It wasn't just Kevin Rudd's bilingual skills which gained the attention of a Labor volunteer in the marginal Sydney seat of Banks as the newly-bearded former prime minister hit the hustings
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Mr Rudd joined Labor's candidate for the seat, Chris Gambian, and Barton MP Linda Burney for a walk through Hurstville's streets and a food court on Tuesday in an attempt to lure locals to Labor in the upcoming federal election.
Mr Rudd made the peace sign and gave a thumbs up as he posed for photos with locals. He also threw out the occasional "ni hao" (hello) and conducted some conversations in Mandarin.
Labor volunteer Steven Phang, 63, told Mr Rudd he was his "shadow" and was quick to comment on the former prime minister's new look.
"You didn't have beard before," Mr Phang said in Mandarin.
Mr Rudd, stroking his beard, replied in Mandarin telling the 63-year-old ACTU employee he started to grow it recently.
He also said his time in politics caused his white hair.
The former prime minister even introduced Mr Gambian, who is running against Liberal incumbent David Coleman, in Mandarin.
"Kevin, how's Julia?" one man yelled as Mr Rudd spoke to pre-polling booth volunteers.
He subsequently said Mr Gambian and Ms Burney had spoken to local small businesses and received strong support from the Chinese community - in particular for Labor's new policy on long-term parent visas.
"Vote for these two very good human beings," Mr Rudd urged while filming a campaign video.
"The Hurstville Peking duck is terrific."
Mr Rudd was "an absolute symbol and ambassador of the deep and enduring relationship that Labor has with the Australian Chinese community," Mr Gambian said.
Hai Xun Song, a 65-year-old Hurstville resident speaking through a translator with links to the ALP, said Mr Rudd was a "handsome man" with "very good" Mandarin.
Australian Associated Press
