What does this say about the quality of our politicians?
The new National Party MP Andrew Gee used his maiden speech in Parliament – the speech that will establish his identity as a Federal politician – to claim that the Chiko Roll was invented in his electorate in the town of Lithgow.
Why is that important? Because then Labor’s Member for Riverina Michael McCormack took time out to tell Mr Gee he was wrong – it was invented in his electorate of Wagga Wagga.
A true Aussie invention
Then Labor’s member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, told them they were both wrong – the Chiko Roll was invented in, yes, in Bendigo.
The lunacy is three Federal members are taking up time arguing about something that is actually printed on the wrapper of – yes, the Chiko Roll.
It was indeed invented in Bendigo in 1951 by a local, Frank McEnroe. He wanted something to eat that could be held in one hand when he was at the football and used the Chinese spring roll for inspiration.
(The Chiko Roll actually contains no chicken – it is made up of carrot, barley, cabbage, green beans, wheat, beef, onion and celery).
Getting back to Mr Gee who wasted his maiden speech on the incorrect origin of the Chiko Roll, it makes you wonder when you consider that he has an Economics and Law degree at Sydney University and practised as a barrister but can’t read the label on a snack food …
