Michael McCormack, former deputy prime minister of Australia, became unwell after consuming some kava (a ceremonial drink in the Pacific islands) while on a diplomatic trip to Micronesia. When McCormack felt ill on Wednesday while attending formalities at the FSM Congress, he was a member of Australia’s first bipartisan visit to Pacific Island countries. When given a bowl of kava (Sakau), the shadow minister for the Pacific “struggled to digest” the traditional beverage, as reported by Seven News.
Trouble is, I did stomach it! In a bid to show my respect to local traditions I drank the whole bowl of Sakau. Feeling much better now and it’s been a great chance to connect with our Pacific family in FSM. 🇦🇺🇫🇲 https://t.co/Bs1QKBvtYa
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) December 15, 2022
Before needing help to get to his car, McCormack looked evidently uncomfortable putting his head in his hands. He was then taken to a hospital, where he reportedly received dehydration therapy.
On Thursday McCormack took to Twitter saying he was “feeling much better now”.
“In a bid to show my respect to local traditions I drank the whole bowl of Sakau,” he said.
“Feeling much better now and it’s been a great chance to connect with our Pacific family in FSM.”
A highlight of the bipartisan Pacific trip has been visiting Mele village. Paramount Chief Simeon Poilapa hosted important conversations & kava ceremony. Our delegation listened to locals’ experiences with Australia’s labour mobility scheme & how we can improve it for all. 🇦🇺 🇻🇺 pic.twitter.com/G39Sxzv2ZR
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) December 14, 2022
In the Pacific Islands, the root is traditionally crushed and then steeped in water to make a beverage used for ceremonial, recreational, and therapeutic purposes. Although kava is not typically used in Australia, it was introduced to communities in the Northern Territory during the 1980s as a substitute for alcohol.
