This evening, I was taking a walk at the newly-opened Harbour Town Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s Docklands, when I happened to meet the Premier of Victoria, Mr. John Brumby!

Mr. Brumby was taking a walk with a few of his staffers, presumably to see one of the city’s newest developments. I happened to be walking in the opposite direction, scouting for possible photo opportunities.

Suddenly I spotted a familiar figure in the corner of my eye. Recognising the face instantly, I hurried over and introduced myself to the Premier.

As would be expected, Mr. Brumby was very friendly. We shook hands, he asked where I was from, what I did for a living and we had a brief chat.

One of his ‘minders’ asked if I’d like my photo taken with the Premier, and of course I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, in the dim evening light, my camera’s autofocus decided to centre on a Christmas tree rather than the Premier, and so my photo is a bit blurred.

On this occasion, I chose not to make any comment to the Premier about the performance of his government. I have been pleased with some of his policies, and unimpressed with others.

In any case, on such an occasion, it woudn’t have made a difference if the Premier were Liberal, National or Green instead of Labor. The pleasure was in meeting such a senior politican and I was happy to have a “celebrity moment” rather than make a political point.

I am happy enough to save the political commentary for the ballot box.

See also: My 2004 doorstop with Bronwyn Pike!