July 12 – 18, 2025
News
Comment
Comment
Jenny Hocking
Understanding Albanese’s mandate
“Whitlam’s claim to ‘a mandate from the people to carry out all its programs’ is both a statement of political intent and a pointer to the role of ‘the people’ in the notion of the mandate. Seen in this way, the mandate is much more than simply an expression of electoral algebra.”
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
Culture
Profile
Pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk
For acclaimed Ukrainian–Australian pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk, music expresses the glory of human possibility and freedom.
Books
Life
Puzzles
Quotes
Craft
“I’ve always loved knitting, it’s something that helps me unwind and clear my head.”
The One Nation leader lists her hand-knitted jumpers for sale online. Presumably purl stitch is the work the devil made for idle hands.
Celebrity
“I hope my dead pets buried in that backyard haunt you until you descend into a slow and unrelenting madness.”
The daughter of musician Paul Simon curses Richard Gere, who bought her childhood home before selling it to a property developer. Frankly, it’s not the worst thing Gere has allegedly done to a family pet.
Politics
“He would have had half of it done already.”
The son of former Queensland premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen says his father would have made more of the economic opportunities in the forthcoming Brisbane Olympics. The Fitzgerald Inquiry probably agrees.
Environment
“We’re not at a point where people are giving us firm commitments, but we are encouraged by the reception…”
The environment minister lobbies member countries from the United Nations World Heritage Committee to list the rock art at Murujuga for protection. If only they could find out who was damaging it and stop them.
Council
“I know that Charles Pugsley has alluded to the idea that he knows more about what children need because he is young.”
The Greens councillor expresses concern after a 19-year-old Reform UK member was put in charge of children’s services at Leicestershire County Council. It’s hard to know who has the better surname.
Deaths
“He was known for his trademark neckerchief and signature catchphrases ‘G’day’ and ‘Where’s the cheese?’ ”
The broadcaster marks the death of television chef Peter Russell-Clarke. It’s hard to call “G’day” a catchphrase, but it’s better than “Ah shit, fuck off, three words down and I’m buggered.”
