ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
The Liberals have escalated its opposition research campaign this week with the release of a confidential dirt file detailing a 2009 incident in which Treasurer Chris Bowen reportedly became “intoxicated” after consuming three Foster’s Light Ice stubbies at a backyard birthday in western Sydney.
The document, which was circulated among political journalists late Tuesday evening, alleges that Bowen, then a junior minister, was speaking very loudly which is out of character.
According to the file, the incident took place in February 2009 at a family gathering in Smithfield. Witnesses say Bowen arrived mid-afternoon with a six-pack of Light Ice and left with three remaining.
“He just got a bit lippy,” said one unnamed attendee quoted in the document.
“He said the Rudd Government, his government, should be tackling real issues like letting people ride jetskis on Prospect Reservoir. Briefly imitated then-Opposition leader Tony Abbott riding his bike and then made his wrist limp and said, ‘Oohhh I’m Tony, I love riding my bike Oooohh!’. He threw a lawn chair into the pool, too.”
The Liberal Party claims the episode reflects what it calls a “pattern of erratic fiscal temperament” and “poor beverage judgement” pointing to Bowen’s decision to drink a low-strength beer known for its abysmal alcohol content and ugly branding.
Bowen’s office has declined to comment on the specifics of the allegations but issued a short statement noting that he isn’t much of a party boy.
Labor sources have privately dismissed the file as “desperate,” noting that no Labor MPs have ever had ever filled themselves to the gills with heavy schooners and essentially died on a Canberra planter box. Yet.
More to come.
