CANBERRA—In a bid to demystify the 2024 federal budget, Senator Ellie Whiteaker this week introduced parliament to “Zara the Zebra” and “Gerry the Giraffe,” two soft toys who now serve as official spokes-animals for Labor’s tax changes. The announcement came after Treasury staff unanimously rejected a proposal to explain superannuation reform while dressed as meerkats.

“People say the budget is complicated, but if you can’t explain franking credits to a plush giraffe, should you really be in government?” Senator Whiteaker asked, while cradling the giraffe and receiving nods of approval from the stuffed audience. The toys reportedly conveyed support for the government’s means-testing of household bread, though Gerry later issued a clarification stating he was only in favor if carrots remained tax-exempt.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the animals’ input: “We’ve tried spreadsheets, town halls, and PowerPoint presentations, but nothing breaks through like a giraffe in front of a whiteboard labeled ‘Deficit Bad’.”

Opposition leader Peter Dutton expressed concerns, suggesting the Labor party had “outsourced economic policy to a jungle fever dream.” Meanwhile, Liberal backbencher Craig Whittaker denounced the move: “What’s next, uncovering the inflation rate with the help of Hannibal Lecter, or will they just send out a meme of a crying cat every time someone asks about interest rates?”

Government insiders report that a plush rhinoceros and a Funko Pop of Darth Vader are on standby should the legislative process require further simplification.