This was published 10 years ago
Philip Ruddock rocks a safari suit for charity
Updated ,first published
It was a tweet that sent a shiver through the Canberra press gallery.
Last month Philip Ruddock wrote: "Dear All, I will be making an importance announcement later today via twitter. #auspol Philip."
The typo only added to the sense of urgency.
Could the "father of the house" – who has been an MP since 1973 – really be be retiring after four decades in Parliament?
A long sigh of relief was heard when it turned out that Ruddock's demise had been greatly exaggerated.
As Ruddock revealed to his followers, the big announcement was that he would wear a safari suit into Parliament. He had agreed to the dare to raise money for motor neurone disease research at Macquarie University.
It's an issue of close personal interest to the former attorney-general and immigration minister. Both Ruddock's sisters suffer from a form of muscular dystrophy, as did his father.
Over the ensuing weeks, Ruddock has stoked anticipation by tweeting photos from the archives of him in various safari suits.
On Wednesday the moment arrived - and Ruddock lived up to his promise. As question time was about to begin, Ruddock strutted into the House of Representatives looking dapper in a camel-coloured safari suit.
While some unkind observers asked why he was dressed like a Bond villain, Ruddock can feel proud. He's raised over $1000 and counting for the motor neurone disease research effort.
Matthew Knott is the foreign affairs and national security correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via X, Facebook or email.