'Rise to the camera, old trout!': Barnaby Joyce hits Johnny Depp with final blow in 'War on Terrier'
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce sported a winner’s grin as he hit Johnny Depp with one more final blow, to cement his victory in the War on Terrier.
The Nationals leader will forever be known as the man who threatened to kill Depp and his wife Amber Heard’s dogs.
On Monday the couple issued a public apology to Australia for ignoring biosecurity laws. The ‘masterpiece’ quickly became a fan favourite – with some offering their own amusing takes on the performance.
Speaking with the ABC on Tuesday, Joyce likened Depp’s apology is an audition for The Godfather.
He also said he didn’t care that their performance wasn’t Oscar-worthy because it was "going off like a frog in a sock".
"(It's) telling people that if you come into this nation, you don't obey our laws, you're in trouble," he said.
The department of agriculture put the video on YouTube and Joyce said it had already registered more than two million hits.
"At the end of it we've got a message that is going all around the world right now," the minister said.
"That's what this is about, it's making sure we keep this nation, protect our flora, our fauna and protect our biosecurity laws."
He then taunted Depp on Sunrise with: "Do it again, Johnny, do it with gusto, come on, mate. Rise to the camera, old trout. Rise to the camera”.
Old trout is defined as an ‘annoying’ or ‘bad tempered’ old woman.
In the video, which resembles a grave public service announcement, the couple stressed the importance of obeying the laws, with a deadpan Depp adding that Aussies were "just as unique" as their wildlife.
"Australia is a wonderful island with a treasure trove of unique plants, animals and people," said Heard.
"It has to be protected."
However, not long after the Queensland court was shown footage of Depp and Heard's 'apology', the actor was caught disobeying smoking laws.
On Monday the pair attended court on the Gold Coast where Heard pleaded guilty to falsifying border protection documents after she
failed to declare the dogs (Pistol and Boo) when they arrived into Australia last year.
Depp, 52, was seen puffing away on a cigarette in front of the public, on the balcony of Southport Magistrates Court alongside Heard and bodyguard Jerry Judge, News Corp reports.
'Declare everything': Depp and Heard appear in apology video played to packed courthouse
Amber Heard to face trial in Australia over Depp doggy drama
A senior courthouse spokesperson told Yahoo7 a staff member granted the actor permission to smoke on the balcony due to concerns about his safety.
“Smoking is not permitted in Queensland courthouses," the spokesperson said.
“In this instance, Mr Depp was authorised to smoke by a member of the courthouse staff.
“This was at the request of Mr Depp's security personnel who were concerned for his welfare should he leave the building, due to the extraordinary public interest in today's proceedings.
“The situation is being reviewed and courthouse staff will be reminded of their obligations.
“Mr Depp acted in good faith and no further action is anticipated.”
The Hollywood superstar and his actress wife were besieged by a huge media scrum and confronted by fans as they arrived at court.
Ms Heard was sentenced to a one-month, $1,000 good behaviour bond.
When the dogs arrived last year in April they were tested for rabies prior to travel to Australia, according to Heard's defence team.
Mr Joyce, who was Australia's agriculture minister at the time, mocked the couple and made international headlines when he declared: "It's time Boo and Pistol bugger off home ... or we're going to have to euthanise them."
Heard expressed "remorse" over the case, in one of many stiff on-screen moments which raised giggles on social media, where the video was compared with a hostage plea or North Korean-style propaganda.
Two more serious charges against Heard of illegally importing the Yorkshire terriers were dropped by the Gold Coast court.
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