Howard And Anderson Discuss Coalition Woes After Bumping Into Each Other In Vent Nightclub Smoking Area

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

Two titans of Australian politics have bumped heads in Canberra last weekend, quite literally, during a chance encounter in the smoking area of Vent Nightclub.

Former prime minister John Howard and former Nationals leader John Anderson were attending the Sunday DnB night at the capital’s premier techno club. Both had retired outside for some fresh air following DJ E-Z Ganja’s 1am “Jungle Filth” set.

Anderson was wearing a fluoro polo shirt with a plunging V-neck, while Howard had opted for a hot pink Lyle & Scott number gifted to him by Tony Blair in 1998.

After a brief embrace, the pair settled into what sources tell The Advocate was a discussion of the federal Coalition’s current difficulties. Although little of the exchange could be heard reliably, witnesses described Howard’s contribution as physically expressive, involving a succession of grimaces, strained smiles and repeated adjustments to his hair and clothing.

Anderson, meanwhile, smoked three plain-packaged cigarettes in succession before dropping the empty packet at his feet, in keeping with local custom.

The discussion became more demonstrative when Anderson began shadowboxing, prompting a security guard to advise him that any further exhibition would have to take place outside. Anderson apologised and conceded that he could offer no explanation for his behaviour.

As the conversation resumed, one witness noticed that Howard had begun drawing his lips back into a smile that appeared to consist entirely of teeth. Anderson responded with “I totally agree” before beginning the Macarena.

Howard intervened, explaining that the term was no longer appropriate given Matt Canavan’s Italian ancestry.

“It’s Spanish, you idiot,” Anderson replied, at a volume that brought the security guard back into the discussion.

Having assessed the prospects for a quieter resolution, the guard signalled to his colleagues that it was time for the pair to leave.

The Advocate reached out to their respective offices for comment but has yet to receive a reply.

More to come.