CANBERRA (Reuters) - A ban by Australia's Parliament House on the term "mate," a popular colloquialism and symbol of egalitarianism, has been overturned following a barrage of protest.
Security guards at Parliament House in Canberra had been directed Thursday to refer to people as sir and ma'am. The ban was imposed after the head of a government department complained about being called mate, local media reported.
But a parliamentary circular issued Friday removed the directive warning staff not to use "mate" when dealing with the public or members of parliament, instead suggesting they use their judgment on when a more formal approach is required.
Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke said the attempted ban was "pomposity gone mad," while current Prime Minister John Howard described the ban as "absurd and impractical."
"There are circumstances where a more formal address is appropriate," Howard told Australian radio.
"But in the same conversation you might start off calling somebody you have just met sir or madam but as you become more familiar ... you might end up saying mate."
The move also prompted a flood of calls to talkback radio around the country and was slammed by Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper as "ludicrous" because it took Australia back to the days of the class system.
© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved.
Originally posted by: jumpr
I need dug777's opinion on this contentious issue. :beer:
Annoying little man.The ban was imposed after the head of a government department complained about being called mate
Originally posted by: Dimmu
Originally posted by: jumpr
I need dug777's opinion on this contentious issue. :beer:
AYE MATE!
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Crikey mate look at that Sheila!
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Crikey mate look at that Sheila!
Now how did I know you'd post in this thread!
Cheers RossMAN :beer:
Originally posted by: dug777
I'm happy with it...was just some stuck up Civil Servant having a bitch to start with
Johnny Howard>j00
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Originally posted by: dug777
I'm happy with it...was just some stuck up Civil Servant having a bitch to start with
Johnny Howard>j00
Then why doesn't he reside in Australia's capital city (Canberra ACT)?
He's a bitch.
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Shrimps on the barbee for all.
Edit: BTW, who the hell grills shrimp? Just throw the buggers in some boiling water and when they are ready dip them in sauce and stuff em down your gullet..
Have a great day, Mate.
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Shrimps on the barbee for all.
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Shrimps on the barbee for all.
Crack open a softy too :beer: