The country did have high tariff barriers in the 19th century, but it also cheerfully imported foreign capital and labour to finance and build the westward expansion.
Their standing orders make clear that any unauthorised contact with the press is a hanging offence - well perhaps not hanging, but their Chief Whip has cheerfully gone on record saying that anyone who strays is liable to be dropped from the group.
But from the outset it is apparent that there is no real job for Mr Mullin when Ms Short cheerfully informs him that he can be involved in anything that interests him, but that all the decisions will be hers.