Angus Taylor's Social Media Meme Resurfaces During Liberal Leadership Contest
The infamous social media blunder by Liberal MP Angus Taylor has made a dramatic comeback as he vies for the party leadership. The meme, originating from a 2019 Facebook post where Taylor appeared to praise himself, has become a staple of Australian political humour and is now being weaponised by opponents during his leadership challenge.
The Origins of the Viral Meme
In May 2019, while serving as energy minister under Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Angus Taylor posted on Facebook about transport initiatives in his Hume electorate. The post, detailing extra car parks for rail commuters, seemed routine until a comment in the thread caught public attention. The comment read, "Fantastic. Great move. Well done Angus", and was attributed to Angus Taylor's own account.
This act of self-praise, likely a staff error where an aide forgot to switch profiles, was quickly deleted but not before screenshots spread widely. The incident epitomised a classic social media fail, blending earnestness with shameless self-congratulation.
Why the Meme Endures in Political Discourse
The phrase "Fantastic. Great move. Well done Angus" has transcended its origins to become a versatile reaction gag in Australian culture. It is used sarcastically to mock poor performances, celebrate minor victories, or poke fun at blunders. Its longevity is bolstered by Taylor's subsequent controversies, including allegations of forged documents and questionable parliamentary performances.
Media outlets like the Betoota Advocate and the Chaser have amplified the meme, embedding it into public consciousness. It frequently appears in group chats and everyday conversations, especially among politically engaged circles.
Current Political Mockery and Leadership Implications
As Taylor campaigns for the Liberal leadership, critics have revived the meme to undermine his credibility. Defence Minister Richard Marles recently quoted it sarcastically in response to a Taylor video, while Labor MPs like Kristy McBain and Sam Rae have referenced it in parliamentary debates. Independent MP Monique Ryan and others have also used the phrase to sledged Taylor publicly.
Despite this mockery, Taylor's leadership prospects appear strong, yet the meme continues to haunt his political image. The incident has even spawned the term "doing an Angus Taylor" for similar social media faux pas, as seen with independent MP Andrew Gee last year.
This resurgence highlights how digital missteps can have lasting impacts in politics, serving as a tool for opponents to question a candidate's judgment and authenticity.
