuflect or throw himself prostrate onto the floor,  then do the opposite, Oh hang on she did..

    • Bert Maverick says:

      05:00pm | 20/10/11

      I love how many people commenting here think we should respect their views yet they can neither spell nor string a coherent sentence together.
      Good article, Jo. I like your sense of humour.

      Reply

    • maffew87 says:

      05:10pm | 20/10/11

      I suppose that juliar is sticking to her welsh roots as she had mentioned a while back ago in an interview on the 7.30 report.  so it wouldn’t suprise me (as an english expat living in oz) as the welsh are a rebellious lot. and let’s not forget that juliar is a socialist too, not a captialist or a monarchist.

      Reply

    • Robbo says:

      05:17pm | 20/10/11

      It’s called honour and respect. Both you obviously don’t have!

      Reply

    • milo of Brizvegas says:

      07:37pm | 20/10/11

      So what you are saying is that if a person does not grovel or observe some bizarre ritual they have neither honour or respect? As it happens; There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family.. you may observe formal traditions or even shake hands…...www.royal.gov.uk/.

    • Wolf Schmidt says:

      07:05pm | 20/10/11

      As someone who really detests Juliar Gillard, just for once I am on her side.
      Why should she bow and scrape to a pair of fossilised poms ?
      They are utterly irrelevant to this country, as for all the royal bumsuckers,
      shove off to Great Britain and see how you go there. Hahahahaha.
      Stupid colonial yokels.

      Reply

    • James III says:

      07:34pm | 20/10/11

      Because whether you like it or not you grubby little bogan, she is the Queen of Australia.

      Go back to Germany.  I’d be bitter too if I was 2 nil down wink

    • Brenda says:

      07:11pm | 20/10/11

      Gillard looked like a bumble been in that hideous striped jacket.

      Even more embarrassing than Gillard’s usual clumsy stuff-up was the Queen being left standing alone in a room full of cameras and looking transparently uncomfortable.

      Then right on cue came the announcement:  “The Governor-General of Australia” and the Real Queen Quentin strode through the doorway in regal style that completely dwarfed and belittled the waiting Queen Elizabeth.

      Reply

    • mick says:

      07:32pm | 20/10/11

      If the media did not make a (silly0 fuss about royalty then nobody would take any notice.  It will all be over in 100 years time.

      Reply

    • Edward III says:

      07:39pm | 20/10/11

      As if she would have ever shown any respect, courtesy or class.  She is the bogan queen of the bogan party - the ALP. 

      Well done Governor General - made Australia proud of you.

      Our Monarchy is the only thing keeping Australia resembling the Planet of the Apes.  Australia is becoming feral, bogan and redneck by the day - Royal visits/Weddings/events are the only thing that reminds our women to shave their legs and wipe their ar5eholes.

      Reply

    • stu H says:

      02:06am | 21/10/11

      I like it LOL

    • Con Barrington says:

      08:13pm | 20/10/11

      It was not the fact that she failed to curtsy that irked. It’s the mouthful of crap about Australia becoming a Republic when the Queen stands down/dies. Since when - Gillard does your opinion on this issue carry any weight. You will be past tense shortly, along with that over rich North Shore wank, and all your Labour mates Bligh, Turn Bull et ors.

      Reply

    • CBR says:

      11:43am | 21/10/11

      “Over rich North Shore wank”? As youthful monarchist that hails from that leafy area, I take full issue with that comment meant as an insult, sir.

      I throw my glove at your feet. Huzzah.

    • Swingdog says:

      08:31pm | 20/10/11

      I appear to have stumbled into a 1950s Women’s Weekly.

      Reply

    • Shane From Melbourne says:

      10:49pm | 20/10/11

      Can you give me the recipe section? Thanks.

    • amy says:

      08:37pm | 20/10/11

      you people make me sick

      you ramble on about “respect” yet you cant even respect your own bloody leader

      “oh but shes a terrible prime minister!”

      mabye but what has the queen ever done?

      Reply

    • Sam says:

      11:55am | 21/10/11

      “mabye but what has the queen ever done?”

      Oh Amy… really? Really!?

    • Ed Hall says:

      09:31pm | 20/10/11

      I don’t like the “where’s Wally” outfit she’s wearing

      Reply

    • GC Dude says:

      10:42pm | 20/10/11

      Who gives a shit? They are both well past their used by date. End of discussion.

      Reply

    • Big Tas says:

      12:38am | 21/10/11

      why should she bow to anyone Julia is a world leader and does not bow to anyone.

      Reply

    • Nick says:

      01:14am | 21/10/11

      Stupid republicans here we go. Again.

      Can we have an independence referendum in exchange of the carbon tax? Australia would be safe on both counts….

      Reply

    • Stuart Haynes says:

      01:58am | 21/10/11

      The Queen Doesn’t demand people Curtsey or Totally Bow , I’ve met her in person in 1999 when she was last out here and Opened A New Wing Of The Prince Of Wales Childrens Hospital At Randwich (Sydney)....  I gave a small Bow but nothing full on and she didn’t seem to care nor was she looking like she was waiting for me to do so , she started talking to me before I really had the chance so to me that means she doesn’t expect it ..I didn’t even have time to say mum,Mam nothing,it just flowed from her and I have to say it was like talking to my grand Mother , I didn’t even feel nervous as she took that totally away in how she approached me..So as For Julia Gillard not Curtseying ,who cares except The Queen herself , The Governor General Quintin Bryce has too ,,Its protocol because she is actually The Queens Employee ..

      Reply

    • Rory Macneil says:

      02:52am | 21/10/11

      Maybe all queens are the same to Jooliar.

      Reply

    • VickyB says:

      06:30am | 21/10/11

      Do they always ignore the protocols of other countries, or is it because she is an older white woman that they even think of being bad mannered?Juliar Guillard is so arrogant she would not curtsy.  Anna Blight would expect the Queen to curtsy to her seeing as the Brigalow Corp has usurped the Crown in QLD.

      Reply

    • RyaN says:

      08:12am | 21/10/11

      Ha I got censored!

      Reply

    • Kai says:

      08:59am | 21/10/11

      Those who say that the PM’s behaviour was appropriate are basing this on the mistaken belief that the Queen is not the Queen of Australia. I am sorry, but she is, and as such the PM is her subject and should have curtsied. I myself do not believe that she should remain the monarch of Australia, but that is no cause for rudeness.

      Reply

    • Kipling says:

      09:13am | 21/10/11

      “Common” courtesy…

      Says it all, the office of PM is not that of a “commoner”...

      Reply

    • subotic says:

      09:38am | 21/10/11

      Betty Windsor: Phil, look, the colony has erupted.
      Phil the Greek: What?
      Betty: The colony. They’ve erupted.
      Phil: Erupted? Over what?
      Betty: That ranga woman again. Seems she’s forgotten to perform some form of common courtesy again.
      Phil: What? Did she stab that little bespectacled guy in the back AGAIN?
      Betty: No no no. Pass the scones Phil. She didn’t perform some sort of formal genuflect when I popped over to say hi the other day.
      Phil: Commoner. Bet Brycey did.
      Betty: Of course she did. But bugger me if she near didn’t upstage one with her hat.
      Phil: Oh yes, hats. I saw the All Coloureds gave the colony a right flogging the other day in the Rugby.
      Betty: Serves them right. Ungrateful upstarts. All of them. I have a right mind to cut the buggers off and let them fend for themselves.
      Phil: Butter with that scone dear?
      Betty: Why the hell not.
      Phil: BBC News said that we might be putting a team together to go against the damn Yankees in that Gridiron game.
      Betty: Gridiron? Whatever the Dickens is that?
      Phil: Like Rugby but with helmets, padding, Janet Jackson and cheerleaders.
      Betty: Sounds thoroughly dreadful and common.
      Phil: Like that colony ranga’s outfit the other day.
      Betty: Yes, yes…

      Reply

    • Duchess says:

      10:01am | 21/10/11

      Well if the queen n her hubby came to my place, I would meet em both in me shorts and thongs while holdin a stubby in me hand. Greet em with a good Aussie, G’day mate. After all this is my back yard.

      Reply

    • Eric The Red says:

      10:05am | 21/10/11

      So What ! Betty Windsor didn’t get a curtsy, who cares?? The old bag. She and her family are great role models aren’t they? Inbreed monguls. She can kiss my Irish Australian Bum. Take that for a bit of class you plum in the mouth Buffheads.

      Reply

    • Leigh says:

      11:08am | 21/10/11

      I heard that Queen Lizzie met the resident kangaroos at Government House .... apparently they didn’t curtsey either! What’s that Skip? Off with their heads?

      Reply

    • max says:

      11:32am | 21/10/11

      Who in this era curtsies? - only the oldies and the liberal party hacks I suspect

      Reply

    • averill says:

      12:26pm | 21/10/11

      max it is called PRO-TO-COL I typed that slowly and carefully so that you would understand it!  You and the rest of the bogans in Oz are not the be all and end all of this Universe. I would like the Prime Minister to act with a lot of dignity and protocol when s/he represents me at a public function like yesterday’s greeting of the Queen.

      Reply

    • palone says:

      02:24pm | 21/10/11

      averill, I don’t know what a’bogan ’ is, or what information is needed to identify someone as such, But I know this. I don’t bow to anyone! If I were to bow it would be to my dear mother, so had our Prime Minister bowed, curtsied, or given any sign of subservience to the unelected head of a foreign Country, I would have disrespected her. She would not, repeat not, have been representing me.
      And the accusations hurled at my Prime Minister have nought to do with protocol, (which is not hyphenated, dummy), as the “protocol” had already been advised. A nod was deemed sufficient. Even though you can’t seem to decide whether this particular drain on the public purse is a male or a female, (S/He), no person should be required to bow, prostrate, curtsy, grovel, or in any other way demean themselves, unless they like to do that sort of thing.
      What was a bogan, again?
      You can’t have “lots of protocol”, no matter how much you volunteer your freedom to another. And I, and my father, and my grandfather have all had good reason to understand that we served so that we didn’t ever have to bow down to anyone. Not even a German Queen. Especially not a German Queen. Not a ‘Windsor’—a ‘Hapsburg’.
      Averill thinks respect is due to this family of misfits. The son, Charles, who walks around the flower garden singing “Aunty Mary had a canary” to the plants is next in line. Respect?
      Max is right. You are irelevant.

    • Joel B1 says:

      05:22pm | 21/10/11

      @Palone,

      Funny, you seem to have confused being a wild animal with being civilised. Maybe you should just decide that clothing is demeaning and then walk around in Woolies in your birthday suit.

      Honestly, post-modernism has a lot to bloody answer for.

      If Gillard doesn’t to want to do what is required of her as an Australian PM then she should just bugger off.

    • marley says:

      09:41pm | 21/10/11

      @palone - the Queen is not the unelected head of a foreign country.  She is the constitutional monarch of Australia.  You might not approve of the monarchy, but the fact remains that she is our head of state.  It is entirely appropriate for our head of government to show her respect.  That doesn’t mean a curtsey, of course, but respect, yes, if not for the Queen herself, for the position of head of state.

      As for your other comments, you might want to pull back on the contempt a bit.  Anyone who thinks the Queen is descended from the Hapsburgs (or indeed, that the Hapsburgs were German) has a bit of reading to catch up on.

    • JoanneH says:

      01:26pm | 21/10/11

      It is so obvious watching Julia’s body-language that she cannot bring herself to curtsy before the Queen because she desperately wants her job. Julia tries to hide the fact that she is a communist, and together with all her face-less conspirators, would like nothing better than to bring down the monarchy. God save Australia from her.

      Reply

    • MDG says:

      02:28pm | 21/10/11

      Sure, JoanneH.  I’m sure the PM had a poison-tipped umbrella hidden in her jacket pocket and everything.

    • Joel B1 says:

      04:41pm | 21/10/11

      I don’t believe it!

      Have you all forgotten “THAT HAT”? The one Gillard super-glued on at the last RW (Royal Wedding).

      Obviously being polite to our head of state isn’t exactly second-nature to Gillard.

      ‘Cause as sure as baby kittens THAT HAT was an affront to all decent peoples (and milliners).

      Reply

    • Wolf Schmidt says:

      07:30pm | 21/10/11

      James III you are an idiot, since I am an Australian I have no need for
      Germany or any other place.
      As for the British, they loved Australians, for cannon fodder that is..
      Anyway the royals visiting Australia gives them the opportunity to have a shower.

      Reply

    • Justin says:

      10:12pm | 21/10/11

      I would of said to the queen” gday how are ya welcome to australia, wanna beer? Then told her to get on her paddy wagon and go home, we have no need for her here but i do say she probably could do a better job then julia gillard and thats not hard at all! But but i ask this if australia gloats its the land of the free, why do we have to stop drop and roll for a queen? Queen of what? Queen of bald headed grandchildren of hers thats about it

      Reply

    • Richard says:

      04:32pm | 22/10/11

      Concerning the recent visit by the Queen, it says she will not be coming to Sydney, I accept this for I judge that Elizabeth is no longer Queen, because she has indeed held communion with the Pope and allowed the Church of England a reconciliation with Rome and thus broken the Act of Settlement 1701, which in part states;

      ‘And it was thereby further enacted, that all and every person and persons that then were, or afterwards should be reconciled to, or shall hold communion with the see or Church of Rome, or should profess the popish religion, or marry a papist, should be excluded, and are by that Act made for ever incapable to inherit, possess, or enjoy the Crown and government of this realm, and Ireland, and the dominions thereunto belonging, or any part of the same, or to have, use, or exercise any regal power, authority, or jurisdiction within the same:’

      Reply
 
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