New Zealand has recently received word of their next Prime Minister: 37 year old Jacinda Ardern, the second youngest Prime Minister to take office and third female Prime Minister to date. Ardern received praise from both the general public and international member’s of parliament for accomplishing such a feat, however in Australia, New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian has taken to Twitter to ‘call out’ the 52nd Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Premier Berejiklian tweeted on the social media platform minutes after Ardern was announced as Prime Minister, saying, “ Hey Kiwis if you’re looking to live in a great place that has infrastructure, a growing economy and jobs- come over to NSW”.
The Tweet generated a lot of attention, with many people condemning Premier Berejiklian for her comment. People also voiced their own opinions about the current state of New South Wales, with mostly negative commentary about housing affordability, infrastructure, roads, public transport and state-based curfews after the lockout and associated laws implemented in 2014.
Other Australian MP’s extended their congratulations to the newly elected Prime Minister, including NSW opposition leader Luke Foley, who said he looks forward to meeting the new PM in the future and welcomes her to NSW. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also tweeted to congratulate Prime Minister Ardern, saying that he is looking forward to continue building the relationship Australia has with New Zealand.
As for Prime Minister Ardern, her popularity has skyrocketed over the last year after she took over as leader of the New Zealand Labour party back in August. It’s easy to see why Jacinda Ardern has such a strong following; she connects well with the youth and has strong policies like free tertiary education.
Another fun fact about the new kiwi Prime Minister is that she has tried her hand as an amateur DJ, playing a few sets for local record stores and small events for friends. However, Prime Minister Ardern’s biggest claim to DJ fame would have to be her 2014 set at St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival in Auckland where she dropped hits from the likes of Beyoncé, Sid Vicious and Tom Jones.
It’s great to see more young people in politics, especially nabbing the top job, however it would be even better if our own politicians could be a little bit more inviting. Congratulations to our pals across the Tasman and good luck to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Hope you give the old farts a good turn on the floor.