It’s not everyday one meets the Prime Minister.
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Guyra Chamber of Commerce president Aileen MacDonald had breakfast with Malcolm Turnbull on Saturday morning, when Mr Turnbull attended a gathering of the Liberal Women’s Council – NSW, the peak body of women in the NSW Liberal Party, at the Hilton Hotel, Sydney.
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“Everyone was asking who should we ask as guest speaker,” Aileen, the council's country vice-president, said. “I suggested we ask the Prime Minister – and he agreed, so they let me do a vote of thanks.”
Aileen had seen Mr Turnbull as an audience member, but this was the first time she’d ever spoken to him – let alone sat next to him.
“He was open and friendly, and it was great to meet him!” Aileen said. “He’s genuine, and he’s actually interested. He doesn’t place himself higher than everybody; he’s one of us – and he’s approachable.”
Mr Turnbull talked about supporting women into leadership roles, and answered questions about topical issues including foetal alcohol syndrome, taxation, the Gonski schooling report, and superannuation.
“He didn’t treat it as a silly little thing,” Aileen said. “He treated it seriously, and talked to us seriously.
“It was like having a frank discussion with friends at a barbecue. You could have asked him anything, and he would have answered to the best of his ability. Not that everybody liked his answers, but at least he was able to provide one. And then, of course, everyone wanted a selfie with him!”
Nearly 100 members attended the breakfast.
Mr Turnbull’s attendance, Aileen said, showed his support for the council.
“He didn’t just talk the talk; he walked the talk by being there.”