News in five.
1. Morrison bets on Berejiklian revival
Prime Minister Scott Morrison directly lobbied Gladys Berejiklian to nominate for the federal seat of Warringah, and personally intervened to delay the close of preselection nominations.
2. Labor’s emissions target not up for debate
Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen has said his party’s emissions reduction target is not up for negotiation, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the party could cut a deal with the Greens.
3. Queensland opens to fully vaxxed
Queensland will reopen its borders to interstate Covid-19 hotspots on December 13, as the state approaches its target of full vaccinations for 80% of the population over 16.
4. Suu Kyi sentenced to two years jail
A court in Myanmar has sentenced ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi to two years jail after finding her guilty of incitement and violating pandemic restrictions.
5. Triple treat for portrait prize
Australia’s richest art prize has been split three ways for the first time, after a trio of judges all selected different winners.
News
Opinion
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
Culture
Books
Life
Puzzles
Quotes
Equality
“It’s time for more marinas large enough to cater not only for small and medium yachts, but larger ones, too.”
In a video call from the deck of her super yacht, the mining magnate complains of a lack of ports available for boats like hers in Queensland. Not all heroes wear capes but some resort wear gets dangerously close.
Politics
“I did not make a ‘noise’ I spoke when making an interjection & I certainly did not make any kind of animal noise at all.”
The Liberal senator denies allegations he impersonated a dog while Jacqui Lambie was speaking in the chamber. He said he was “doing an angry voice”, which does make him sound like a four-year-old recounting a disagreement with his father.
Retirement
“It’s sad and wrong that a capable person’s contribution can be curtailed in this way.”
The former prime minister laments Christian Porter’s decision to retire at the next election. For legal reasons, there is no joke on this item.
Technology
“It was more of a technical snafu, me being a bit of a boomer rather than anything calculated!”
The assistant minister for Women is caught using an anonymous social media account to praise her own work. The self-catfish is becoming a specialty of this government.
Retirement II
“No more brilliant mind, no greater friend, no person of greater integrity … someone with a massive heart.”
The prime minister farewells Greg Hunt, who is not recontesting his seat. For all those qualities, the Health minister somehow always looks as though he is wearing an empty suit.
Opposition
“We said we wouldn’t allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good.”
The opposition leader ends the parliamentary year saying the Labor Party supported every piece of legislation put up during the pandemic. Certainly, perfection never once seemed to get in their way.
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