The deputy leader of the Australian Liberal Party and arguably the most powerful female politician in the country, Julie Bishop flew in to Merimbula Airport relatively unannounced on Monday morning for a string of meet-and-greets.

We say “relatively unannounced” as obviously some community groups and businesses knew she would be in town.

Oddly though – depending on your level of cynicism – there was no official media alert of the visit.

Nor was there any official notification on the day itself even though she was quite obviously here.

That goes for both Ms Bishop’s office as well as her companion for the day, Member for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy.

Perhaps it was a spur of the moment trip (doubtful), or perhaps minds were focused on Sunday’s announcement of an election date.

Regardless, we found out and tagged along to several of the Minister for Foreign Affairs’ engagements on the day.

At Merimbula Airport, Ms Bishop met with representatives of the council, local businesses and Cruise Eden. No money was promised for sought airport upgrades, but the growth of small business exports and tourism was highlighted in “the Coalition’s economic plan for the future”.

Then it was on to the Sapphire Coast Anglican College in Bega – “not a media opportunity” we were told – where she enjoyed touring the kitchen garden, patting a calf and speaking to students about her role in federal parliament.

Questioning from the students delved into Ms Bishop’s favourite country (Papua New Guinea) and favourite emoji (the cat with love-heart eyes), but was steered away from anything too political.

During a visit of the cheese factory she boasted of her success in negotiating free trade agreements with Asian nations and the benefits they bring to exporters like Bega Cheese.

Her speech used the company’s new approach to business as a metaphor for the government’s vision of the future.

Innovation, scientific research, “new technologies”, “jobs of the future” and growth were mentioned regularly along with that dreaded three letter word tax.

Are you all ready for another two months of this?