And, unfortunately, this phrase has now crept into the lexicon of the larger hardware store where “lowest prices are just the beginning”, also in the place of the big mac. What does this phrase mean?

“Do you lean to the right of the political spectrum?” or “Are you right-handed?” or “Are you in the present moment/location?” Or, perhaps does it mean:  “Do you need assistance?”, “Can I help you with something?”, “Let me know if you need help”, “Are you looking for anything in particular?” or “Is there something I can help you find?”  

Still, “Are-ewes-ride-there, mard”, is probably better than some of the other common “greetings”: the hard stare – like you are about to steal something.

The snub – so busy that they just ignore you. The production-line – “Next!”.

The put-down – “Just that one, today?” 

Or the gang approach (favoured by a certain bank) – where two or three employees surround you, demanding to know why you are there.

Happily, with the convenience of on-line shopping, “Are ewes right there, mard?” and the other common “greetings” are never seen or heard.

Researchers in the UK and US have put forward a plan that could prevent millions of deaths globally each year, and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs.

It’s a simple plan: tax meat.

A 2015 World Health Organisation report found that bacon, hot dogs, and other processed meats cause cancer and that red meat – including beef, pork, and lamb – is probably carcinogenic as well.

The research estimates that in 2020, 2.4 million people will die from red and processed meat attributed deaths, while the healthcare costs for red meat-related illnesses will hit US$285 billion ($400 billion AUD).

A modest 16 per cent drop in meat consumption would lead to a drop in global greenhouse gas emissions by over a hundred million tonnes. We tax cigarettes heavily to help cover medical costs. 

It’s time to do the same for meat.

Such a bold move would also save billions of non-humans from lives of terror, including having their horns cut or burned off and males having their testicles ripped out of their scrotums – all without painkillers, followed by agonising deaths.

The term political orphan can be used when referring to the voters of Gilmore.

The situation we find ourselves in is this: we have a member who is currently overseas at the UN and has stated she will not be standing at the next election.

We have a potential new member but the powers that be will not declare his preselection.

We are left with the Labor challenger who’s doing her best to mimic the actions of a ghost, given her lack of public appearances and accompanying stated policy positions.

So where does this leave the voters? I would say in a very lonely place as we consider where to place our seemingly unwanted votes and with whom.

At the end of the day and usually on election night when the winner is declared we will be greeted with a victory speech in which the winner usually says they will represent all their constituents regardless of who they support.

So come on guys, let all declare their intentions and let their campaigns begin as the orphans of Gilmore need to be accepted and loved a tad more.