the buzz log

With investment banks viewed about as kindly as leech colonies these days, it's important for the poor beleaguered wealthy banker to have a cause. And in Australia, a campaign is advocating for a man's right to be a discreet pervert in the workplace.

Here's the awkward back story: An adviser from Macquarie Bank — AKA the Millionaire Factory — was on a live news show talking about the Reserve Bank of Australia. As the pundit Martin Lakos chatted about unchanged interest rates, the audience's interest rate was rising in what was happening in the background: Right smack during the 90-second interview, a colleague, one David Kiely, took that opportunity to check out nearly-naked photos of a Victoria Secret model...and no, he wasn't doing any Valentine's Day shopping.

Lo and behold, a cause (and international media gawking) was born. The blooper prompted hasty executive meetings, investigations, an HR email reminder about the company's internet policy, and a suspension for Kiely. With his job under threat, a news website launched a petition on his behalf.

The "Save Dave" campaign has captured the imagination of bankers and working Joes everywhere who know intimately the heartache of being misjudged and getting caught in the act. Meanwhile, conspiracy-minded supporters claim the whole thing's a set-up, and a practical joker lured the unsuspecting Kiely to embarrass himself on live TV, using the Miranda Kerr photos as bait.

Of course, Kiely managed to fall into the trap not once, but three times: He checked out the first image for a good 10 seconds as Lakos talked about the Reserve Bank heading towards a neutral stance; the second snapshot for 9 seconds when the subject was on the upside of cash rates; and the naughtiest pose for two seconds as the interview ended on the Reserve Bank's wait-and-see attitude about its last three interest rate rises.

While the workplace faux pas has left some amused, one editorial reminded readers that his not-so-innocent act violates the country's Sex Discrimination Act. Still, at least one woman's game to sign the petition: Kerr herself, whose GQ shots started all the trouble in the first place.

By the way, the news site sponsoring the Save Dave campaign ran a poll back in 2005 to find the best place to work, and Macquarie Bank had been a finalist.

Below, the video: Judge for yourself whether he was just a patsy, or a lech on the loose.