It may have appeared a regular day for Riverina MP Michael McCormack, who spent Saturday morning in the city.

But this time, he meandered through Wagga Marketplace as the acting leader of the nation, accompanied by an unfamiliar security detail. 

Mr McCormack said he had brought the seat of government to Wagga, “where it should have been”.

His jovial words come after the city – or township at the time – was turned down as a contender for the nation’s capital in 1902. 

“I’m running the country from Wagga today,” Mr McCormack said. “Its taking its rightful place as the national capital.”

The acting Prime Minister said the past weeks had been a steep learning curve, with added pressure and responsibilities that come with running a country.

Despite the title, he said he was still the same approachable, down-to-earth Wagga man, passionate about the concerns and issues affecting his regional constituents. 

“People here know me as good ol’ Michael,” Mr McCormack said. “I’m still the humble boy from Wagga.”