The only person who can save Australia is Taylor Swift. At least, according to New South Wales Senator Sam Dastyari.
The politician referred to "Blank Space" as "a modern soliloquy on the Liberal Party." Then he recited the lyrics as poetry, as one does in Parliament.
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There is some context, though not much: Dastyari also suggested that Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, use Destiny's Child's "Survivor" as her campaign song, then listed off alternate suggestions sourced from the people of Twitter. The list included "Can't Touch This" by M.C. Hammer and "Oops! I Did it Again" by Britney Spears.
Upon reflection, though, those tunes seemed outdated -- which is why he suggested that Swift lead Australia through the 21st century.
Julie Bishop is now 'loyally' serving her fourth Lib Leader. What song best caputres this? Suggestions from Twitter https://t.co/87sFHJ5oWP— Sam Dastyari (@samdastyari) September 15, 2015
"I'm quoting a poet here. I notice that other senators are laughing," Dastyari said, calling out fellow politicians for being rude. "I just do not think they are treating this with the respect that it deserves."
He stops just before "I've got a long list of ex-lovers/they'll tell you I'm insane." It's disappointing, but the point remains.
Quoting Swift in Australia's Parliament is not unprecedented. Earlier this year, Attorney-General John Elferink quoted "Shake It Off."
So now TayTay knows who to welcome to the stage when she plays Australia's arenas.