The self-described “pinko” entered the lion’s den of The Area Hotel, where he was encircled by about twenty passionate locals who questioned him about everything from TAFE cutbacks to 457 visas reforms over about two hours.

VIDEO: Coarse language warning (courtesy of Darren De Bortoli)

But with a royal commission into Murray Darling water theft announced an hour before he arrived, one topic kept coming up again and again. 

“How did you manage to turn my question about multiculturalism into a conversation about water,” he said to Griffith businessman Paul Pierotti Peroni at one point. 

Griffith winery boss Darren De Bortoli, real estate agent Brendan Catanzariti, building designer Carmel La Rocca, Area Hotel manager Jason Torresan and Labor stalwart Peter Knox were also among the crowd. 

Mr De Bortoli expressed the view that the science behind the Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) was wrong, and that eastern irrigators were being unfairly blamed for the poor health of South Australia’s lower lakes. 

The Senator admitted to not understanding the technical MDBP details too well, but pledged to convey the concerns to his Sydney Labor colleagues.

Senator Dastyari stood up, sipped Peroni and used a wide variety of hand gestures while talking to the crowd. 

While the dialogue was often fiery, exchanges were always respectful and good natured – Griffith did not subject the Iran-born politician to any of the ugly racism he copped in Melbourne earlier this month. 

All in attendance praised the left-wing politician for his willingness to move outside the Sydney bubble and engage with constituents who probably had opposing views on many topics. 

The senator is visiting bars across the state as part of his politics in the pub tour. 

Mr Dastyari is known as an outspoken supporter of cultural and religious diversity, and for his criticism of the political influence and tax avoidance of large corporations. He is a member of the Halal Snack Pack Appreciation Society.