Australia's impotence in influencing events in its own backyard is being demonstrated in dramatic fashion this week as the Fijian dictator, Frank Bainimarama, fulfils his long-held ambition to assume the chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. All of the other Melanesian leaders - from Papua New Guinea, the Solomons, Vanuatu plus the Kanak … [Read more...] about #18 CHAIRMAN FRANK’S PACIFIC COUP
#17 THE LIGHT ON THE HILL EXTINGUISHED
The Australian Labor Party's worst election result in New South Wales in more than a century can't simply be written off as an enraged electorate taking its revenge on a corrupt and incompetent government. It's also the writing on the wall for federal Labor as its traditional support base of aspirational blue and white collar workers and … [Read more...] about #17 THE LIGHT ON THE HILL EXTINGUISHED
#16 SUPPING WITH THE DEVIL
Tony Abbott is playing with electoral fire with his latest foray outside the doors of the parliament to join what the organisers described as a grassroots protest against the Government's carbon tax but seemed more like a gathering of the looniest of Australia's looney right. The opposition leader seems to have no compunction whatsoever to be seen … [Read more...] about #16 SUPPING WITH THE DEVIL
#15 POSTCARD THEODORE: SURVIVING DISASTER
With so much loss of life from recent natural catastrophes in Japan and New Zealand, the floods and cyclone that swept north-eastern Australia at the start of the year have largely become yesterday's news for all but those directly affected. Yet up and down the Queensland coast and hinterland, there are inspiring stories of resilience and the human … [Read more...] about #15 POSTCARD THEODORE: SURVIVING DISASTER
#14. A QUESTION OF RESPECT
Australians are renowned for their disrespect for authority. Usually this is cast as a healthy disrespect, as if the very notion of authority sits uncomfortably on the broad shoulders of your average laconic Aussie. We seem to regard ourselves as perfectly entitled to tell anyone in authority to "get stuffed", especially if that person is an effwit … [Read more...] about #14. A QUESTION OF RESPECT
#13 WHEN THE NEWS ITSELF IS A DISASTER
The global ABC "how to do it" guide to round-the-clock news coverage has it that when a big story breaks on multiple fronts like the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, you stick with it come what may. You drop everything and devote all your resources to covering what you can. You should also provide regular updates and recaps for … [Read more...] about #13 WHEN THE NEWS ITSELF IS A DISASTER