March 7 – 13, 2020
News
Comment
Comment
Rick Morton
A fraction too much fiction
“The truth, in Scott Morrison’s world, is like light. With the right forces, it can be fractured or bent out of shape. Sometimes it changes of its own accord, as the sun charts a course across the sky. As Immigration minister, he invented the notion of ‘on-water matters’ – which would not be commented on – and changed forever how politicians share information.”
Comment
Paul Bongiorno
Scott Morrison’s misleading hedges
“It is getting harder by the week to believe a word uttered by the prime minister of Australia. And no one has done more to undermine Scott Morrison’s credibility than the man himself. This harsh judgement is shared not only by his political opponents in the Labor Party but also by all but one of the six crossbenchers in the house of representatives.”
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
Culture
Profile
Astrophysicist Jo Dunkley
As one of the world’s leading astrophysicists, Professor Jo Dunkley has researched both the mass of the tiniest particle and the size of the universe. Here, she speaks about the thrill of discovery and the untold stories of women in science. “I started off being intent on just writing about the science, but then I realised the stories of the scientists would be just as interesting. Now I’m fascinated about all the people that must be out there who have never been credited.”
Books
Life
Puzzles
Quotes
SUPER TUESDAY
“This is my wife.”
The Democratic nominee looks at his sister, holds her hand and identifies her as his wife. An honest mistake, or a bold play for the Midwestern vote?
SEMANTICS
“I think that you do understand that your comments, particularly when you refer to them solely as ‘right wing’, has the potential to offend a lot of Australians.”
The Liberal senator tells ASIO its recent warning about the rise of far-right terrorism may alienate some within our community. They prefer “bigot curious”.
SILVER LINING
“In the light of the current toilet paper crisis. We have responded. Book a stay at the Brighton Savoy and receive a free roll of toilet paper.”
The Melbourne hotel finds a marketing opportunity amid Australia’s coronavirus panic. There’s an upside to everything, except the prospect of being trapped in a suburban hotel with a single roll of toilet paper.
INVITATIONS
“On that occasion, we put forward a number of names – that included Brian.”
The prime minister finally admits Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston was put on a guest list for his White House state dinner. Let he who has never invited a man under investigation for his handling of child sexual abuse allegations cast the first stone.
CREDENTIALS
“She’s a hell of a doctor.”
The actress and TV host suggests Jill Biden should be America’s next surgeon general. Biden is actually a teacher, not a doctor, which would still make her the most overqualified person in the current United States administration.
CESSATION
“We don’t have to supply it for everybody else in Australia who’s telling us that they don’t want it.”
The News Corp executive explains his rationale for shutting down the newswire service AAP after 85 years in operation. The same doesn’t go for The Australian at airport gates.
