Russell Brand takes swipe at 'really rich' Malcolm Turnbull
British comedian Russell Brand has taken aim at Australia’s new and “really rich” prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull.
The comedian turned social revolutionary, who is touring Australia, appeared on the Ten Network’s The Project on Friday night.
Brand, who has been previously critical of former prime minister Tony Abbott, was asked by host Fifi Box if he wanted to share his thoughts on the nation’s new leader.
“Yes,“ Brand quickly replied. "Here is that opinion now.“
“Why do you put really, really rich people in charge of your country for? Who wants to build a thing called a tax shield?”
Brand was referring to the Coalition’s government’s decision to exempt private companies that earn more than $100 million a year from tax disclosure requirements.
He also used a very unique metaphor to take aim at Mr Turnbull for having some of his wealth located in the Cayman Islands.
“(Prime Minister Turnbull) goes he’s got money in the Cayman Islands but there’s nothing wrong with it… Having your money in the Cayman Islands is like putting your d--- into custard,” Brand said.
“We all want to do it, but there’s no rational reason to do it,” he said to much laughter and applause.
“If your d---‘s in a bowl of custard you’re doing it for a reason.”
Host Peter Hellier was quick to remind Brand that they were on live television, in between laughs.
“On the upside though Bill Shorten has his next line, which is going to be wonderful,” added host Waleed Aly.
Despite being politically active, Brand said he was not interested in the idea of actually entering politics.
He said he believed that “economic elites” had not looked after the public and left ordinary people powerless.
“I think the last century demonstrated when we outsourced our interests to economic elites they won’t treat us well. That’s been proven.
“To various degrees we are suffering because ordinary people have no access to power. We’re being divided and invented — invited to dislike each other on the basis of gender, race, religion, creed.”
Morning news break – October 17
