March 14 – 20, 2020
News
Comment
Comment
Shakira Hussein
Christchurch and the threat of right-wing extremism
“Muslims living in Australia were haunted by Christchurch – and Quebec, and Utøya – long before these names became shorthand for the crimes committed there. Because running alongside the mass killings, quietly, there has been a slow-motion massacre of Muslims living in the West in the years since September 11, 2001, as one hate crime steadily piled upon another.”
Comment
Paul Bongiorno
Morrison announces ‘Team Australia’ stimulus
“The coronavirus-induced panic that has caused the great run on toilet paper is not confined to the herd instinct of millions of shoppers. Fear of being the first government to preside over the end of 30 years of uninterrupted growth is gripping Scott Morrison and his entire Coalition outfit.”
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
Culture
Profile
The Australian Ballet’s Alice Topp
As a homesick teenager from Bendigo, Alice Topp dreamed of dancing with The Australian Ballet. Now she is also a resident choreographer with the company, and only the second woman to hold the title. She speaks about the creative collaboration of her latest work, Logos. “We are in a vulnerable space together, and it’s a safe space and we’re free to have our own voice and it’s a really special journey for me. I can’t imagine creating any other way.”
Theatre
Emerald City
MTC and Queensland Theatre’s revival of Emerald City brings the distinctly Australian dramatic idiom of playwright David Williamson into focus once more. Skilfully led by Nadine Garner, the work still has much to offer.
Books
Life
Puzzles
Quotes
PATRIOTISM
“This is a Team Australia moment.”
The prime minister requests Australia follow his example in order to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Invoking a puppet film from the makers of South Park is an interesting move, but Morrison is an interesting man.
EMPLOYMENT
“This national tour is taking me away from my day-to-day job, so I think it’s only fair that I get paid.”
The television presenter defends his $347,000 taxpayer-funded contract as national careers ambassador, which has required him to host one event. Eccentric as it seems, it’s the government’s only attempt to address stagnant wage growth.
SCRUTINY
“I immediately asked the police commissioner to investigate the operation of the CSNSW firing range to ensure they comply with the relevant legislation.”
The New South Wales Police minister responds to news a rifle range at the John Morony Correctional Complex is allowing the use of prohibited weapons, but only because Elliott shared photographs of himself firing the weapons on Facebook.
SAVINGS
“Many people would have already made provisions for that because of course the purpose of casual employment is that you’re paid extra in lieu of entitlements.”
The minister explains why the government will not be extending sick leave entitlements to Australia’s casual employees. Possibly it’s expected some will be able to have the virus part-time.
COURT
“Although this is a first conviction, it is not a first offence.”
The judge sentences Harvey Weinstein to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual assault. If Weinstein ages at the same rate he has during the trial, he will be 312 by the time he’s released.
POLITICS
“It is actually a disservice to the voters, really, is what’s happening here.’’
The United States congresswoman reacts to being shut out of the Democratic primary debate. Always one to respect the public’s wishes, Gabbard has directed hundreds of thousands of dollars donated to her campaign to a fringe Hare Krishna cult.
