Political columns, comment, cartoons and caricatures by Bruce Keogh
Rupert Murdoch’s toxic Murdochracy – a worldwide scourge on democracy
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Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Spokesperson for Media and Communications, has welcomed the appointment of Malcolm Turnbull and Sharan Burrow as co-chairs of Australians for a Murdoch Royal Commission.
So begins The Greens media release from 21 March 2023, headed:
MURDOCH ROYAL COMMISSION NEEDS SUPPORT FROM ALL SIDES OF POLITICS
Read the full release
Tanya Plibersek will not be silenced on the issue of gender inequality
“Gender inequality has been a driver of the women’s movement for many years; and economic inequality is inextricable linked with gender inequality. The equity principle at the heart of the women’s movement has a particular relevance today, in a world characterised by rising economic inequality.”
This is an extract of a speech made by Tanya Plibersek MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development, and Member for Sydney at the National Labor Women’s Conference on 2 August 2014.
Introducing Rodney Redneck next page …
Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has hit back at UN criticism of Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers
Morrison hits back:
Actual quote: “The most flagrant abuse of human rights I am aware of is the beheading and crucifying of people in Syria and Iraq, where Australia is seeking to relieve the humanitarian crisis.”
Detainees:
Possible response: Small consolation Mr Morrison. We would prefer to be beheaded and put out of our misery, rather than suffer this endless torture. Come on, be humane. Relieve our humanitarian crisis. Decapitate us! That’ll do your party the world of good in the polls. Those polls which are the reason we are here.
Morrison:
Actual quote on record: “My Christian faith remains the driving force for my family, beliefs and values.”
Possible follow-on reply to detainees: I regret to inform you whingeing pack of heathens that my Christian faith prohibits me from having you decapitated. However, your invitation does have one particularly appealing feature. It would get the UN Committee on Torture off my back for causing you – “serious physical and mental suffering” – as they claim. I can’t be accused of torturing dead people, can I? I’ll have a chat with our party pollsters and see what they think. I’ll let you know how I get on. Regards, Scott.
ABC News: New UN Human Rights chief criticises Australia’s asylum seeker policy ….
See ABC column
SBS News: Morrison hits back at UN criticism of Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers
For Christine, it’s tears of blood over logging, but John Williamson’s hit song has helped the cause:
Over the hill they go, killing another mountain
Gotta fill the quota – can’t go slow
Huge machinery wiping out the scenery
One big swipe like a shearer’s blow
Rip rip woodchip – turn it into paper
Throw it in the bin, no news today
Stirs my blood – gonna make a stand
~ Lyrics in part from the hit ‘Rip Rip Woodchip’
Full lyrics
The official video on YouTube
Media release authorised by Christine Milne (27 October 2010):
BOB BROWN TO INDUCT JOHN WILLIAMSON INTO A.R.I.A. HALL OF FAME
Release in full
Budget butcher Joe Hockey tries to make his wicked cuts look palatable – nice try Joe!
Link to related column published in The Sydney Morning Herald on 11 August 2014:
CUT YOUR LOSSES ON BUDGET, PETER COSTELLO URGES JOE HOCKEY
Joe Hockey has been urged to reboot his budget and scrap the unpopular $7 GP co-payment, with former Liberal treasurer Peter Costello saying governments have to cut their losses.
The Treasurer is struggling to convince crossbenchers to back his budget, with key measures such as the Medicare co-payment and welfare changes facing defeat.
Alan Austin writing for Independent Australia has produced a three part series:
IS AUSTRALIA RUN BY COMPULSIVE LIARS?
Part One: When is a porky a sackable offence? 12 April 2014
Part Two: Abbott’s astonishing 30 lies. 19 April 2014
Part Three: Will Bill lie like Tony to be PM? 26 April 2014
The Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie starring Greens Leader Christine Milne
Link to related column by Bob Brown published in The Guardian on 6 March 2014 in which the former Greens leader cites Tony Abbott referring to the Greens as “the devil”.
TASMANIA: A DEATH WARRANT AGAINST PRISTINE FORESTS ABBOTT HAS NEVER SEEN
Although 1% of Tasmanian jobs are in logging forests and 15% in tourism, the Liberals are pushing for a move infused with a destructive materialist ideology which will decimate the region.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is well known for her compassion towards refugees
Link to related column published in The Age 19 December 2014
AGONY OF CHILDREN TREATED WORSE THAN ANIMALS
Genuine refugees suffer on Nauru as the government works to break their spirits.
Backtrack to June 2012 ~ ABC News video of an emotional Hanson-Young wiping away tears in the Senate as she recounts the story of a young asylum seeker.
With apologies to Ned Kelly and Arthur Boyd
Link to related column published in The Age 27 August 2013:
ABBOTT FREES GAMBLING INDUSTRY FROM REFORM
The Coalition will rely on the clubs and gaming industry to develop support and counselling services for problem gamblers if it wins government.
”This is Dracula in charge of the blood bank,” Tim Costello said.
The curtain is to close on our super-hero key independents –
THE CROSSBENCHERS
Independent MP Tony Windsor has joined fellow crossbencher, independent Rob Oakeshott, in announcing he’s quitting politics at the next election.
Story from The Sydney Morning Herald 26 June 2013
Mr Murdoch, no fool whatever his other failings, realised very early on that – just like a large shareholding in a company leads to control of the company – 70% media saturation can be turned into 100% control of political discourse.
… so writes David Horton in Independent Australia on 22 May 2013 headed :
Rupert Murdoch’s journalistic cancer
In retrospect: Q&A 14 May 2012 – gay marriage watershed moment
Joe Hockey verbatim: I must confess my views have changed since I’ve had children. I think in this life we’ve got to aspire to give our children what I believe is the very best circumstances, and that’s to have a mother and a father.
Penny Wong acknowledged that comments like Hockey’s were hurtful, and concluded by calmy saying: ”I know what my family is worth.”