PM baulks at charity ice shower, Premier steps up
The prime minister says he is happy to help the fight against motor neurone disease, but having a bucket of ice-cold water tipped over him is not his preferred option.
Tony Abbott has been challenged by his parliamentary secretary and member for Kooyong Josh Frydenberg to take part in the ice bucket challenge, in which people are showered in a bucket of ice and water to raise money and awareness for the disease.
But Mr Abbott said while he was happy to support the cause, he would prefer an alternative.
“I’ve got to say that I’d probably rather make a modest financial contribution than subject myself to a shower of ice, but it is a great cause and I’m happy to be helpful,” he told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday.
West Australian Premier Colin Barnett does not share the PM’s reluctance. He has taken up the “challenge” sweeping social media.
Mr Barnett said he knew a lot of people who wanted to dump a bucket of ice-cold water on him but he would do it for a good cause.
“Just another humiliating day for me,” Mr Barnett said.