May 18 – 24, 2019
News
Comment
Comment
Stan Grant
The Uluru Statement is a source of hope
“As politicians look to exploit the fringes, and governments are reluctant to implement reforms, what chance do Indigenous issues have? Yet these questions are fundamental to who we are as a nation, as a people: identity, the legacy of history, the challenges of diversity and pluralism, whether government can be truly representative.”
Comment
Paul Bongiorno
A brooding reluctance in voter-land
“Bill Shorten began the week on an upbeat note, saying he had detected a mood for change. Constant opinion polling has reinforced his discerned wisdom but there is a brooding reluctance in voter-land. One of Shorten’s key strategists was quietly confident midweek of a Labor win, “but it’s a white-knuckle ride”. It is because Scott Morrison has proved a formidable campaigner and has been able to mobilise Australian voters’ fear of change.”
Letters, Poem & Editorial
Culture
Profile
Stage advice from actor Hugo Weaving
During his illustrious career, Hugo Weaving has consistently returned to the STC stage, where he currently stars in Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The actor discusses his upbringing, his concerns about the local film industry, and sharing the stage with his son. “I thought Harry would be really good in the role. But I didn’t say anything. I didn’t want any sense of nepotism. I just don’t think that’s right.”
Theatre
Malthouse Theatre’s Cloudstreet
Although the Malthouse Theatre’s production of Cloudstreet is flawed, its failings cannot overshadow the fundamental power of Tim Winton’s novel.
Portrait
Queensland Ballet’s artistic director Li Cunxin
“The 12 graceful young men move together like a pod of mythical sea creatures, cresting, breaching, elegantly powering through the space as if it is water. Piqué. Arabesque. Sauté. The absolute control over their bodies. Their muscles coiled and taut. The confidence as they lift and hold, sway, then relax into each other with fluidity and apparent effortlessness. Mesmerising. And overseeing every move of every dancer, watching intently with a critical eye, is Li Cunxin, artistic director of Queensland Ballet. ”
Books
Life
Puzzles
Quotes
POLITICS
“I’m not running for pope, I’m running for prime minister.”
The Liberal leader responds to a question about whether he thinks gay people will go to hell. In fairness, aspirant pope hopefuls stopped stabbing their predecessors in the back centuries ago.
VOTING
“Put a face on your politics. Know who you are voting for and why. Understand the power of your preferences. Be safe out there. Have a grand week.”
The Oscar winner gives his fans some sage advice ahead of polling day and he makes it all sound so easy. If only working out preference flows didn’t require some Beautiful Mind-level wall calculations.
CLIMATE
“We will take this emergency seriously.”
The Labor leader says his party will not leave climate change for the next generation to deal with. He’s so serious about it that he’s pledged $1.5 billion to support fracking in northern Australia.
CAREER
“I’m not looking to get a government job. I’m very happy to pursue opportunities in the private sector.”
The former foreign minister bats away speculation about her future at a Liberal campaign event in Perth. By pursue opportunities, she means double her salary.
DUTTON
“Paul Keating almost destroyed my dad’s small business with his heartless mismanagement of the economy and he inspired me to join the Liberal Party.”
The Home Affairs minister lashes out at the former prime minister after Keating called him the most “mean-spirited” politician he’d seen in 50 years. Finally, someone to blame for Dutton getting into politics.
IN MEMORIAM
“The one, the only, the woman who inspired so much of what I do... Doris Day I love you, my calamity Jane.”
The British designer farewells the iconic actor, who died this week aged 97. Vale.
