Gillard, Swan and Co, seem to be replicating Baghdad Bob, otherwise known as Comical Ali and Baghdad Ali.
As well as telling lies, which has more than one meaning as the goose from the Age implies and Eagle agrees with him, from Wikipedia;
"lie" .... 2. "something intended or serving to convey a false impression "
They all seem to me to be in the Thomson mould, full of deceit and stupidity, .... but the clowns are still in charge of the circus.
