In a rough start to the year, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has accidentally referred to Prime Minister Tony Abbott as 'Dad' repeatedly during an address to the National Press Club.
"And when the Australian people wonder who to blame for this era of instability they need to look no further than Dad and his shameful policies."
The slip of the tongue resulted in muffled giggles around the room as the flustered Labor leader compounded his error.
"Working families already know that Dad is not fit to run the country. It's time Dad stood down."
Realising his mistake, Shorten desperately attempted to convert his error into a trademark zinger.
"Yes, he is dad. And this economy is a dad joke. But the thing is, we're not laughing. Except all the way to the bank. Because banking reform is important too."
The Opposition Leader then produced a paper bag from his suit jacket and hyperventilated heavily for some time. 
Throughout the painful half hour long speech Shorten referred to the Prime Minister as "dad", "daddy", "the prime father", and "the man who gave me life".
Shorten dismissed any psychological readings into the mishap instead insisting that he simply misspoke and nothing more.
"People keep looking for the deeper psychological meaning behind my words but the fact of the matter is I'm not actually that deep. I'm barely conscious. The thought of having to also maintain an active subconscious is tiring."
The Prime Minister refused to comment on the slip but curiously, when made aware of the incident, Abbott's eyes began to water and he was heard to whisper "how did he find out?"
