In pics: Curry-gate and other Australian election moments to remember

Beyond the grave issues of rising living costs, an overheating planet, and corruption, here are a few of the more surprising developments that Australia's May 21 election campaign has thrown our way:

(Text: AFP)

The chicken curry scandal was hatched when Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who makes no secret of his family curry-cooking efforts, posted images of his Sunday dinner to Facebook.

"Nice to have a night at home. So curry it is. Sri Lankan Tamarind Eggplant and Okra Curry and a classic Chicken Korma. Strong Curry. Strong Economy. Stronger Future," he posted on May 1.

But Facebook critics quickly spotted a piece of apparently glistening pink chicken flesh poking out of the creamy sauce.

"Lovely piece of raw chicken centre right of frame!! Enjoy!" said one critic who finally prompted Australia's leader to intervene.

"I can reassure you, the chicken was cooked," Morrison replied on his Facebook page.

The prime minister flatly denied the meat was raw in a radio interview, blaming a trick of the light. (Image Courtesy: Scott Morrison (ScoMo)/Facebook)
 

Three days before the vote, Morrison barrelled into a young boy during a friendly children's football game in Tasmania, eliciting a chorus of stunned "ooohs" from spectators. 

At first, Morrison, he shorn of his jacket, but still sporting a shirt and tie -- sauntered around the field somewhat aimlessly, trying to get a toe on the ball in the five-a-side game.

But then the 54-year-old stepped it up a gear, hunting down a cross-field pass that threatened the opposition's pop-up mini-goal. 

Morrison, who recently described himself as "a bit of a bulldozer", propelled himself forward to intercept the pass. Unfortunately, a small red-haired boy about two-thirds of Morrison's size was in the way.

Morrison's left shoulder drove straight into the unsuspecting child's face, sending both tumbling to the artificial turf.
 

Election campaigns are a hazy memory. We’re bewildered, and so are you. From plane to car to bus, in and out of press conferences, new towns daily. Even the most seasoned campaigners can become disoriented, The Guardian reported.

Morrison appeared to slip into the parliament mode during the early phases of the campaign calling journlaists “Mr Speaker” three times continuously. 
 

On the "gotcha" scale of reporters' questions testing politicians on policy details, it should have been an easy one: What is the national unemployment rate?

Caught in the spotlight, Australia's opposition Labor Party leader, Anthony Albanese, was unable to answer.  

"The national unemployment rate at the moment is, I think it is five point... four, sorry, I am not sure what it is," he said.

Australia's unemployment rate is at a 13-year low of four per cent.

Since that stumble early in the election campaign, some Australians have expressed doubts about the value of such questions.

A couple of days after Albanese's gaffe, Greens leader Adam Bandt was asked by a journalist whether he knew the wage price figures. "Google it, mate," he replied.
 

Venturing into a pub, where patrons may have had a few beers to loosen their tongues, carries certain risks for politicians.

Australia's prime minister confirmed this by popping into the Edgeworth Tavern near Newcastle, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) up the coast from Sydney.