August 17 – 23, 2024
News
Comment
Comment
Jane Caro
How Australia shaped Trump’s education policy
“Project 2025 recommends funding American schools via a voucher system, a device developed by economist Milton Friedman in 1955 … Australia has had an ersatz voucher system since 2000, when then prime minister John Howard and his education minister, David Kemp, fundamentally deregulated the way schools could be established and funded.”
Comment
Paul Bongiorno
Labor ignores Paul Keating’s attack on AUKUS
“Far from rattling the Albanese government, Paul Keating’s verbal pyrotechnics over the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal have been taken as confirmation its credentials on national security are firmly anchored in the United States alliance – exactly where most Australians want it to remain.”
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
Culture
Profile
Performer and author Tim Minchin
Tim Minchin’s career has been a mixture of luck and hard work – and now, with the release of his new book, he’s coming out from behind the piano.
Books
Life
Puzzles
Quotes
Diplomacy
“I’ve no idea about Keating, but I think that it was a stupid statement to make.”
The former United States speaker criticises Paul Keating’s description of Taiwan as “Chinese real estate”. If anyone knows about being inappropriately owned by China, it’s him.
Prisons
“This decision has been made at a different time by a different government and a different premier.”
The Victorian premier backs away from a commitment to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14. The decision was made while more of the children she wants to lock up were still children.
Childcare
“Destroy the family unit … Brainwash children early with the woke mind virus.”
The Liberal National Party senator explains the real goals of childcare and why he opposes a pay rise for people working in the sector. If nothing else, it’s proof you can get the Leunig calendar in Queensland.
Gaming
“I’m not a wowser, I don’t mind a flutter.”
The Nationals leader explains his support for a ban on gambling advertising. It’s a rare case of him being right and he should be encouraged.
Robodebt
“So anyway, I’ll just try and use whatever powers of persuasion.”
The government services minister explains that he does not have the authority to unseal sections of the robodebt royal commission. Services Australia didn’t have the authority to pursue innocent welfare recipients either, but that didn’t stop them.
Council
“This is a debacle. There’s no other way to describe it.”
The New South Wales opposition leader explains how a missed deadline for nominations means there will be no Liberal candidates in at least eight council elections. Competent government and all that.
