Yes, I Want A 'Kafka Pen' Also, Dammit!
Gillard feted with shower of gifts
Ther Government is wondering what to do with the gifts received by Julia Gillard. Picture: AP Source: AP
A CUPBOARD is overflowing with earrings, necklaces, lipstick, CDs, teddy bears and bottles of salad dressing given to Julia Gillard.
The Prime Minister is being showered with gifts, many from ordinary people.
In what is becoming an Aladdin's Cave at the Prime Minister's Department, the generous gifts range from a $4000 Franz Kafka Mont Blanc pen gift set to a framed photo of a Ford Falcon and two hand-made doilies.
The first female PM, whose earlobes became a national talking point during the election, was given a $1990 pair of Kailis pearl drop earrings.
She has received at least $3500 worth of jewellery including bracelets, earrings and necklaces.
A lot of the gifts appear to be "care packages" sent by the public. They include a soap and towel set, lipsticks and make-up, a Humphrey B Bear teddy and various books and Helen Reddy and Doris Day CDs.
Other gifts include two pairs of jeans, a jacket, bottles of wine, a chest of tea and the autograph of American comedian Jerry Lewis.
Ms Gillard has handed over all the gifts to her department, where they have been locked in a storeroom with Cuban cigars, bottles of Penfolds Grange and other items given to Kevin Rudd and John Howard.
The PM has kept just one gift for personal use, a $300 Salvatore Ferragamo scarf.
The Government is considering what it will do with the goods. Some may be donated to raise money for charity. Others could be put on display.
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