May 15 – 21, 2021
News
Comment
Comment
Richard Ackland
Defamation actions by politicians
“Had Christian Porter carefully considered the sorry history of defamation actions brought by politicians against the media, he may have paused and pondered for longer. While few things are certain in life, in defamation actions all bets are off.”
Comment
Paul Bongiorno
What is Scott Morrison’s plan?
“The morning after the three-ring circus that is budget night in Canberra, Scott Morrison came close to telling the truth: that he and the treasurer are in fact flying blind. Morrison repeated in his round of dawn media interviews that he has a plan, a very big plan. But if that is meant to sound reassuring, it’s mightily hedged by an economic reality that he almost admits is out of his control.”
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
Culture
Profile
Video artist Sam Smith
When Australian video artist Sam Smith forensically dismantled his camera, the results were unexpected. A new survey of his unique brand of geographical cinema captures the fallout.
In Progress
Toni Jordan
Last year, author Toni Jordan decided to write fiction full-time, in order to pursue her goal of subverting capitalism by making people feel less miserable. She is editing her sixth book and has started writing the next one.
Fiction
Boy with no face
“The ill one. The little one. He cried and cried. Someone far held him in her hands. Like a fish. Her eyes looked at him. She said nothing. Someone far came. She touched my face with her lips. I waited over and over in the dark nights. All dark nights the same. That she would remember me. Her black hair shining. Amen. ”
Books
Life
Puzzles
Quotes
Budget
“Attending last night’s budget was the most boring thing he’s ever done.”
The treasurer recounts his four-year-old son Blake’s experience of watching the budget speech and displays a striking level of self-awareness about his oratory skills.
Equality
“We want to continue to narrow the gender pay gap.”
The minister for the Environment, representing the minister for Women, commits to doing slightly more to end pay inequality than the Morrison government is doing to address the looming threat of catastrophic climate change.
Immunity
“People will be able to simply select a vaccination site near them, follow simple directions to redeem their ride ...”
The United States president partners with ride-sharing services to ensure as many Americans as possible are vaccinated by July 4. Meanwhile, Australia pushes ahead with its celebrities, politicians and Olympians first strategy.
Diplomacy
“One country, two systems.”
The prime minister appears to attribute Australia’s Hong Kong policy to Taiwan. It’s only the second time he’s made this mistake in two weeks, proof he’s informed enough to lead Australia through this period of high regional tension.
Hospitality
“They come in not knowing the difference between a chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.”
The restaurant owner bemoans the skills of young workers applying for restaurant jobs as Australia’s border remains closed. If only they could tell the difference between a natural wine and a slightly off Yakult.
Pandemic
“I would argue it is ignorance and alarmism.”
The right-wing commentator offers puzzling support for Australians stranded in India by underplaying the seriousness of the outbreak. He quickly returned to form, arguing “there is no racism involved” in the decision to ban returns.
