March 29 – April 4, 2025
News
Comment
Comment
Michael Pascoe
Trump is not an aberration
“It would be comforting to think Donald Trump is an outlier, that this, too, will pass. Alas, while Trump is abhorrent, he is not an aberration. His administration is the fulfilment of conservative America’s drift further and further right into populist nationalism and isolationism.”
Comment
John Hewson
Four leaders unwriting the rule of law
“One of the most disturbing recent global trends has been the attempts by governments to attack the independence of the judiciary. United States President Donald Trump has become almost obsessed with undermining the Department of Justice and weaponising its processes.”
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
Culture
Profile
Perfume Genius on guts and Glory
Mike Hadreas, the force behind Perfume Genius, has spent his life navigating the torments of his physical being to create albums of rare beauty.
Books
Life
Puzzles
Quotes
Security
“Nobody’s texting war plans ... they even changed the title to attack plans, because they know it’s not war plans.”
The United States secretary of defence clarifies that the Signal group into which a journalist was invited and where Hegseth was planning air strikes on Yemen was not such a big deal. Anyway, about Hillary’s emails…
Art
“He looks wonderful, but the one on me is truly the worst.”
The US president complains about a presidential portrait hung in the Colorado State Capitol, saying the same artist had done a better job with Barack Obama. In the painting, Trump looks like a particularly vain cut of silverside.
Signage
“I apologise for the removal of the sign. It should not have happened.”
The member for Kooyong apologises after a man was recorded tearing down a sign from her rival’s campaign. The man turned out to be Ryan’s husband.
Cars
“This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will be pursued, caught and brought to justice.”
The director of the FBI announces a taskforce investigating the vandalism of Teslas. It’s a race between that and product recalls.
Mascots
“Nothing like this will ever happen again.”
The Rabbitoh’s 81-year-old mascot apologises after pushing a nine-year-old after a game against the Cronulla Sharks. It’s probably the most wholesome NRL story of the decade.
Fish
“Have you sold out your environmental credentials for a rotting, stinking extinction salmon?”
The Greens senator brings a large salmon into the chamber to protest against new environmental laws. The dead fish was more lifelike than at least a dozen senators and certainly Ralph Babet.
