In Australian politics, the sausage sizzle might get the spotlight on election day, but during the campaign trail, snacks play a quieter and surprisingly important role. Community events are a core part of grassroots campaigning, and food often helps break the ice. Whether it’s a plate of lamingtons at a school fete, Anzac biscuits at a morning tea, or fairy bread at a playgroup visit, the humble Aussie snack — the kind you’d find among items in every Aussie’s pantry — can be a subtle but effective political tool.
So who’s handing out what, and why does it matter?
The Politics of the Lamington
The lamington is a fixture at community fundraisers, school stalls, and CWA gatherings. It’s nostalgic, familiar, and non-controversial. That makes it ideal for politicians who want to blend in and appear approachable.
Labor MPs have a long history of attending events with lamingtons in tow. Anthony Albanese has been spotted more than once at suburban fundraisers where lamingtons were front and centre. Tanya Plibersek has referenced them in interviews, joking that they’re “mandatory” at inner-west events in Sydney. For many progressive candidates, especially in suburban or regional seats, offering homemade lamingtons is a way to signal authenticity and connection to the local community.
Coalition MPs also know the value of a sponge cake rolled in coconut. Nationals politicians often show up at regional shows and field days where lamingtons are on the table. If not baked by their teams, they’re at least loudly appreciated. It’s not about reinventing the snack. It’s about showing up, smiling, and knowing which local group made them.
Anzac Biscuits: Symbolism Over Sugar
Anzac biscuits carry more weight than most snacks. They’re tied to Australia’s war history and are often served at solemn commemorations, such as Anzac Day or Remembrance Day. Politicians who hand them out usually do so in more formal settings.
That doesn’t stop them from appearing in campaign events around April. Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has handed out Anzac biscuits during community morning teas, often linking them to veteran support causes. Her military background gives the gesture meaning beyond the sweet treat.
Some MPs use Anzac biscuits to bridge generational gaps, especially during visits to aged care homes or RSL clubs. Liberal MPs, such as Andrew Hastie, a former SAS captain, often attend events where Anzac biscuits are served. It reinforces values of service and tradition.
However, for many politicians, Anzac biscuits are best left to be appreciated, rather than politicized. Few will push them too hard during a campaign. Overuse can easily feel exploitative.
Fairy Bread: Whimsy with a Side of Strategy
Fairy bread is a wildcard. It’s playful, nostalgic, and visually striking, but it can easily come off as silly if the context isn’t proper. That said, it’s a hit at playgroups, early childhood centres, or family fun days, which are all common campaign stops.
Greens MPs have leaned into the fun of fairy bread more than others. Senator Mehreen Faruqi posted a photo on social media during a school visit, standing beside a tray of fairy bread with the caption: “Fair policies and fairy bread – both good for kids.” It’s cheeky but on-brand.
Fairy bread also pops up in local council campaigns, where the atmosphere is more relaxed. Community candidates, especially those running in inner-city areas, sometimes use it as a talking point. It gives kids something to do while the adults talk about parks or local services.
Few federal politicians would risk making fairy bread a campaign centrepiece, but it remains a handy sidekick for family events. It conveys the message: “We’re not taking ourselves too seriously,” which, in small doses, can be effective.
Why Snacks Work
These snacks aren’t just about sugar. They serve as conversation starters. Offering a lamington can open the door to a chat about local infrastructure. An Anzac biscuit might lead to a discussion about veterans’ services. Fairy bread might just keep a toddler busy long enough for a parent to hear about early childhood policy.
Snacks also help soften the edges of politics. In a space often filled with talking points and rehearsed lines, a plate of familiar food can make a politician seem more human and more grounded. It shows they’ve turned up not just for the cameras, but to share a cup of tea, a biscuit, and a conversation.
But Don’t Overdo It
There’s a line between using snacks to connect and using them as gimmicks. Voters are pretty good at spotting the difference. A lamington offered by a local candidate who baked it with a community group? That feels authentic. A tray of fairy bread carted out by a campaign team hoping to go viral? Probably not.
In the end, snacks won’t win an election. But in a world where many voters feel disconnected from politics, a well-timed biscuit or slice of cake can help build the kind of small, face-to-face moments that still matter.
And if all else fails, there’s always the sausage sizzle.
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