Politicians are often accused of being out of touch with reality.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his innovation right-hand man Christopher Pyne took that claim to a whole new level in Adelaide on Friday.
They experienced an "augmented reality" while road testing special goggles - Microsoft HoloLenses - and the 3D hologram technology applications Saab Australia is developing for potential use in defence and security systems.
The pair was transported onto a virtual map of Wollongong in NSW Illawarra.
Mr Pyne waxed lyrical about the experience.
"It was quite remarkable, I had an astronaut waving at me which was very exciting - amazing technology," he told AAP.
Mr Turnbull was also in his element, a stark difference to his less-than-impressed morning demeanour when his black shiny boots were caked in thick mud during a visit to a paddock in the seat of Mayo held by dumped minister Jamie Briggs.
The prime minister was there to pledge a $3.75 million federal contribution to a sports hub in Mount Barker that will include an AFL oval, soccer pitch and netball courts.
Mr Turnbull wore a yellow tie with weight lifters but that was the extent of his sporting efforts as Auskick children ran around merrily.
He wasn't the only one lending Mr Briggs some star power.
South Australian cricketer Jake Lehmann, son of Australian cricket coach Darren, was on hand to inspect what will be a future playing pitch.
Mr Briggs' Adelaide Hills seat, one of the safest for the Liberals in South Australia, is under threat from the Nick Xenophon Team.
The MP's reputation took a battering late last year following revelations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female diplomat in Hong Kong.
Mr Turnbull laughed at suggestions his adventure to the muddy field was an indication of desperate times requiring desperate measures.
Later on a street walk in nearby Stirling, Mr Briggs and the Liberal leader pressed the flesh with local shoppers, dog owners, babies, small business owners, refugee supporters and activists dressed as clown fish and the sun.
Oliver Waters, 3, was hunting for a birthday present for his mum when he met the prime minister.
His dad David believes there is strong support locally for Mr Turnbull but Mr Briggs may have done his dash.
"He a little out of touch," he said.
Mr Briggs, for his part, resorted to the coalition's "jobs and growth" slogan seven times in two minutes as he tried to put on a brave face about his political fate when grilled by the press pack accompanying Mr Turnbull.
