Australians Say ‘Sod Off’ to Anti-G’Day Mates
‘G’day mate’ OK again in Australia
‘Mate’ ban in parliament is lifted, ridiculed as ‘pomposity gone mad’
CANBERRA, Australia – 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 on 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 on 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.
They’re a few tinnies short of a slab, I’d say. “Pomposity gone mad‘? Like kangaroos in the top paddock.
Nanny State | Mr. Bingley | 
August 19, 2005 12:25 pm
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The ban was imposed after the head of a government department complained about being called mate…
Sounds like “Do You Know Who I Am”-ism is catchy.
When I first heard this on the radio, I also thought that banning “G’day, Mate” was ridiculous. But on further thought (and knowing a little more about it), I want to know why any security guard is not calling everyone “Sir” or “Ma’am” simply because of basic professionalism.
Ken, that’s a good question, but I would ask an Australian that. Having worked with a few Aussies, you simply can’t apply American protocol to Australians. They’ll follow our courtesies, but sometimes you get the feeling that that they view us Yanks as being bloody strange…………….
I would second JeffS’ comment and add that, if they’d always been freer with the g’days than the sirs or ma’ams, it might well be custom and political ego coming into conflict.
Granted on the point, if that’s common protocol for people dealing with the public. My question would be, “What do the police, or any other government employee who normally deals with the public, consider standard professionalism when dealing with said public?”
In any case, I know who to ask…and I will.
Well, you need to add Ken in Australia.
Culturally sensitive type that you are.
And for the record, I also often view us Yanks as being bloody strange.
I already emailed that very question to that very source. He’s going to be on the receiving end of a Swill-a-lanche.
I wrote about the ban myself, you might be interested in at http://www.samanthaburns.com
A Swill-a-lanche? He won’t know what hit him, poor devil…
And for the record, I also often view us Yanks as being bloody strange.
Too bloody right, mate! G’day!