Federal Government

JOB HUNT: Mirabella’s quest for a media adviser continues

Country member Sophie Mirabella MP’s hunt for a media adviser continues, with the Liberal front-bench women’s affairs spokesman advertising in an internal Liberal email obtained by VEXNEWS:

Sophie Mirabella MP Federal Member for Indi
Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education, Childcare, Women and Youth
Electorate/Media Officer

Applications are invited for this position based in Wangaratta.  Duties include: liaising with media outlets, writing media releases and monitoring local media; production of electorate newsletters, newspaper inserts and brochures; handling constituent enquiries and liaising with Government Departments and agencies.

Applicants should possess the following skills and experience:

· A strong understanding of the Australian political system

· Demonstrated ability in interpreting information and preparing high quality, accurate correspondence, briefs and newsletters within deadlines

· Well developed office IT skills

· Good organisational skills and the ability to work as part of a team

· Ability and preparedness to work long hours and on weekends as required.

A commencing salary between $54,253 – $57,093 will be paid.  An optional allowance is payable in lieu of overtime.

A probationary period of three months will apply.

Applications with details of experience and names of two referees should be forwarded to:Sophie.mirabella.mp@aph.gov.au

Applications close on 2 July 2009. For further information please contact Margaret Schubert 03 5721 5377

The Daily Telegraph on Saturday morning chronicled some of the challenges Ms Mirabella has had finding the right man for the job. Recalled were the previous exploits of past media advisers including Brendan “the Nuzzler” Rowswell, Tony Scrinis – a sex fiend who sexually assaulted several people at a Canberra ball and who had previously created a club for teens that offered them body-painting and video production – and Luke Barnes who was allegedly “boned” after boning a chap in the stationery cupboard of Ms Mirabella’s office and being interrupted by the Honourable Member herself.

In a move nearly without precedent in the history of modern media, VEXNEWS was credited with originally revealing these yarns. Barnes spoke up for himself on this occasion, insisting that the suggestion he got up to no good in Sophie’s cupboard was not true on account of the configuration of the shelves and the lack of a back door. It’s a defence as good as any other, even if we’re not buying it, many others would.

While denial might also be a river in Egypt, we should also note that Barnes – via a friend on the Gold Coast – has denied being called a “useless c-word” by his former employer, denied being sacked from his job, insisting instead that he left for personal reasons unrelated to his athletic use of the stationery cupboard and that he is a fine and upstanding chap who enjoys an otherwise unblemished good name.

© 2009 VEXNEWS 2010©.