Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

A sporting chance

Politics and spectator sports

Sports commentators and political cartoonists share a love for metaphors, mishaps and exaggeration. 2021's headline sporting events gave both professions a workout.

From tennis and cycling to the much-needed distraction of the Tokyo Olympics, our competitive spirit provided cartoonists with visual gags for a range of issues from Labor policies to the vaccine rollout. Beyond the goings-on in Canberra, a new champion was celebrated.

In Melbourne, political cartooning took to the street, or to be more specific, the tennis court.

Bust of a hotel quarantine worker is attached to a tennis court. They say how they're glad the Australian Open is closed.

The Closed Australian Open

Van Nishing, Self-published, 12 February 2021

Two panels. Scott Morrison opens his arms to an Australian cricketer saying, 'Aussie Aussie Aussie'!. Second panel Morrison says, 'Oi Oi Oi!' to a citizen, while holding his hand out.

Aussie Aussie Aussie for Some

John Shakespeare, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 May 2021

Scott Morrison holds a carboard sign saying, 'Bonjour electeurs! It's not a race!' Cyclists with Australian states on their bibs try to cycle past. COVID is also on a bike.

Rollout de Vax

David Pope, The Canberra Times, 29 June 2021

Aboriginal flag. The central yellow circle is replaced by Ash Barty's Wimbledon trophy. She is holding it above her head, smiling.

Pride of Place

Chris Downes, The Mercury (Hobart), 12 July 2021

Fireworks and confetti are in the sky above the Brisbane City Hall, it has a 'Brisbane 2032' banner. A person says, 'I hope all that confetti is sustainable'. Another person responds, 'Don't worry that's just cash'.

Boom!

Brett Lethbridge, The Courier-Mail, 22 July 2021

Trackside at the Olympics. Scott Morrison in a green and gold uniform holds the flag, with all the state premiers brawling behind him.

Team Australia

Mark Knight, Herald Sun, 24 July 2021

Scott Morrison is holding onto Gladys Berejiklian's ankles in water. They are both drowning while looking up at a hole in the ice above.

Synchronized Sinking

Glen Le Lievre, Patreon, 28 July 2021

Anthony Albanese is on a diving board called 'Principles' which has almost broken. The pool below is empty with a dead fish at the bottom. Next to Olympic rings is the text, 'Platform diving final'.

Degree of Difficulty

Andrew Dyson, Nine Papers, 29 July 2021

Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison walk arm in arm. They are at the 'low-bar' competition at the Olympics. The announcer says that they have agreed to share the gold, both men think '...until the election'.

Low Bar Olympians

David Rowe, The Australian Financial Review, 3 August 2021

Three judges at the Olympics. In front is Scott Morrison crashing. Text reads, ' And it's a signature move for Australia – a slow roll out and fast backflip with a bit too much spin'.

Going for Gold

Fiona Katauskas, Eureka Street, 5 August 2021

A woman points to a target in the centre of a man, who is juggling issues like 'rorts'. A man in a suit says, 'Mr Albanese would love to comment but he's too busy with his small target strategy'.

Missing in Opposition

Fiona Katauskas, Eureka Street, 19 October 2021