28 September 2011

Prime Minister Gillard turns 50

“Happy Birthday & welcome to the club!” say seniors

Prime Minister Julia Gillard joins the likes of Barack Obama, George Clooney and Meg Ryan (all 50 in 2011) when she hits the Big Five-O tomorrow and officially becomes a “senior”.

Those who reach that major age milestone often celebrate with a big party, an overseas trip or take up an adventure past time, such as sky-diving.

But a spokesman for Ms Gillard’s office told Australia’s lobby group for the over 50s, National Seniors Australia, that the PM will be spending the day with her feet firmly on the ground - at her office.

“It will be a normal working day and she will have dinner with her partner (Tim Mathieson) at the end of it,” the spokesman said.

As for birthday gifts, the PM is expected to receive from Mr Mathieson a cavoodle – a cross between a King Charles Spaniel and a poodle.

“There is a puppy on the way but it’s not weaned yet,” according to the spokesman.

There was no word on how the Prime Minister feels about turning 50 – does she dread it or, like many of us, does she regard 50 as the new 40.

Many would also question the life expectancy of her prime ministership.

Ms Gillard is likely to be silent on the latter question, but may have something to say about her age tomorrow, the spokesman said.

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill says turning 50 isn’t all one big party.

“For many Australians turning 50 means facing the challenges of building retirement income; finding work in a youth-obsessed society; and juggling young kids and ageing parents,” said O’Neill.

“National Seniors would just like to say: Happy Birthday Prime Minister, the membership form’s in the mail!”

National Seniors Australia chief executive Michael O’Neill is available for comment

Media: Sarah Saunders 0409 055 156

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With a quarter of a million members Australia-wide, National Seniors is the consumer lobby for the over 50s. It is the fourth largest organisation of its type in the world.