Steven Bailey (KAP Senate candidate for the ACT), and Bruce (dog), are fleeing Canberra for a while in order to finish scoring an opera.

“it’ll be great to get back to the bush for some inspiration. I’ll go on a few motor bike rides and walks through the bush with my dog Bruce”
“I’ll shoot a few rabbits for Bruce but I’ll eat baked beans. It’s good to be reminded of where your food comes from. If the rabbits have spotty livers they’re no good to eat”

“When I return from the Hong Kong job I’ll be looking for a labouring job in Canberra – I like working with my hands just as much as I like working with my mind – the only proviso is that where I go, Bruce goes”. It’s always been important for me to strike a balance between getting my hands dirty as well as work more of the creative kind. Brains and brawn need not be mutually exclusive”

“I would normally be happy doing this creative work at the ANU, but as universities all around Australia become the objects heartless economic rationalism we face the sad inevitability that universities are becoming places unfit for serious creative endeavour”

“This time in the bush will allow me to reflect upon the issues and aspirations for the ACT. I’m very much looking forward to fighting a good battle for the ACT, full of positive discussion, robust honesty, and a few surprises”. The message needs to be made loud and clear that jobs in the ACT are not the kicking balls for the major political parties”

“Australia is sick of conventional and predictable political personalities; I get the impression that my competition hopes to slip into office. I have put myself in the position where I should not expect anyone’s vote – unlike my competition, I plan to earn it.”

[Media Release for Steven Bailey]