June 29 – July 5, 2019
News
Comment
Comment
Andrew Leigh
Social liberalism fits Labor
“The Liberal Party of Australia is now a LINO party: Liberal In Name Only. It’s a fitting acronym. After all, lino was Australia’s favourite floor covering in the 1950s … After Labor’s unexpected election loss, our renewal may be found in an unlikely spot – welcoming not only those inspired by egalitarianism, but also those motivated by social liberalism.”
Comment
Paul Bongiorno
Labor’s contortions on tax package
“From New York, Josh Frydenberg aimed a political missile with laser-like accuracy. ‘Earth to Anthony Albanese: Labor lost the election. Now it’s time to support the Coalition’s tax cuts in full.’ It hit the opposition midship, striking at the vulnerability dividing Albanese’s shadow cabinet and caucus. From Germany, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann added his firepower. He accused Labor of playing tactical political games with the economy and with people’s livelihoods.”
Letters, Poem & Editorial
Culture
Profile
Palme d’Or winner Bong Joon-ho
Rather than worrying about the nuclear threat from his homeland’s northern neighbour, South Korean director and screenwriter Bong Joon-ho has used his latest Palme d’Or-winning film, Parasite, to home in on the country’s increasing economic divide. “Of course we do worry about North Korea and want peace to come and our relationship to improve, but it’s not something that happens right next to me. What we really feel with our skin are economic issues.”
Theatre
MTC’s Storm Boy
Although Melbourne Theatre Company’s Storm Boy is lushly produced, Colin Thiele’s story is showing its age – particularly in the face of a global climate emergency.
Portrait
DJ and sound artist Lucreccia Quintanilla
“Behind my house [in El Salvador] was a reception centre and they’d have weddings and parties. I would go to sleep with the low-frequency thump thump thumping in the background – and I kid you not, when I first started to go out clubbing, I would fall asleep in the nightclub, because I think my brain would say, ‘Bedtime.’ ”
Books
Life
Puzzles
Quotes
DIVINITY
“There is a conspiracy to silence Israel Folau and to destroy him.”
The News Corp columnist says powerful forces are organising against the rugby player. Well, God does have a plan for everyone.
CAREERS
“I am looking forward to providing strategic advice to EY, as the firm looks to expand its footprint in the defence industry.”
The former defence minister takes up a job with the multinational just weeks after leaving parliament. In retiring from politics it seems he’s looking forward to (putting the) rest (in conflict of interest).
SPORT
“I’m not going to the fucking White House.”
The United States captain responds to a question about the prospect of her team winning the soccer World Cup. Her words will surely inspire young girls to play sport, so they too can emphatically turn down an offer to meet Donald Trump.
TELEVISION
“Now he’s machinegunning the institution of the Logies, which is the only institution we have.”
The host lashes out at comedian Tom Gleeson over his campaign for Australian TV’s top prize. Without doubt, the nuanced and subtle performance you’d expect from a Gold Logie winner.
PERMANENCE
“I promised my supporters that I would get a tattoo if we retained the seat of Pearce with an increased majority. The #ink is done.”
The attorney-general shares a photo of his new Star Wars tattoo on Instagram. Unfortunately, it does not appear to be on his lower back.
TRAVEL
“Walking through JFK yesterday ... The happiest line was the people going to Paris. It made me smile. It made me melancholic. C’est la vie, c’est l’amour. There’s only one Paris.”
The actor makes his pitch to be The Saturday Paper’s poet laureate.
