Why politicians push nicknames in Australia

There is a reason Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese want voters to call them ‘ScoMo’ and ‘Albo’ in the lead-up to the federal election, according to a political lecturer.

The issue came up on 3AW Drive after ABC News Breakfast vowed to ‘ban’ the nicknames on their program.

Dr Zareh Ghazarian, Politics Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Monash University, said the nicknames made politicians “warmer” and more relatable to the average Australian.

He said it was particularly on-brand for the Prime Minister.

“He has really tried to craft this sense of being a relatable, ordinary, suburban dad, if you like,” Dr Ghazarian said on 3AW Drive.

Press PLAY below to hear him explain the impact of nicknames

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