We ask if Australian ministers and members are being prompted in sticky
situations via SMS – and instead get told about a Western Australian
state Liberal who has just unveiled SMS and MSN Messenger services for
constituents.

According to a media release
from his office, Tony Simpson, the Member for Serpentine-Jarrahdale,
yesterday became the first politician in Australia to offer constituent
services by SMS and internet chat, a move praised by the WA Deaf
Society.

“This might be breaking new ground for Politicians, but as a father of
two I know SMS and Internet Chat are actually the preferred method of
communication for many people in the real world,” he said.

Yeah, but did he need any prompting by phone?