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A picture is worth a thousand words. Or $1.1 trillion, as the case may be in Josh Frydenberg’s 2020-21 budget. Is that why the Treasurer’s office was so keen to avoid the comparison with that other recession we had to have? (Although, according to Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, “this is the recession we didn’t have to have”.) Let us explain. The customary (on camera) budget morning stroll through the ministerial courtyard was cancelled by heavy rain. Instead, journalists were directed to attend a photo-op inside, in a public space not normally used for press conferences. But with democracy closed to Quiet Australians (because of COVID), the Treasurer’s office took the opportunity to hold the talk sesh surrounded by Frydenberg’s fiscal foes and friends, aka paintings of former prime ministers. A good idea on paper! Until Walkley Award-winning snapper Gary Ramage seized the opportunity to frame Frydenberg from behind, facing a portraited Paul Keating throwing daggers. See attached. The Treasurer’s director of communications, Kane Silom, attempted to block the shot, to no avail.