Turnbull, Gillard and Rudd sell their culinary souls . . for (the) Press (Gallery)

The following media release is just through from the eBay folk . . . kinda cute, I thought. Wonder what are the better Canberra eateries though?



'POLITICAL HEAVYWEIGHTS LINE UP FOR CHARITY AUCTION
It is the political heavyweight contest of the year – a three-way tussle involving
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull and Australia’s
most influential woman Julia Gillard.
Casting aside political rivalries, the Prime Minister and Opposition leader have
agreed to be auctioned off on eBay – to help celebrate the 10th Federal
Parliamentary Press Gallery Mid Winter Ball.
From this Sunday, the three MPs will go “live” on eBay as part of the Press
Gallery’s efforts to raise needy funds for charity. Now in its 10th year, the Ball
has raised more than $1 million for charity – and the Gallery is determined to
achieve another big result in the midst of the recession.
Press Gallery President Phillip Hudson said: “We owe a big thanks to the PM
Kevin Rudd, Leader of the Opposition Malcolm Turnbull and Deputy PM Julia
Gillard – along with eBay and Qantas – for contributing so generously in the
name of charity. When so many people are doing it tough, we hope this year’s
Ball will be able to contribute much needed funds for seven deserving
charities.”
All three political figures are offering to host fabulous dinners – Mr Rudd is
offering a rare chance for up to four people to join him for dinner at either of
his two official residences, Kirribilli on the shores of Sydney Harbour or the
Lodge in Canberra. The PM will host this fabulous event – which is sure to
attract strong support.
Mr Turnbull will host a dinner for up to 6 people at one of Canberra’s best
restaurants. This is a chance to get in the ear of the Opposition leader while
enjoying an evening of fine dining.
Ms Gillard will also host dinner for up to six people at one of the national
capital’s best restaurants.
Qantas, the Spirit of Australia, is also generously offering a range of fantastic
overseas travel options for the successful bidder. Those keen on flying can
choose from a range of travel hot spots return business class tickets to either
London or Frankfurt, Shanghai or Hong Kong or to either destination in the USA
- Los Angeles or San Francisco.
The eBay auction opens at 5pm on Sunday June 7 and closes Wednesday 5pm
June 17. To bid in the auction, go to www.ebay.com.au/charity and then click
on the MIDWINTERBALL.
For interviews or further information, contact:
Phillip Hudson: Sydney Morning Herald 0419 291 240
Malcolm Farr: Daily Telegraph 0413 080 869
Steve Lewis: News Limited 0419 29 22 45 '