Where "Drover's Dog" Comes From
The phrase comes from a remark made by Bill Hayden on the day the 1983 federal election was called. Hayden had just resigned as Labor leader to make way for Bob Hawke, and told reporters: "I believe a drover's dog could lead the Labor Party to victory the way the country is and the way the opinion polls are." He was right — Hawke led Labor to a landslide victory within five weeks, handing the Coalition one of its worst defeats since Federation.
A drover's working dog represents the hardiest, most unpretentious animal in the Australian bush — a practical creature valued for what it does rather than what it is. As a political metaphor it carries a double edge: the suggestion that anyone could win in these conditions is simultaneously flattering to the times and deflating to the winner. Hayden's remark has been quoted in almost every subsequent discussion of Australian electoral landslides.
"With the government polling that low, political analysts said a drover's dog could win the by-election."
How Aussies Actually Use It
Mainly used in political journalism when discussing one-sided campaigns or landslides.
Evokes the colourful language of the 1980s Australian political landscape.
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