Australia and humour go together. It’s a nation that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Locals are fond of self-deprecating humour. The worst thing you can do is take yourself too seriously. You’ll get cut-down (Australia’s “Tall Poppy Syndrome” means we attack whoever thinks they’re ‘taller’).

But nothing prepares you for the national newspapers on April Fool’s Day. The front page of “The Australian” has a bottom banner ad from Virgin Blue offering, “Hire a plane for your kid’s birthday party!” Artline pens announce each pen has a microchip so you can locate on the web any lost writing instruments. By far the best is an act of political one-ups-manship. Get Up political action group and it appears they’re tured of the lack of action on an election promise. Parental leave was promised by Kevin Rudd when campaigning for office. To date nothing’s happened.

So this morning there’s a quarter page ad in “The Australian” promising:

Personal Childcare Service at Your Local MP’s Office

The best part is this affectionate take on the national emblem…

Looks as though Kevin Rudd is opening Ministerial office to child-minding services as of today. “Each MP’s electorate office will today be accepting newborns for a free child minding service. This is another example of Labor’s commitment to working families.”

Thankfully the web address quickly says the advertisement was a joke. But of today’s crop of false ads, it’s by far the best.