Tobacco industry playbook used to kill renewables
Anti-renewable lobbyists have infiltrated politics, and are exploiting the tricks learned from Big Tobacco.
News
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Secret Australia-Saudi deal on intelligence
Leaked cables reveal the intelligence links between the Saudi Arabian and Australian governments, and the Saudi influence on Muslim communities here.
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Tony Abbott rises from the ashes in election run-up
From a ‘near-death experience’ in February to preparing the Coalition for the next election, it seems Tony Abbott may be an old dog with new tricks.
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Questions arise over workplace bullying compo judgements
“Some of these psychiatrists have longstanding financially rewarding relationships with insurance companies.”
With allegations of workplace bullying and other psychological injury on the rise, questions are being asked about the system of employer-selected psychiatric assessments to determine compensation claims.
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Green groups feel squeeze over tax-deductible donations probe
A new inquiry into environmental groups’ eligibility to receive tax-deductible donations appears to be the latest salvo in a sustained campaign to crush the green movement and starve it of funds.
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TPP trade deal now racing towards vote
Japan surveys Spratly Islands. Sifting terrorists from anti-IS corps; UN reports possible Gaza war crimes; US muscles up in Eastern Europe; Timor-Leste spy saga.
Opinion
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Tony Windsor
Asylum-seeker policy a dark spot in Australia’s history
“The last thing the PM wants is a genuine consensus on the asylum-seeker issue. His entire life in politics has been based on encouraging and fanning division.”
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Paul Bongiorno
Tony Abbott’s federal election preparations
“Tony Abbott’s behaviour in recent weeks is throwing up pretty compelling evidence that he is poised to rush to the polls as soon as he thinks he has a better than even chance of winning.”
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
Culture
Alex Gibney on Scientology and his documentary Going Clear
His documentaries have reaped plaudits but Alex Gibney has also felt the wrath of those on whom he’s shone his spotlight.
Vinterberg’s Far from the Madding Crowd misses mark
The splendid cast of Thomas Vinterberg’s adaptation Far from the Madding Crowd can’t make up for the director ironing out the nuance.
John Frost on Anything Goes, a ‘souffle of a musical’
John Frost never doubted he would forge a career in the entertainment industry.
Food
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A matter of crust with quince and almond cake
Brew up a cuppa and enjoy the creamy wonders of quince and almond cake.
Life
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Carlton’s Upper House sets new apartment standard
Clever collaboration has paved the way for a bold new player on the Melbourne apartment landscape.
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Wildebeest migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti
The wildebeest migration of the Serengeti is a sight not to be missed – unless you arrive out of season.
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Standing tall: Tom Edgar, 26, volleyball player
Australian Volleyroos captain Tom Edgar on the fame and fortune of playing overseas.
Books
The Quiz
1. Name the mayor of London.
2. Odette and Odile are the lead characters in which ballet?
3. What is the name of the latest film in the Terminator franchise?
4. Which military rank is higher: captain, colonel or major?
5. Which British actor, well known for playing Dracula, died aged 93 this month?
6. Which side of the road do motorists drive on in Japan?
7. Entertainer Shawn Carter is better known by which stage name? (Bonus point for naming his wife.)
8. Which Australia town is home to the Big Prawn?
9. The top number of a fraction is called the …?
10. Which Australian Olympic gold medallist broke her wrist while competing in Rome this month?
Quotes
DISCOURSE
“We all know that Q&A is a lefty lynch mob and we will be looking at this and we will bring something back when we return.”
The prime minister reminds the country of its designated and clearly marked lynch mob zones inside the pages of the News Corp papers.
PARLIAMENT
“A bit like a Wagner opera – moments of sheer bliss interspersed with utter boredom.”
The Liberal Democrat senator describes parliament. Except that nowhere in the 15 hours of Wagner’s Ring Cycle does the composer express a pseudo-scientific fear of wind farms.
LEGACY
“There goes the heart and soul of the New South Wales right. Off to casino land, the moral epicentre of that particular factional grouping.”
The two-time former prime minister dismisses powerbroker Mark Arbib in the ABC documentary The Killing Season. At time of press, Rudd’s moral epicentre could not be located.
HAIR
“It’s not wigs or anything like that.”
The controversial former Victorian MP explains that while he is now general manager of a hair transplant clinic, he still has his standards.
TERRORISM
“I am sorry for the lives I have taken, for the suffering that I have caused you, for the damage I have done – irreparable damage.”
The Boston Marathon bomber confesses his crimes before being sentenced to death.
MEMORY
“I made a mistake in that radio interview. I regret that.”
The opposition leader apologises for making a mistake – see also: lying – in an interview about whether or not he was discussing replacing Julia Gillard with Kevin Rudd. Which he was. And which he did.
