Who said state politics was boring? Certainly not Labor's Kyle McGinn, who used his outgoing speech to perform a "shoey" in parliament.

Kyle McGinn is an outgoing Labor MP in the Western Australia. McGinn delivered his final “valedictory” address to the Legislative Council on Wednesday. In the hour-long farewell, McGinn discussed the automation of jobs; men’s mental health (including his own anxiety struggles), reflected on his achievements and his laments.

In tribute to his electorate of Goldfields, he decided to finish his speech with a “shoey” in their honour. The act was meant to celebrate his eight years of service as the local member. It came at the closing of his speech, you can tap play below to where I've cued up the "tribute".

He had a decent stint in the WA Legislative Assembly - their “lower house”, if you will. He was elected as a Labor MP in 2017 and retired this year. His most recent speech before his final bow yesterday was spent condemning Chevron for its hiring practices and lighter-than-expected tax contributions.

During his tenure, McGinn held portfolios including disability services, seniors and ageing and fisheries. Before he was an MP he was a union organiser.

For the uninitiated, a “shoey” is the act of pouring a beverage - typically alcoholic in nature - into one’s shoe and drinking from it, typically to completion. It’s an act often performed in celebration.

Fortunately or unfortunately - depending on how squeamish you are - there’s no footage published just yet of McGinn doing the shoey. 

Australian Parliaments typically object to any kind of "props" being used in the course of proceedings. As a result, parliamentary cameras cut away from the action as soon as the Speaker intervenes. 

In this instance, President of the Legislative Council, Alanna Clohesy called for order, presumably as McGinn completed his footwear-based beverage. At least that’s what her expression and the scattered applause around the chamber suggests.

Interestingly, Western Australian Parliament House is an alcohol-free zone, including in the ballroom and gardens for both elected officials, workers and visitors. I doubt the MP will cop the $200-$2000 fine for the act, however.

What's a 'shoey'?

Honestly, you may be sorry you asked.

The shoey has been popularised internationally by high-profile Australians who do their winning abroad. 

Most noteable performers of the shoey include former F1 driver and spreader of good vibes, Daniel Ricciardo. Ricciardo, along with Sir Patrick Stewart, famously performed a shoey together on the podium of the 2017 Canadian Grand Prix.

Many Aussie crowds also now attempt to coax international acts into doing on-stage shoeys as part of their performances in Australia as an act of cultural exchange.

If you’re a beer fan - consumed from shoes or other vessels - the outgoing WA MP was drinking a local Margaret River brew, CB Co Draught Ale.