News
Abbott government’s uneasy dealings with China
After an initial fumble, and an angry rebuke, the government is preparing to offer Chinese business more than just a free trade agreement.
March 15 – 21, 2014
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The Quiz
Quotes
AVIATION
“Do you know a footballer by the name of Balotelli?’’
The Malaysian civil aviation chief tries to describe the appearance of men travelling on stolen Austrian and Italian passports aboard missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370. Mario Balotelli is an AC Milan striker known for his flamboyant appearance.
LITERATURE
“The truth is, occasionally, yes.”
The prime minister answers a question on Perth’s Nova FM about whether he reads on the toilet. The West Australian election will in part determine the future of this country.
VEXILLOLOGY
“It’s my belief that the design of the New Zealand flag symbolises a colonial and post-colonial era whose time has passed.”
The New Zealand prime minister postponing a referendum on the ensign originally slated to coincide with a general election this year.
DEATH
“I thought this is going to be a great shot, and all of sudden it propped on its front and started stabbing wildly, hundreds of strikes in a few seconds.”
The cameraman recalls Steve Irwin’s last moments. He said the stingray barb that killed Irwin “went through his chest like hot butter”.
POLITICS
“Troy has had a turbulent career —tragically maybe it all became too much.”
The WA premier explains that he has accepted his treasurer’s resignation as Troy Buswell remains under medical care for a breakdown.
NEGOTIATIONS
‘‘Gillard effectively offered me Denison for keeps in mid-2011.”
The Tasmanian independent reveals in a long essay one of the former prime minister’s strategies for shoring up a hung parliament.
