A WA Labor MP has told the WA Parliament this week about finding a Kalgoorlie-Boulder business to “bedazzle” his mullet which had previously received rude comments.

Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Kyle McGinn took an opportunity to speak in Parliament on Tuesday about the Lorna Mitchell Spring Festival which had 150 stallholders and 9000 visitors.

At the festival, Mr McGinn came by Sofia Cocciolone’s small business, Braids by Sofia, and had a custom Ocean Wave Braid’s NAIDOC extension braided into his mullet.

Mr McGinn presented his “bedazzled” mullet to the chamber of politicians and praised Sofia, 14, on her local business which she had been running since she was 11.

“Braids by Sofia is very special because it is run by Sofia who is 14 years old and in Year 8 at John Paul College,” he said.

“Her mum Bianca has worked hard and passionately to help her daughter who has a passion for braiding.

“I was very proud to sit down and get my hair pulled and combed.

“I was made very well aware that the dirtier the hair, the better the braid, so I was pretty happy about that.”

Mr McGinn took the opportunity to say he had previously been offended by comments made about his mullet.

“While I was (having my hair braided), I reflected on some comments about my mullet that were made in the chamber,” he said.

“I was very offended.

“It has been said three or four times in this chamber that I should get a haircut.”

Being shamed over one’s hairstyle is something many Australians experience and is the driver behind the Black Dog Institute’s Mullets for Mental Health initiative.

Mr McGinn spoke highly of Sofia’s mum, Bianca, who he said had helped her set up a braiding room in their home, takes bookings, orders stock, advertises the business on social media and assists Sofia when she is braiding.

In a statement read out in Parliament, Sofia said her future plans for the business are to teach other girls how to braid and foster self-love in Goldfields communities.

— Squarespace