A political ad campaign featuring a "real tradie" that criticises Labor's negative gearing and plans for a banking royal commission has unintentionally become a meme in its own right after people pointed out a number of flaws.
Social media users have responded to the Liberal Party's latest election campaign ad with a flurry of memes.
The commotion was sparked shortly after the television ad featuring a man dressed as a tradesman was broadcast on Sunday night.
In it the man claims that opposition leader Bill Shorten is launching an attack on Australia's banks and miners and "even wants to go to war with someone like me who just wants to get ahead through an investment property”.
Many viewers found the tradesman unbelievable and “#FakeTradie” began trending on Twitter with users poking holes in his appearance.
One person noted that the man’s bracelet, watch and lack of hard hat were an occupational health and safety hazard while another was sceptical of the good condition his mug was in.
A host of memes have since followed and a “Fake Tradie” account was even set up. Radio star Kate Langbroek, Bachelor Australia host Osher Gunsburg and comedian Eddie Perfect have also gotten in on the action.
The ad elicited a similar response after it was shared to the Liberal Party's Facebook page. There, one user said, "Libs' war on authenticity! My cat makes for a more realistic tradie. She wouldn't be seen dead wearing that bling near a circular saw, for starters."
"What a joke, never seen somebody dressed like that on a building site in all my years as a Chippy. Love the bracelet, great way to get caught up in a serious accident," remarked another.
Despite speculation to the contrary, a Coalition spokesperson told SBS "the tradie is real". They said in a statement, "We are very pleased that people are talking about this ad which highlights the risks of Bill Shorten’s war on business. The tradie is real, unlike Mr Shorten’s claims about Medicare".
