A BLUE velvet rope fittingly marked the boundary where people were asked to line up for a photo opportunity with Australia's leader.
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The problem was the rope didn't extend far enough around the Hamilton Golf Club room where more than 100 business people, volunteers, councillors and officers had gathered and wanted their moment with the man. Prime Minister Tony Abbott was relaxed in conservative heartland country and had agreed, at the request of his faithful Member for Wannon, to take part in a photo line after the speeches.
He praised Dan Tehan, saying voters had a "terrific local member" who was a "very significant" member of the government in Canberra.
Mr Abbott paid tribute to volunteers, saying they kept the community and the country strong.
"The people in this room are the absolute pillars of local life. The people in this room are the people who roll up their sleeves and get things done.
"Our country is strong, not because of what government does, but because of what citizens do."