Crikey, Mate!
Forget throwing “a shrimp on the barbie” — Australia is getting serious about attracting foreign visitors with its new slogan. After showing lovely scenery and things to do Down Under, the announcer in the Tourism Australia ads demands to know, “So where the bloody hell are you?” Minister for Tourism Fran Bailey loves the tagline, calling it “plain speaking and friendly.” Prime Minister John Howard says no one should be offended by the mild swearing — but won’t say the line himself. When asked to by a radio interviewer, Howard replied that he is “not somebody who uses that expression, certainly not on radio.” (Sydney Morning Herald, Australian AP) ...Well bugger him, then.
Available in This is True: Book Collection Vol. 12