Politicians who personally update their websites and social networking profiles have made headlines this year. Who is worth following for information, insight and entertainment as we head towards an election?
There’s no strict criteria for making this list, save for instant exclusion for MPs who doggedly link every update about a turned sod to a the successes or failures of government programs.
Some MPs have become adept at regularly updating their profiles or blogs and talking to voters on the web, and others are learning fast. Some have been included for showing promise and being colourful.
This list will be a work in progress and we’ll keep it updated so keep add your suggestions and feedback in the comments or email us directly at feedback(at)thepunch.com.au.
(Full lists: House of Representatives | Senate )
Kevin Rudd
Regularly updates his Twitter feed, and his Facebook page is always rolling along with a mixture of conversation and / or abuse from the public.
Combines policy message reasonably well with low-level updates on what he’s up to, but persists with signing his tweets with “KRudd”, making him sound like he still thinks it’s 2007. Perhaps he wishes it was. Anyway, it makes him sound like an awkward uncle trying to rap rather than the Prime Minister of Australia. Perhaps “PM” would do.
Tony Abbott
The alternative Prime Minister. Online updates are irregular – he’s been getting plenty of exposure by traditional means since becoming Opposition Leader.
Lindsay Tanner
The finance minister manages to avoid looking like a Dalek shooting out policy laser blasts at the opposition. Keeps his Facebook page updated with pictures and links to his latest blog posts.
Malcolm Turnbull
Parliament’s early technology adopter. Regularly replies directly to people’s questions on Twitter. Always worth checking in on.
Tony Burke
Probably the most senior member of the Government after Rudd to post regular updates on his activities. Regularly talks about music and other non-political topics.
Joe Hockey
The shadow treasurer regularly updates his Twitter account with a mixture of political and more personal updates. Triggered a storm with a tweet during last year’s Liberal leadership turmoil when he indicated via tweet that he was considering his position on emissions trading.
Chris Pyne
One of the more natural Facebook users in Parliament. Regularly posts updates on family and constituency activities and mixes it up with politics. His website is Pyne Online.
Craig Thomson
The Labor member for Dobell. Is getting used to Twitter, could be good to follow during the campaign.
Scott Morrison
Another Liberal frontbencher who mixes up the personal and political well in his status updates. Worth following. As opposition immigration spokesman has been very active on border protection but occasionally talks about sport and his movements around Sydney.
Maxine McKew
The Labor MP for Bennelong has had quite a low profile quite low lately and will need to fight hard to keep her seat. Worth keeping an eye on to track her progress.
Stuart Robert
Jamie Briggs
The Liberal member for Mayo can be snarky and funny. Worth keeping an eye on.
Steve Gibbons
The Labor member for Bendigo in Victoria doesn’t update all that regularly but does correspond with others and recently raved online about Pink Floyd live at Earl’s Court.
Bob Brown
The Greens leader is likely to be a key player in the forthcoming election.
Simon Birmingham
“Birmo” maintains a strong presence on his website and social media accounts.
Cory Bernardi
Yes, The Punch suggested he should be banned, but the South Australian Liberal Senator’s still there. He regularly updates both of his websites and is worth following on Facebook.
(Senator Bernardi) (Cory Bernardi)
Mark Arbib
A senior minister and Labor party powerbroker. Worth adding to your social networks to track his progress and updates.
Steve Fielding
Because you never know what’s going to happen next.
Kate Lundy
Labor senator who has openly questioned the Rudd Government’s plan to introduce mandatory internet filtering.
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