Party Tricks (2014) s01e02 Episode Script
The Meeting
Spare a thought for this woman, Kate Ballard.
It's her first election, running for the seat of Richmond.
Kate, tell us how are the exhaustion levels? We flag his name and make sure we never do another interview with him again.
Have you heard the news? Thorby.
He's just announced he's stepping down from the leadership.
Olly just heard a rumour floating round the press gallery.
You know David McLeod? The journo.
Head of EMPEC.
Yes.
Yes, I know him.
It's him.
He doesn't have a seat in Parliament.
It can't be.
To contest the seat of Mount Waverley, and to spearhead our campaign, Mr David McLeod.
It is McLeod.
They're fucking airlifting him in.
Just on a personal note, I just want to acknowledge my late wife, Alison, a woman who taught me what was really important.
What was the vibe in there with Kate? I don't know.
She was weird.
I didn't really get a read on it.
But I just want you to know I'm going to give this everything.
I'm leaving absolutely nothing on the floor until the very last minute, until we have this election 100% won.
We always knew they were going to hammer the inexperience thing.
We are covered for everything.
Well, you're never covered for everything, are you? I had an affair with David McLeod.
It's almost guaranteed to come out now, isn't it? I just got a text message from an unidentified number.
What did the text say? It said, "Nice interview.
"Don't you think we should meet up?" I'm Kate Ballard, Deputy Premier with Ted Stanhope, State Fire Chief.
Well, it's been a very long night for our emergency services.
And as of this morning I can report that there are still 16 fires burning throughout the state.
Right now, we're facing a rapidly deteriorating situation near Murtoa and Dimboola.
Once again, we'd say to residents in these areas, if you have any doubt about whether or not to stay or leave, please leave.
Property can be replaced.
Personal safety is paramount.
Alright.
Yes? Will the Defence Force be called in? The Defence Force is on alert and will continue to monitor the situation, hour by hour.
Any update on Premier Hutchins? The Premier is expected to touch down around 11:00am.
I was able to brief him extensively during his stopover in Hong Kong.
And of course he continues to play a major part in our response.
Uh, Miss Ballard, um, many are claiming, given the praise for your superb performance over the last 36 hours, that you're all but guaranteed to be our next Labor premier.
What would you say to those people? Mr McLeod, this is a state emergency briefing.
Just in light of the public interest and also the noticeable absence of the Premier.
The next briefing is scheduled for 2:00pm and will most likely be given by Premier Hutchins himself.
Thank you.
Just, uh give me a moment.
Mr McLeod.
Sorry if I offended you.
Oh, you didn't offend me, but that wasn't a particularly appropriate question.
Right.
It was a press conference, though.
An emergency briefing.
In which I'm required to ask questions of the public interest.
And the public are very interested in that question, trust me.
Fine.
I apologise.
Off the record, though, you must be aware there's quite a buzz about you at the moment.
I'm aware of people like yourself pushing it on the agenda, whether I like it or not.
Oh, I think you like it.
Sorry, you can't come in this area.
Hey, are you finishing up when Hutchins takes over? When's that? Around 1:00? I'm sorry? If you do finish up then, I'll be at the enoteca on Collins Street.
I usually work from the upstairs balcony.
What for? I thought we could continue our conversation there.
We're not having a conversation.
Fine.
Let me buy you a meal.
David, I haven't slept in over 40 hours.
And if I do finish at 1:00, I can assure you I'll be going directly home.
They really do have a superb menu.
For me, best brunch in Melbourne.
We've just had confirmation from South Australia.
Two choppers, four crews.
New South Wales? Apparently they'll get back to us within the hour.
Also Cricket Australia want to broadcast a live fire update.
You just got this.
"Grilled Portobello mushrooms with parmesan curls, "lemon thyme and poached eggs.
" Write back, "How do you have my personal number?" They're hoping it'll go to air before the night session.
He's written, "I'm very talented.
" He's flirting with you.
No, he's just trying to get a story.
"Their dinner menu is equally impressive.
" Just give it to me.
I'll fob him off.
Cricket Australia? Yeah.
It'd be at 6:00pm.
That's a yes from the Deputy Premier.
Hey, Martin.
Premier Ballard here.
Hi, there.
I'm just calling in with some quotes about the Your Trans rail launch today.
Mm-hm.
Hi.
I was just ringing with some quotes about the transport overhaul.
Three new lines, 15 new stations, a revolution in public transport.
Yes, but just on the Opposition reshuffle three days ago, massive poll bounce for David McLeod.
Are you concerned? For decades, successive governments have prioritised roads.
Today, we are making history, moving towards a clean, efficient network, one that's going to serve Victorians potentially for centuries.
- Are you there? - Yes.
Look, since stepping into the political spotlight, David McLeod has adopted a neater, more conservative look.
Do you think it's a sign that men in politics might becoming more looks conscious? I have no comment on that.
Thank you.
Bloody hell.
This some sort of commemorative edition? Maybe I should wrangle a royal tour.
That'd knock him off the front page.
Yeah, you and the Queen.
Be a powerful image.
Some flowers, a bit of a curtsy.
Why aren't there any exposes on his relationship with Duncan Guthrie? Whatever the deal is they've done with Trevor Bailey.
Where's all the negative stuff? What's Wayne doing? Panicking mostly.
Any chance of a redraft ahead of the meeting? No chance whatsoever.
Hi.
Hi.
Sorry.
Sleep any better? Mm-mm.
Did you get Paula's notes on the launch speech? She doesn't hold back.
Olly, I was wondering if you could do me a favour.
Yeah.
Could you just pop out and pick up a prepaid mobile? Yeah.
I've come to the conclusion that I do need to talk to him.
McLeod? Mmm.
And I can't do it on my phone because it's synced to Anne-Marie's computer.
Oh.
But if you could just pick up a prepaid mobile, then I think perhaps we could line up a meeting.
A meeting? You want to meet with him? I did seven radio spots this morning and all anyone asked about was him.
I feel I just I feel stuck, like I'm waiting for a bomb to go off.
I mean, I can sit here and panic or If I could just meet him face-to-face, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to read him.
Mmm.
I was thinking .
.
something like, "A discreet, after-hours meeting might be a good idea.
"9:30 Thursday, KB.
" So you want me? So, I text.
Mmm.
Or you could bring it to me.
But it just might easier if you Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
If you're uncomfortable about it, I completely understand.
No.
No.
No.
That's fine.
Mmm.
Good.
Alright.
Ooh, sorry.
Hi.
Can you talk? Um, not really.
I'm just down at David McLeod's new electorate and I've just heard killer gossip about how he got picked.
Gossip? Yeah, you'll love it.
Call me later.
No.
No.
Tell me quickly now.
Well, the hot rumour is that Duncan Guthrie knew that they had no hope of winning the election so he hired Charlotte Wynn.
Who's Charlotte Wynn? She's, like, PR, mostly corporate.
But some people say she's like this young rising svengali.
I'm looking at her right now.
Anyway, apparently Guthrie got her to do all this market research on who could beat Ballard.
And at the end of it she said, "Mathematically we will win with David McLeod.
" Is that it? Yeah, I'm It kind of has the whiff of utter bullshit, but I still love it.
And she does seem super impressive.
She's six months pregnant in five-inch heels.
She's got half the media here.
Ooh, I think he's arriving.
I've got to go.
You want to stay on the front foot and introduce yourself.
If they hit you with a specific local issue That sounds like an interesting point.
Would you mind leaving your details with my colleague, Janine? We'll be moving down the strip and we've got three stops - the gelati store owner, a group of supermarket cashiers and a locksmith.
Hang on.
They know we're coming? Uh, no.
But we've had some campaign staff out on a recce and these guys have been identified as receptive No.
If you want some really good TV, just let me loose.
Ooh, I can feel the blood pressure rising.
No, it's not rising.
I can take abuse.
You know, it's actually a specialty of mine.
OK.
OK.
Past three local members - name them.
Um, Neil Thorby, Sean Sorensen and Pete Diffy.
Excellent.
I just need 30 seconds to send this message.
30 seconds.
OK, we're just about ready.
It'd be good if the Premier could mention it once.
Somewhere.
Sorry.
Sorry about that.
Well, we feel it's covered in your speech.
You've got at least half a page about level crossings.
Yes, but it's not going to make the news in my speech, is it? I don't know.
Might make SBS News.
Go eat a bag of dicks, Wayne.
Sorry.
I'm just getting conscious of the time.
Paula, would you mind if we picked this up en route? Paula, Oliver, I just need a moment alone with Kate.
Now, thank you.
Sure.
Cheers.
What is it? Something's come up.
Something you should be aware of.
Something that may break today or very soon.
It's to do with Matilda McLeod.
David's daughter.
A few photos have been floating around, quite a few actually.
Uh, they were found on Instagram, which is a social media website.
Yes, I know what Instagram is.
Yes, well, uh, as you can see she's behaving quite provocatively, posing in some would say In one photo she's deliberately exposing her right breast.
Now, there it is, see.
Now, I know a few media outlets have copies of these.
Wayne, I sincerely hope that you have not dug these up yourself.
No.
No, I I, um They were found on Instagram.
Then why are they in an internal email from the comms team? Because it is Uh, it's our job to be, uh, one step ahead of breaking stories so that we may formulate a response.
My response would be exactly what I'm saying to you now.
A 15-year-old's social media is private, and not at all relevant to an election campaign.
Yep.
Yep.
Well, that's a pretty solid response.
Although .
.
she is actually 16, I believe.
And technically social media is publishing, not private.
Yep.
Yep.
Well, if it comes up, we've got it covered.
Olly, would you walk with me? Bear with me.
What was that all about? Nothing.
Don't worry.
There was a text? Uh, yeah.
So It said, "Can't do Thursday.
Come round to mine tonight.
" We'll have to write back, "Sorry, but I'm being shadowed by two police.
" No, actually, write back Write back, "Not possible with entourage.
"Please wait to be advised.
" That sounds a little bit, uh, legal, you know.
What about? Just um Let me figure something else out.
Are you absolutely sure? Ugh.
Yep.
Where were you going to meet? If he could have done Thursday, Geoff was going to be in Perth.
Oh.
So Oh! "Can't you just sneak out? You used to be quite good at that.
" He is enjoying this.
We'll just ignore it.
Don't write anything back for now.
Oh, man.
Day one of his electorate, and David McLeod's soaring popularity is already on show.
Residents of Mount Waverley Well, he's the controversial new candidate for state premier.
But for a generation of Victorians he'll always be Dave from Mornings Live.
In this Mount Waverley shopping strip, it was a case of five minutes, 500 selfies, as David McLeod officially kicked off his campaign for premier.
Thank you so much.
No worries.
I just want to tell you How do you feel about David McLeod? He's come in and he wants to fix things up.
I say good luck to him.
He's hot.
Oh, gross.
He is not hot.
He totally is for, like, an older guy.
Well, he's not as tall as you imagine, but he's still very good-looking.
Got a little bit of grey.
But I like that.
What I'm hearing today overwhelmingly is that people want change.
For too long the state's been crippled by debt and by a business sector that's lacking in confidence.
People want to look forward to a prosperous future for themselves and for their family.
And that's exactly what I want to deliver.
Now, whose shout is it for a coffee? I think, uh Who makes the money? You.
It's a joke.
It's an absolute joke.
You have not lived here one single day in your life.
It's fine.
Just keep moving.
It's fine.
Sorry, what's your name, mate? Oh, forget it.
Look, mate, I know I've got a hell of a job earning your trust.
But there's one thing you should know about me, I am a tenacious bastard.
Look, this whole area here hasn't had any decent attention in a decade.
There's no parking, ridiculous traffic.
It's a bloody disgrace.
I agree.
I absolutely agree.
There's people who are avoiding the congestion on the Monash Freeway so they're taking Waverley Road, they're taking High Street.
Now, if I'm elected, alleviating that congestion will be a personal priority, not just as your local member, but as premier as well.
So, you know what? You can expect change.
Now, if you'd like to give your details to my colleague Janine here.
Sorry, Mr? Hassan.
My name's Hassan.
Mr Hassan.
Good on you, son.
Have a great day.
Thanks, guys, for coming out.
Thank you.
Thank you.
David! David! David! David! David! Alright.
David! David! David! David! Yay! Congestion, pollution, rising fuel costs, a choking city grinding to a halt twice a day at peak hour.
It's time to change direction.
We must change direction.
The Your Trans network is the biggest infrastructure project in over half a century, building on over a decade of the most .
.
comprehensive studies Look, I know it's We're looking out on desolate train tracks here, but this project is going to transform this city.
Your kids, your grandkids - this will shape the way they work, the way they celebrate, the way they live their whole lives, and it all begins here, with us, standing half-frozen on this windy platform.
Thank you.
Steph.
Premier This one's for the Premier.
Any truth to the rumours you attempted to recruit David McLeod a decade ago? No.
There's no truth in that whatsoever.
However, I did recruit Miss Doumani.
And today's the culmination of a decade's work for her.
Ian? The Opposition has defended David's economic credentials, saying he's sat on the board of three major companies.
Any comment on that? No.
No comment.
But if we're going to talk economics, let's talk about the untold economic benefits that this rail system will bring to this state.
Nancy? Again for Premier Ballard.
David's daughter Matilda has been very visible this past week.
If you were a parent, would you allow an adolescent to play such a public role in an election campaign? We're here today to launch a history-making project.
I'd ask you to direct relevant questions to Minister Doumani.
Thank you.
Don't walk off.
Don't walk off.
Anyone? Any questions whatsoever? .
.
the removal of level crossings.
- Premier Ballard Premier.
Premier.
- Any questions on that? I did not storm off stage, Wayne.
You did a complete 180-degree turn and you Paula, how would you describe the way that Kate exited the stage? I would describe it as, "Go fuck yourself with a cheese grater, Wayne.
" Oh, yeah.
Oh, no.
Look.
Yep.
Online already.
Here it is.
Yep.
Uh Look, "facing Ballard's walkout.
"Facing a string of questions about David McLeod Alright, you've made your point.
Not quite.
".
.
Premier Kate Ballard lost her legendary nerve today, "walking off stage.
" Wayne.
Oh, that's nice.
That's nice, that is.
They've linked it to the childlessness.
Nice.
She stormed off? What, like mid-sentence or? Well, I'm still waiting to see the footage .
.
but we're being asked for a response and a Sorry.
Just go on.
What? You know, I'm happy to manage your phone for you if it's easier.
It's fine.
A response? You do realise when you're premier, your phone, your emails - you're gonna have to hand it all over to assistants, all of it.
Not premier yet.
Look, it's nothing.
It's spam.
50% off selected menswear.
Then why are my spider senses saying there's something you're not telling me? Well, maybe you have overactive spider senses.
Now, a response.
What are you thinking? Is it just me, or does Wayne have this effect where you're like, "Fuck, you're annoying, "but please just screw me against a wall right now"? That's just you, Paula.
You're running 15 minutes late for your meeting with Andrea.
Yes, I just.
.
I need two minutes.
Hi.
Can you get yourself somewhere where you won't be heard? Uh, ye s.
OK.
Yes.
Now.
You're across what happened at the launch? Yes.
It's all over news.
com.
And Twitter.
#ballardbreakdown.
Did it really look that bad? I haven't seen actual footage yet, but there is a meme floating around.
Also, you've had another piece of correspondence on the prepay, about 10 minutes ago.
What did it say? It said, "Well, you always did like a hasty exit.
" I'm going to have to call him.
This is ridiculous.
Bring me the phone.
I thought Didn't you want to do a face-to-face? Yeah, well, that's apparently impossible and I can't just I came up with another option for tonight if you did want to meet.
What were you thinking? Well, maybe you could say that we're working on the campaign launch and just meet him at my house.
Tom's got drinks with the rest of the press gallery.
They always go to at least midnight.
It's 15 minutes away.
It was just a thought.
Hang on.
Just let me think for a moment.
Would you be able to line this up via messages? Day one in his likely future electorate sees huge crowds for David McLeod as the pressure takes its toll on Premier Kate Ballard.
Plus interim leader Trevor Bailey, making his first comments since the controversial Opposition reshuffle.
Well, the political landscape's changed dramatically over the past few weeks.
It's certainly been a test for us all.
Some of us are standing strong.
It's clear Premier Ballard is not one of those people.
Hey.
Sorry.
Are you watching the coverage? No.
Is it hideous? It's kind of boiled down to Beatlemania versus the lonely, angry woman.
Oh, that's great.
I'm waiting to see which channel's the first to slow-mo her walk-off.
Hey, should I bring home some takeaway? I thought you were at drinks.
I thought it was going to be big.
Yeah, everyone's a bit shitty and Richard just started talking me through his novel.
Um, I've got work stuff.
I have to work.
No, that's OK.
I can just deliver the food and sit quietly.
I thought you were going to be ages.
Um, there's this thing.
I've got to actually have a work meeting.
It's actually here at our place because, um It's actually a little bit of a sensitive issue and I can't really talk about it, but would you mind staying out for just a little bit? It's not even anything.
It's just No-one's that keen on a journo sitting in the next room? It's going to be all done by 10 o'clock.
And I am so sorry.
Alright.
The consequences are I will get trashed.
I accept those consequences.
Oh! Oh Hello, gorgeous.
How are you? How's the little fella? He just got back from his first school camp.
He coped much better than his mother did.
Of course he did.
Hi.
I'm sorry to squash you in like this.
Sorry.
Long day? Oh, you saw the news? Some, yeah.
You know, the sad thing is I thought at the time that I made quite a commanding exit.
Oh, God.
It was bad, wasn't it? No.
But, uh, you looked a bit scared up there.
Not in a way that other people would notice, but what was going through your mind? Oh, I don't know.
I was angry for Paula.
Uh, just check that this is still warm.
No reason to be scared.
I had a couple of interesting conversations today.
Oh? Looking into some options.
Options? For what? Look, Chris Anders is a brilliant investigator.
If we gave him a couple of weeks looking into McLeod's history I'm not going to have him investigated.
No, not staking out his house or anything like that.
Geoff Somebody ought to be looking into his links to Guthrie.
Into Guthrie's investments.
It's obvious Guthrie wants a friendly ear in Parliament.
I have spoken out repeatedly against dirt units.
Chris would be incredibly discreet.
What? So, it's OK to compromise my principles if it's a secret? What's the priority, holding onto principles or holding onto power? It's not an either or.
Are you sure? Just a sip.
I can have half a sip.
Your briefing notes will be there by 5:30 and the morning driver will be calling you at 7:15, so Thank you.
Thank you.
Great day.
Great day for everyone.
Lucas, can you drive? Actually, I might cab it.
Shit.
Sorry, mate, you been waiting around all day? Sorry.
A cab? Yeah.
James, could I get a couple of cab vouchers, thanks? David, can I have one last word? Yeah? You're keeping something from me.
Oh, what? The cab thing now.
It's fine.
I'm going to ask you something and I know I probably won't get an answer, but I'm going to ask anyway.
Are you sleeping with someone? Look, if you are, it's not necessarily a problem.
We went through this in the vetting process.
David, the vet was six weeks ago.
These things can change.
Well, in this situation they haven't.
OK.
Well, if during the course of this campaign you're looking to change things in that regard Charlotte, are you hitting on me? No I just want you to know that there are services, very specialised, very discreet What? Like midgets with dildoes? What? Sorry.
I just I know what it's like to have months or years of effort be compromised by men's indiscretions.
Well, I'm fine.
Thanks for asking.
But if the situation does change, you'll be the first to know, immediately.
Even during, if you'd like.
Hello.
Hi, Olly.
Come in.
Come in.
Hi.
Hi.
Would you like a drink? A tea? We're fine.
Thanks, though.
Thanks, Kez.
We'll probably be about two hours or so.
OK.
Thanks, Kez.
Hi.
Hi.
Sorry, there is shit everywhere.
This is it.
Um, I put out a water jug.
Sorry, I It's great, Olly.
Not sure about the candle.
Oh, that's just for the smell.
I think there's a dishwasher smell.
We can blow it out before he arrives.
It's not for mood or anything.
Thanks.
This was a good idea.
Hmm.
Uh, Olly, the ideas that you put down for the public confession, did you type anything up? Yeah.
Uh, it's not in any kind of order.
That's OK.
I'd like to take a look if I can.
Why? Can I just take a look at them? It's just random ideas, really.
There's no structure there.
It's fine.
Two minutes away.
Thank you, sir.
There you go.
Have a great night.
Hi.
Sorry.
I'm Oliver.
Well, this is all very stealth, isn't it? Yeah.
Well, you know, there's cops everywhere so Right.
Uh, if you just want to Hi, David.
Hello.
Thank you for coming at such short notice.
You've met Oliver, obviously, my speechwriter.
Could I get you a drink or, uh Uh Yeah, I'd love a scotch if it's on offer.
Don't know if we have scotch.
Then some of that red will be fine.
Kate? No, thanks.
It's been open for a couple of days so you might want to It'll be fine.
OK.
Here, take a seat.
Thanks.
I'll just No.
No.
Stay.
Well, this is cosy.
Well, David, the reason I wanted my speechwriter here is because tomorrow morning I'm going to call a press conference and make a full public confession about our history.
Really? Oliver and I have been drafting some ideas and I thought it only fair to give you advance warning Then I'm gonna Sorry.
Sorry.
Why? As I see it, there's really no other option.
What about the option we've been taking for the last five years, pretending it never happened? Oh, come on, David.
What? You know the value of this story.
You know the level of interest.
I mean, the chances of it staying under wraps are exceptionally slim.
Yes, that's why I haven't told another soul .
.
unlike yourself.
Really? This would be of such great interest to someone like Duncan Guthrie, whom you're very, very close to.
Duncan knows absolutely nothing because I haven't told anyone.
Olly, can we just have a moment, please? Absolutely.
What are you doing, David? What do you mean? Why are you doing all of this? All of what? Going into politics.
Well, you said it yourself, didn't you? That I should be more, um, what was the phrase, "Outward thinking"? This isn't what I had in mind.
A lot has changed since we Things happen in your life that get you thinking .
.
re-evaluating.
When Duncan first talked about it I shut him down.
I must have turned him down three or four times.
I thought obviously it was far too .
.
complicated.
But I thought, "Nobody knows what happened.
"And you have no interest in revealing it, "so where's the danger?" And if I have to stare down an opponent for weeks on end .
.
they might as well be hot.
Not funny.
Look, I know you, Kate.
I know you won't play dirty.
I know you won't attack me personally, or my daughter.
I respect you.
So, suddenly it seemed like a prime opportunity to do something for others.
Something major.
Surely you can relate to that.
What? Did you think I was going to use our history as some sort of tactic? Bloody hell.
You did, didn't you? You might have offered me some forewarning.
Come on, Kate.
I think I've always been pretty trustworthy .
.
despite everything.
Olly, could you come in, please? The confession narrative is there.
But for now, I think we should step through a denial narrative, should that be necessary.
A denial narrative.
If the story should break, a public narrative of our relationship from beginning to end.
Well, I hardly think it's ended.
So .
.
can we agree, 2002 we met.
I interviewed you on the eve of your first election.
You thought I was a dick.
You interviewed me.
I struggled.
Then 2006 Should I be taking notes? No.
Just remember.
We met again while you were Deputy.
I was reporting on the fires.
I tried to scam an interview.
I resisted.
Barely.
Then Sydney.
We were both there for work, happened to be booked into the same hotel.
We bumped into each other a few times, that trip.
Just polite conversation, nothing memorable.
Our paths crossed again a number of times over the years.
You sent me a sympathy card when my wife died.
You sent me a congratulatory email when I became premier.
And that is the sum total of our relationship.
So, we're agreed, no confession.
And if the story breaks, some other way .
.
we instantly and comprehensively deny.
Mm-hm.
Yep.
Deal.
OK.
Come on.
Sit with me for two minutes.
I've got a feeling that these moments are going to be few and far between.
I'm just gonna So Do you know how agonising this job is, David? Oh, I've been warned.
So many agendas, so much negotiation.
There's no room for .
.
recklessness.
You think I'm reckless? You were.
Astute, ambitious and, yes, reckless.
Well, as I remember, there was a touch of the reckless in you as well.
It can't have evaporated entirely.
I don't think you should be premier, David.
I'm sorry.
I don't.
So I'm going to fight hard.
And I'd expect nothing less.
Oh, but .
.
just in future, don't ever try and bluff me.
You were never going to confess.
I can still read you like a book, Kate Ballard.
Hello? Coming in.
Hello? Hello.
All done.
Yeah, we are all done.
Ah As promised, I'm trashed.
Uh, yeah, I see that you've kept that promise.
Have you been burning scented candles? Oh, it was just for the smell.
There was a weird dishwasher smell.
Sorry, I'm not asking questions.
Actually, one question, which you totally don't have to answer.
Will there come a time when we're watching the news and there's a big breaking story and you turn to me and you say, "Do you remember those weird meetings? "Well, they were about this.
" Is that likely to happen? I'd say .
.
50/50.
It's her first election, running for the seat of Richmond.
Kate, tell us how are the exhaustion levels? We flag his name and make sure we never do another interview with him again.
Have you heard the news? Thorby.
He's just announced he's stepping down from the leadership.
Olly just heard a rumour floating round the press gallery.
You know David McLeod? The journo.
Head of EMPEC.
Yes.
Yes, I know him.
It's him.
He doesn't have a seat in Parliament.
It can't be.
To contest the seat of Mount Waverley, and to spearhead our campaign, Mr David McLeod.
It is McLeod.
They're fucking airlifting him in.
Just on a personal note, I just want to acknowledge my late wife, Alison, a woman who taught me what was really important.
What was the vibe in there with Kate? I don't know.
She was weird.
I didn't really get a read on it.
But I just want you to know I'm going to give this everything.
I'm leaving absolutely nothing on the floor until the very last minute, until we have this election 100% won.
We always knew they were going to hammer the inexperience thing.
We are covered for everything.
Well, you're never covered for everything, are you? I had an affair with David McLeod.
It's almost guaranteed to come out now, isn't it? I just got a text message from an unidentified number.
What did the text say? It said, "Nice interview.
"Don't you think we should meet up?" I'm Kate Ballard, Deputy Premier with Ted Stanhope, State Fire Chief.
Well, it's been a very long night for our emergency services.
And as of this morning I can report that there are still 16 fires burning throughout the state.
Right now, we're facing a rapidly deteriorating situation near Murtoa and Dimboola.
Once again, we'd say to residents in these areas, if you have any doubt about whether or not to stay or leave, please leave.
Property can be replaced.
Personal safety is paramount.
Alright.
Yes? Will the Defence Force be called in? The Defence Force is on alert and will continue to monitor the situation, hour by hour.
Any update on Premier Hutchins? The Premier is expected to touch down around 11:00am.
I was able to brief him extensively during his stopover in Hong Kong.
And of course he continues to play a major part in our response.
Uh, Miss Ballard, um, many are claiming, given the praise for your superb performance over the last 36 hours, that you're all but guaranteed to be our next Labor premier.
What would you say to those people? Mr McLeod, this is a state emergency briefing.
Just in light of the public interest and also the noticeable absence of the Premier.
The next briefing is scheduled for 2:00pm and will most likely be given by Premier Hutchins himself.
Thank you.
Just, uh give me a moment.
Mr McLeod.
Sorry if I offended you.
Oh, you didn't offend me, but that wasn't a particularly appropriate question.
Right.
It was a press conference, though.
An emergency briefing.
In which I'm required to ask questions of the public interest.
And the public are very interested in that question, trust me.
Fine.
I apologise.
Off the record, though, you must be aware there's quite a buzz about you at the moment.
I'm aware of people like yourself pushing it on the agenda, whether I like it or not.
Oh, I think you like it.
Sorry, you can't come in this area.
Hey, are you finishing up when Hutchins takes over? When's that? Around 1:00? I'm sorry? If you do finish up then, I'll be at the enoteca on Collins Street.
I usually work from the upstairs balcony.
What for? I thought we could continue our conversation there.
We're not having a conversation.
Fine.
Let me buy you a meal.
David, I haven't slept in over 40 hours.
And if I do finish at 1:00, I can assure you I'll be going directly home.
They really do have a superb menu.
For me, best brunch in Melbourne.
We've just had confirmation from South Australia.
Two choppers, four crews.
New South Wales? Apparently they'll get back to us within the hour.
Also Cricket Australia want to broadcast a live fire update.
You just got this.
"Grilled Portobello mushrooms with parmesan curls, "lemon thyme and poached eggs.
" Write back, "How do you have my personal number?" They're hoping it'll go to air before the night session.
He's written, "I'm very talented.
" He's flirting with you.
No, he's just trying to get a story.
"Their dinner menu is equally impressive.
" Just give it to me.
I'll fob him off.
Cricket Australia? Yeah.
It'd be at 6:00pm.
That's a yes from the Deputy Premier.
Hey, Martin.
Premier Ballard here.
Hi, there.
I'm just calling in with some quotes about the Your Trans rail launch today.
Mm-hm.
Hi.
I was just ringing with some quotes about the transport overhaul.
Three new lines, 15 new stations, a revolution in public transport.
Yes, but just on the Opposition reshuffle three days ago, massive poll bounce for David McLeod.
Are you concerned? For decades, successive governments have prioritised roads.
Today, we are making history, moving towards a clean, efficient network, one that's going to serve Victorians potentially for centuries.
- Are you there? - Yes.
Look, since stepping into the political spotlight, David McLeod has adopted a neater, more conservative look.
Do you think it's a sign that men in politics might becoming more looks conscious? I have no comment on that.
Thank you.
Bloody hell.
This some sort of commemorative edition? Maybe I should wrangle a royal tour.
That'd knock him off the front page.
Yeah, you and the Queen.
Be a powerful image.
Some flowers, a bit of a curtsy.
Why aren't there any exposes on his relationship with Duncan Guthrie? Whatever the deal is they've done with Trevor Bailey.
Where's all the negative stuff? What's Wayne doing? Panicking mostly.
Any chance of a redraft ahead of the meeting? No chance whatsoever.
Hi.
Hi.
Sorry.
Sleep any better? Mm-mm.
Did you get Paula's notes on the launch speech? She doesn't hold back.
Olly, I was wondering if you could do me a favour.
Yeah.
Could you just pop out and pick up a prepaid mobile? Yeah.
I've come to the conclusion that I do need to talk to him.
McLeod? Mmm.
And I can't do it on my phone because it's synced to Anne-Marie's computer.
Oh.
But if you could just pick up a prepaid mobile, then I think perhaps we could line up a meeting.
A meeting? You want to meet with him? I did seven radio spots this morning and all anyone asked about was him.
I feel I just I feel stuck, like I'm waiting for a bomb to go off.
I mean, I can sit here and panic or If I could just meet him face-to-face, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to read him.
Mmm.
I was thinking .
.
something like, "A discreet, after-hours meeting might be a good idea.
"9:30 Thursday, KB.
" So you want me? So, I text.
Mmm.
Or you could bring it to me.
But it just might easier if you Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
If you're uncomfortable about it, I completely understand.
No.
No.
No.
That's fine.
Mmm.
Good.
Alright.
Ooh, sorry.
Hi.
Can you talk? Um, not really.
I'm just down at David McLeod's new electorate and I've just heard killer gossip about how he got picked.
Gossip? Yeah, you'll love it.
Call me later.
No.
No.
Tell me quickly now.
Well, the hot rumour is that Duncan Guthrie knew that they had no hope of winning the election so he hired Charlotte Wynn.
Who's Charlotte Wynn? She's, like, PR, mostly corporate.
But some people say she's like this young rising svengali.
I'm looking at her right now.
Anyway, apparently Guthrie got her to do all this market research on who could beat Ballard.
And at the end of it she said, "Mathematically we will win with David McLeod.
" Is that it? Yeah, I'm It kind of has the whiff of utter bullshit, but I still love it.
And she does seem super impressive.
She's six months pregnant in five-inch heels.
She's got half the media here.
Ooh, I think he's arriving.
I've got to go.
You want to stay on the front foot and introduce yourself.
If they hit you with a specific local issue That sounds like an interesting point.
Would you mind leaving your details with my colleague, Janine? We'll be moving down the strip and we've got three stops - the gelati store owner, a group of supermarket cashiers and a locksmith.
Hang on.
They know we're coming? Uh, no.
But we've had some campaign staff out on a recce and these guys have been identified as receptive No.
If you want some really good TV, just let me loose.
Ooh, I can feel the blood pressure rising.
No, it's not rising.
I can take abuse.
You know, it's actually a specialty of mine.
OK.
OK.
Past three local members - name them.
Um, Neil Thorby, Sean Sorensen and Pete Diffy.
Excellent.
I just need 30 seconds to send this message.
30 seconds.
OK, we're just about ready.
It'd be good if the Premier could mention it once.
Somewhere.
Sorry.
Sorry about that.
Well, we feel it's covered in your speech.
You've got at least half a page about level crossings.
Yes, but it's not going to make the news in my speech, is it? I don't know.
Might make SBS News.
Go eat a bag of dicks, Wayne.
Sorry.
I'm just getting conscious of the time.
Paula, would you mind if we picked this up en route? Paula, Oliver, I just need a moment alone with Kate.
Now, thank you.
Sure.
Cheers.
What is it? Something's come up.
Something you should be aware of.
Something that may break today or very soon.
It's to do with Matilda McLeod.
David's daughter.
A few photos have been floating around, quite a few actually.
Uh, they were found on Instagram, which is a social media website.
Yes, I know what Instagram is.
Yes, well, uh, as you can see she's behaving quite provocatively, posing in some would say In one photo she's deliberately exposing her right breast.
Now, there it is, see.
Now, I know a few media outlets have copies of these.
Wayne, I sincerely hope that you have not dug these up yourself.
No.
No, I I, um They were found on Instagram.
Then why are they in an internal email from the comms team? Because it is Uh, it's our job to be, uh, one step ahead of breaking stories so that we may formulate a response.
My response would be exactly what I'm saying to you now.
A 15-year-old's social media is private, and not at all relevant to an election campaign.
Yep.
Yep.
Well, that's a pretty solid response.
Although .
.
she is actually 16, I believe.
And technically social media is publishing, not private.
Yep.
Yep.
Well, if it comes up, we've got it covered.
Olly, would you walk with me? Bear with me.
What was that all about? Nothing.
Don't worry.
There was a text? Uh, yeah.
So It said, "Can't do Thursday.
Come round to mine tonight.
" We'll have to write back, "Sorry, but I'm being shadowed by two police.
" No, actually, write back Write back, "Not possible with entourage.
"Please wait to be advised.
" That sounds a little bit, uh, legal, you know.
What about? Just um Let me figure something else out.
Are you absolutely sure? Ugh.
Yep.
Where were you going to meet? If he could have done Thursday, Geoff was going to be in Perth.
Oh.
So Oh! "Can't you just sneak out? You used to be quite good at that.
" He is enjoying this.
We'll just ignore it.
Don't write anything back for now.
Oh, man.
Day one of his electorate, and David McLeod's soaring popularity is already on show.
Residents of Mount Waverley Well, he's the controversial new candidate for state premier.
But for a generation of Victorians he'll always be Dave from Mornings Live.
In this Mount Waverley shopping strip, it was a case of five minutes, 500 selfies, as David McLeod officially kicked off his campaign for premier.
Thank you so much.
No worries.
I just want to tell you How do you feel about David McLeod? He's come in and he wants to fix things up.
I say good luck to him.
He's hot.
Oh, gross.
He is not hot.
He totally is for, like, an older guy.
Well, he's not as tall as you imagine, but he's still very good-looking.
Got a little bit of grey.
But I like that.
What I'm hearing today overwhelmingly is that people want change.
For too long the state's been crippled by debt and by a business sector that's lacking in confidence.
People want to look forward to a prosperous future for themselves and for their family.
And that's exactly what I want to deliver.
Now, whose shout is it for a coffee? I think, uh Who makes the money? You.
It's a joke.
It's an absolute joke.
You have not lived here one single day in your life.
It's fine.
Just keep moving.
It's fine.
Sorry, what's your name, mate? Oh, forget it.
Look, mate, I know I've got a hell of a job earning your trust.
But there's one thing you should know about me, I am a tenacious bastard.
Look, this whole area here hasn't had any decent attention in a decade.
There's no parking, ridiculous traffic.
It's a bloody disgrace.
I agree.
I absolutely agree.
There's people who are avoiding the congestion on the Monash Freeway so they're taking Waverley Road, they're taking High Street.
Now, if I'm elected, alleviating that congestion will be a personal priority, not just as your local member, but as premier as well.
So, you know what? You can expect change.
Now, if you'd like to give your details to my colleague Janine here.
Sorry, Mr? Hassan.
My name's Hassan.
Mr Hassan.
Good on you, son.
Have a great day.
Thanks, guys, for coming out.
Thank you.
Thank you.
David! David! David! David! David! Alright.
David! David! David! David! Yay! Congestion, pollution, rising fuel costs, a choking city grinding to a halt twice a day at peak hour.
It's time to change direction.
We must change direction.
The Your Trans network is the biggest infrastructure project in over half a century, building on over a decade of the most .
.
comprehensive studies Look, I know it's We're looking out on desolate train tracks here, but this project is going to transform this city.
Your kids, your grandkids - this will shape the way they work, the way they celebrate, the way they live their whole lives, and it all begins here, with us, standing half-frozen on this windy platform.
Thank you.
Steph.
Premier This one's for the Premier.
Any truth to the rumours you attempted to recruit David McLeod a decade ago? No.
There's no truth in that whatsoever.
However, I did recruit Miss Doumani.
And today's the culmination of a decade's work for her.
Ian? The Opposition has defended David's economic credentials, saying he's sat on the board of three major companies.
Any comment on that? No.
No comment.
But if we're going to talk economics, let's talk about the untold economic benefits that this rail system will bring to this state.
Nancy? Again for Premier Ballard.
David's daughter Matilda has been very visible this past week.
If you were a parent, would you allow an adolescent to play such a public role in an election campaign? We're here today to launch a history-making project.
I'd ask you to direct relevant questions to Minister Doumani.
Thank you.
Don't walk off.
Don't walk off.
Anyone? Any questions whatsoever? .
.
the removal of level crossings.
- Premier Ballard Premier.
Premier.
- Any questions on that? I did not storm off stage, Wayne.
You did a complete 180-degree turn and you Paula, how would you describe the way that Kate exited the stage? I would describe it as, "Go fuck yourself with a cheese grater, Wayne.
" Oh, yeah.
Oh, no.
Look.
Yep.
Online already.
Here it is.
Yep.
Uh Look, "facing Ballard's walkout.
"Facing a string of questions about David McLeod Alright, you've made your point.
Not quite.
".
.
Premier Kate Ballard lost her legendary nerve today, "walking off stage.
" Wayne.
Oh, that's nice.
That's nice, that is.
They've linked it to the childlessness.
Nice.
She stormed off? What, like mid-sentence or? Well, I'm still waiting to see the footage .
.
but we're being asked for a response and a Sorry.
Just go on.
What? You know, I'm happy to manage your phone for you if it's easier.
It's fine.
A response? You do realise when you're premier, your phone, your emails - you're gonna have to hand it all over to assistants, all of it.
Not premier yet.
Look, it's nothing.
It's spam.
50% off selected menswear.
Then why are my spider senses saying there's something you're not telling me? Well, maybe you have overactive spider senses.
Now, a response.
What are you thinking? Is it just me, or does Wayne have this effect where you're like, "Fuck, you're annoying, "but please just screw me against a wall right now"? That's just you, Paula.
You're running 15 minutes late for your meeting with Andrea.
Yes, I just.
.
I need two minutes.
Hi.
Can you get yourself somewhere where you won't be heard? Uh, ye s.
OK.
Yes.
Now.
You're across what happened at the launch? Yes.
It's all over news.
com.
And Twitter.
#ballardbreakdown.
Did it really look that bad? I haven't seen actual footage yet, but there is a meme floating around.
Also, you've had another piece of correspondence on the prepay, about 10 minutes ago.
What did it say? It said, "Well, you always did like a hasty exit.
" I'm going to have to call him.
This is ridiculous.
Bring me the phone.
I thought Didn't you want to do a face-to-face? Yeah, well, that's apparently impossible and I can't just I came up with another option for tonight if you did want to meet.
What were you thinking? Well, maybe you could say that we're working on the campaign launch and just meet him at my house.
Tom's got drinks with the rest of the press gallery.
They always go to at least midnight.
It's 15 minutes away.
It was just a thought.
Hang on.
Just let me think for a moment.
Would you be able to line this up via messages? Day one in his likely future electorate sees huge crowds for David McLeod as the pressure takes its toll on Premier Kate Ballard.
Plus interim leader Trevor Bailey, making his first comments since the controversial Opposition reshuffle.
Well, the political landscape's changed dramatically over the past few weeks.
It's certainly been a test for us all.
Some of us are standing strong.
It's clear Premier Ballard is not one of those people.
Hey.
Sorry.
Are you watching the coverage? No.
Is it hideous? It's kind of boiled down to Beatlemania versus the lonely, angry woman.
Oh, that's great.
I'm waiting to see which channel's the first to slow-mo her walk-off.
Hey, should I bring home some takeaway? I thought you were at drinks.
I thought it was going to be big.
Yeah, everyone's a bit shitty and Richard just started talking me through his novel.
Um, I've got work stuff.
I have to work.
No, that's OK.
I can just deliver the food and sit quietly.
I thought you were going to be ages.
Um, there's this thing.
I've got to actually have a work meeting.
It's actually here at our place because, um It's actually a little bit of a sensitive issue and I can't really talk about it, but would you mind staying out for just a little bit? It's not even anything.
It's just No-one's that keen on a journo sitting in the next room? It's going to be all done by 10 o'clock.
And I am so sorry.
Alright.
The consequences are I will get trashed.
I accept those consequences.
Oh! Oh Hello, gorgeous.
How are you? How's the little fella? He just got back from his first school camp.
He coped much better than his mother did.
Of course he did.
Hi.
I'm sorry to squash you in like this.
Sorry.
Long day? Oh, you saw the news? Some, yeah.
You know, the sad thing is I thought at the time that I made quite a commanding exit.
Oh, God.
It was bad, wasn't it? No.
But, uh, you looked a bit scared up there.
Not in a way that other people would notice, but what was going through your mind? Oh, I don't know.
I was angry for Paula.
Uh, just check that this is still warm.
No reason to be scared.
I had a couple of interesting conversations today.
Oh? Looking into some options.
Options? For what? Look, Chris Anders is a brilliant investigator.
If we gave him a couple of weeks looking into McLeod's history I'm not going to have him investigated.
No, not staking out his house or anything like that.
Geoff Somebody ought to be looking into his links to Guthrie.
Into Guthrie's investments.
It's obvious Guthrie wants a friendly ear in Parliament.
I have spoken out repeatedly against dirt units.
Chris would be incredibly discreet.
What? So, it's OK to compromise my principles if it's a secret? What's the priority, holding onto principles or holding onto power? It's not an either or.
Are you sure? Just a sip.
I can have half a sip.
Your briefing notes will be there by 5:30 and the morning driver will be calling you at 7:15, so Thank you.
Thank you.
Great day.
Great day for everyone.
Lucas, can you drive? Actually, I might cab it.
Shit.
Sorry, mate, you been waiting around all day? Sorry.
A cab? Yeah.
James, could I get a couple of cab vouchers, thanks? David, can I have one last word? Yeah? You're keeping something from me.
Oh, what? The cab thing now.
It's fine.
I'm going to ask you something and I know I probably won't get an answer, but I'm going to ask anyway.
Are you sleeping with someone? Look, if you are, it's not necessarily a problem.
We went through this in the vetting process.
David, the vet was six weeks ago.
These things can change.
Well, in this situation they haven't.
OK.
Well, if during the course of this campaign you're looking to change things in that regard Charlotte, are you hitting on me? No I just want you to know that there are services, very specialised, very discreet What? Like midgets with dildoes? What? Sorry.
I just I know what it's like to have months or years of effort be compromised by men's indiscretions.
Well, I'm fine.
Thanks for asking.
But if the situation does change, you'll be the first to know, immediately.
Even during, if you'd like.
Hello.
Hi, Olly.
Come in.
Come in.
Hi.
Hi.
Would you like a drink? A tea? We're fine.
Thanks, though.
Thanks, Kez.
We'll probably be about two hours or so.
OK.
Thanks, Kez.
Hi.
Hi.
Sorry, there is shit everywhere.
This is it.
Um, I put out a water jug.
Sorry, I It's great, Olly.
Not sure about the candle.
Oh, that's just for the smell.
I think there's a dishwasher smell.
We can blow it out before he arrives.
It's not for mood or anything.
Thanks.
This was a good idea.
Hmm.
Uh, Olly, the ideas that you put down for the public confession, did you type anything up? Yeah.
Uh, it's not in any kind of order.
That's OK.
I'd like to take a look if I can.
Why? Can I just take a look at them? It's just random ideas, really.
There's no structure there.
It's fine.
Two minutes away.
Thank you, sir.
There you go.
Have a great night.
Hi.
Sorry.
I'm Oliver.
Well, this is all very stealth, isn't it? Yeah.
Well, you know, there's cops everywhere so Right.
Uh, if you just want to Hi, David.
Hello.
Thank you for coming at such short notice.
You've met Oliver, obviously, my speechwriter.
Could I get you a drink or, uh Uh Yeah, I'd love a scotch if it's on offer.
Don't know if we have scotch.
Then some of that red will be fine.
Kate? No, thanks.
It's been open for a couple of days so you might want to It'll be fine.
OK.
Here, take a seat.
Thanks.
I'll just No.
No.
Stay.
Well, this is cosy.
Well, David, the reason I wanted my speechwriter here is because tomorrow morning I'm going to call a press conference and make a full public confession about our history.
Really? Oliver and I have been drafting some ideas and I thought it only fair to give you advance warning Then I'm gonna Sorry.
Sorry.
Why? As I see it, there's really no other option.
What about the option we've been taking for the last five years, pretending it never happened? Oh, come on, David.
What? You know the value of this story.
You know the level of interest.
I mean, the chances of it staying under wraps are exceptionally slim.
Yes, that's why I haven't told another soul .
.
unlike yourself.
Really? This would be of such great interest to someone like Duncan Guthrie, whom you're very, very close to.
Duncan knows absolutely nothing because I haven't told anyone.
Olly, can we just have a moment, please? Absolutely.
What are you doing, David? What do you mean? Why are you doing all of this? All of what? Going into politics.
Well, you said it yourself, didn't you? That I should be more, um, what was the phrase, "Outward thinking"? This isn't what I had in mind.
A lot has changed since we Things happen in your life that get you thinking .
.
re-evaluating.
When Duncan first talked about it I shut him down.
I must have turned him down three or four times.
I thought obviously it was far too .
.
complicated.
But I thought, "Nobody knows what happened.
"And you have no interest in revealing it, "so where's the danger?" And if I have to stare down an opponent for weeks on end .
.
they might as well be hot.
Not funny.
Look, I know you, Kate.
I know you won't play dirty.
I know you won't attack me personally, or my daughter.
I respect you.
So, suddenly it seemed like a prime opportunity to do something for others.
Something major.
Surely you can relate to that.
What? Did you think I was going to use our history as some sort of tactic? Bloody hell.
You did, didn't you? You might have offered me some forewarning.
Come on, Kate.
I think I've always been pretty trustworthy .
.
despite everything.
Olly, could you come in, please? The confession narrative is there.
But for now, I think we should step through a denial narrative, should that be necessary.
A denial narrative.
If the story should break, a public narrative of our relationship from beginning to end.
Well, I hardly think it's ended.
So .
.
can we agree, 2002 we met.
I interviewed you on the eve of your first election.
You thought I was a dick.
You interviewed me.
I struggled.
Then 2006 Should I be taking notes? No.
Just remember.
We met again while you were Deputy.
I was reporting on the fires.
I tried to scam an interview.
I resisted.
Barely.
Then Sydney.
We were both there for work, happened to be booked into the same hotel.
We bumped into each other a few times, that trip.
Just polite conversation, nothing memorable.
Our paths crossed again a number of times over the years.
You sent me a sympathy card when my wife died.
You sent me a congratulatory email when I became premier.
And that is the sum total of our relationship.
So, we're agreed, no confession.
And if the story breaks, some other way .
.
we instantly and comprehensively deny.
Mm-hm.
Yep.
Deal.
OK.
Come on.
Sit with me for two minutes.
I've got a feeling that these moments are going to be few and far between.
I'm just gonna So Do you know how agonising this job is, David? Oh, I've been warned.
So many agendas, so much negotiation.
There's no room for .
.
recklessness.
You think I'm reckless? You were.
Astute, ambitious and, yes, reckless.
Well, as I remember, there was a touch of the reckless in you as well.
It can't have evaporated entirely.
I don't think you should be premier, David.
I'm sorry.
I don't.
So I'm going to fight hard.
And I'd expect nothing less.
Oh, but .
.
just in future, don't ever try and bluff me.
You were never going to confess.
I can still read you like a book, Kate Ballard.
Hello? Coming in.
Hello? Hello.
All done.
Yeah, we are all done.
Ah As promised, I'm trashed.
Uh, yeah, I see that you've kept that promise.
Have you been burning scented candles? Oh, it was just for the smell.
There was a weird dishwasher smell.
Sorry, I'm not asking questions.
Actually, one question, which you totally don't have to answer.
Will there come a time when we're watching the news and there's a big breaking story and you turn to me and you say, "Do you remember those weird meetings? "Well, they were about this.
" Is that likely to happen? I'd say .
.
50/50.