As a federal election nears, greater scrutiny is being paid to the men and women vying for your vote.
Aspirant leaders and MPs can be found wandering around supermarkets, pubs and playgrounds.
But from washing women's hair to sculling beers, do cheesy political stunts and photo-ops ever really work?
There will be more than blue, red and green on the campaign trail this year as a flock of female independents battle for blue-ribbon seats.
Campaigning on anti-corruption and pro-renewable platforms, the independents are threatening to cause trouble for the Morrison government.
Another wanting to make strife for the Liberals is of course, Labor leader Anthony Albanese.
Mr Albanese has announced more measures in Labor's pledged $2.5 billion aged care package.
Labor says they want to stop aged care fee "rorting" by capping fees and monthly reporting rules.
Meanwhile, a news poll conducted by The Australian suggested Labor is favoured to win government, with 38 per cent saying they would vote for the ALP - compared with 36 per cent for the Coalition.
In another blow for the government, defence insiders have told ACM that Defence Minister Peter Dutton's workplace skilled workforce expansion plans are a "fantasy".
In news from another kind of contest, cricket great Alyssa Healy has helped Australia win the World Cup against England.
In more sport news, Rugby Australia has been named the preferred candidate for the 2027 and 2029 men and women's World Cup tournaments.
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Lanie Tindale
I am City reporter at The Canberra Times. I previously covered health for the masthead, and was a trainee before that. I have written on courts, federal politics, breaking news, features and opinion. lanie.tindale@canberratimes.com.au.
I am City reporter at The Canberra Times. I previously covered health for the masthead, and was a trainee before that. I have written on courts, federal politics, breaking news, features and opinion. lanie.tindale@canberratimes.com.au.
