is not a place I am ever likely to put a foot in. It is in the national capital and I do not think it is likely I will return there. Even if I did it is unlikely I would ever go there. Perhaps I could buy a ticket for a lunch there but it is not something I think I would be likely to do.
That said I have just penned a letter to our state newspaper suggesting I would actually like to get up and give a speech there. Well no, I would not like to do it. I loathe, hate and detest getting up in front of a crowd and having to talk. It frightens me. I am a timid cat. I have plenty to say on paper but saying it out loud is something else.
So why would I even contemplate the idea? Would I do it if asked? What would I want to say?
I contemplate the idea because the current election campaign needs a kick in the pants. Voters need a boot up the backside. Everyone is just plodding along as usual. There have been no fires lit under the campaign or the ideas. No major party has come up with anything new. The same tired ideas and lies are being pushed in front of voters.
I suspect part of the problem is that voters have had enough. The very divisive campaign over the "Voice to Parliament" and the subsequent referendum has caused voters to be even more cynical than usual. We are required to attend the ballot box in this country and that means there is no need to work for votes. All politicians need to do is work at swaying the small number of "swinging" voters and ensuring the "preferences" flow in their direction.
Would I give that speech if asked? Yes, I would even though I would find it very difficult to do. I would want to give it to our current politicians and some members of the press who make no secret of their political bias. I would want to tell new candidates that there are limits to what can be done under our system. We are not the United States. Our Prime Minister cannot do just as he or she wishes - even if the media is trying to portray the Opposition leader in this way. There are limits and consequences - as President Trump may soon discover.
What would I want to say? I would want to say "don't be afraid of new ideas" and "don't be afraid of looking back and reconsidering". I would want to suggest "potential" and "best for the future". I would want to tell people that what they want might not be what is best for the majority. I would want to talk to them about rights, privileges and responsibilities.
I will never get the chance - but I will keep on hoping that someone half my age but old enough to have some life experience will do it for me.