Okay, imagine you are a cattleman from the high country. For generations, (well, at least three) you and your family have been grazing your cattle with carefree abandon all over the Alpine ranges.

You're somewhat vexed that those fat cats in Melbourne have decided to kowtow to the crazy green vote and refuse to let you continue to do so.

You decide you've got to do something. Drunk with righteous indignation, you round up 500 of your closest mates, get suited up in your Highland gear, and ride your horses down to Melbourne to tell those city folk just what you think.

And then you invite Tom Burlinson to ride with you. An actor from Melbourne, currently starring in an all-singing, all-dancing Broadway musical, leads you into town.

What were you thinking? Seriously, irrespective of what I think of your cause, this was a brilliant and visually effective rally, guaranteed to make the evening news. However, the message was completely lost - at least in our loungeroom - in the guffaws of laughter at being spoken for by Tom Burlinson, of all people.

“I believe in their cause. I was exposed to the ways of the mountain cattlemen when I was in The Man From Snowy River more than 20 years ago. And I believe that it's a livelihood and a living heritage that should be preserved.” [From ABC Radio's PM (transcript here)]

Sob. That's just beautiful!

I wish I could find a decent picture online of how he looked today, all suited up in his Driza-Bone and Akubra, looking seriously down into the camera from atop his trusty mountain steed, speaking with passion about a world he portrayed on film two decades ago.

Instead, just for nostalgia's sake, I offer you this - a gallery of pictures of Tom the way he was back then.

Don't get me wrong - I love Our Tom, and The Man From Snowy River will always have a very special place in my heart. But having him there today just turned the entire spectacle into an hilarious farce.

One last thought: was the Driza-Bone his? Did he just have it lying around? Or did someone have to lend it to him?