Summary
Alternate name: Dog Chew
Caricature of Tony Abbott, sold as a dog toy.
Tony Abbott, member of the Australian Liberal Party, was Leader of the Opposition from December 2009. Well known for his physical prowess and sportsmanship, particularly his participation in triathalons, Abbott was regularly lampooned for wearing Speedos (known colloquially as 'budgie smugglers'). His conservative politics and perceived sexism saw him attacked both in Parliament and in the media. On 8 October 2012, then Prime Minister Julia Gillard raised the issue of sexism in a speech in Parliament which was directed mainly at Tony Abbott. This speech was publicised around the world and became known as the "misogyny speech". Her support within the Labor Party and in popular opinion polls fell after the speech, and after several leadership spills she was ousted by supporters of Kevin Rudd on 26 June 2013.
Tony Abbott became the 28th Prime Minister elect on Saturday 7th September 2013 after winning 88 seats. In doing so, he also became the third Prime Minister of Australia in 3 months. He was later defeated by Malcolm Turnbull in a leadership spill on 14 September 2015.
Aussie Dogs was already planning to create a Tony Abbott dog toy when 'Droolia' - a caricature of Julia Gillard released in 2013 - received great media attention. 'Boney' Tony was released in late July 2013; 3000 were ordered. Aussie Dogs had also drawn up plans for a Kevin Rudd toy, but the company was unsure if it would sell. Instead, it designed a cardboard cut-out of Kevin Rudd which attaches over the nose of the 'Droolia' toy. Aussie Dogs plans to sell the Kevin Rudd cut out with the remaining 'Droolia' toys.
Physical Description
Soft textile figure of Tony Abbott wearing red speedos, a red and yellow surf rescue hat and black shoes with large head, oversized ears and printed hairy chest.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Person Depicted
Anthony (Tony) J. Abbott - Australian Liberal Party, Victoria, Australia, 2013
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Commissioned By
Aussie Dog Products, Ferntree Gully, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 2013
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Inscriptions
On tag, one side: ALL NEW STUFFING / MATERIAL : POLYESTER. / WIPE CLEAN ONLY. / DO NOT IMMERSE IN WATER. / SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES On tag, other side: Designed in Australia / Manufactured in China / www.aussiedog.com.au
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Classification
Politics & public protest, Parliamentary politics, Souvenirs
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
110 mm (Width), 90 mm (Depth), 310 mm (Height)
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References
Distributer: www.pkpets.com.au Manufacturer: [Link 1] News regarding Julia Gillard dog toy: [Link 2] [Link 3] [Link 4] [Link 5] [Link 6] [Link 7]
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Keywords