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Australia - Gillard mocks Costello’s book with a spine

Updated - 28/8/2008 - abc news online.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has used literacy week to belittle former treasurer Peter Costello, who is releasing a book next month.

Ms Gillard mocked Mr Costello for appearing indecisive as he has failed to spell out whether he is staying in politics or retiring.

She noted the company publishing Mr Costello’s book, Melbourne University Press, has the motto "books with spine".

"We await this great entry into the literary world - a book with spine from a politician without one," she said in Question Time after a question about literacy week.

"Mr Speaker, you would be aware that sometimes there are movies that fail so badly they go straight to DVD - well I’m betting this one goes straight to paperback. Won’t be a very hard spine when that one’s published."

But Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson hit back by describing Mr Costello as a great Australian. He said Ms Gillard’s comments demeaned herself and the Parliament.

Liberal backbencher Wilson Tuckey contrasted Ms Gillard’s comments with the fact that three Coalition MPs were asked to leave the chamber for using the word "dud".

"If the word ’dud’ is now unparliamentary, personal insults and sleazy presentations are also in that category, and I ask you to deal with it accordingly," he said.

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