Until after the next election
“We have been down that track once before, and you can rest assured we will not be increasing taxes in our tax policy.” -- Shadow treasurer Alexander Downer on Liberal policy.
Presumption
“We oppose people being taken off pay until the matter is resolved because there is a presumption of innocence and we think this should remain.” -- Lloyd Taylor, secretary of the NSW Police Association, opposing the state government's decision to stop paying suspended police awaiting trial on criminal charges. In the past two years, the state has paid $2 million to officers in that situation.
Tradition
“Obviously, when you grow up with things you don't necessarily notice they are out of whack till someone points it out to you.” -- NSW assistant police commissioner Jeff Jarratt on evidence to the Independent Commission Against Corruption that police often kept inquiry files at home and retained them even after leaving the Police Service.
But still hoping
“This review has identified no specific source of potential military threat to Australia or our interests.” -- The federal government's Strategic Review 1993.
They ask questions
“The media up here are obviously left wing.” -- NT Country Liberal Party MP Max Ortman, announcing his retirement from politics at the next election. Ortman is the politician infamous for wrapping a microphone cord around an interviewer's neck.
That we know of
“The former CIA director Mr Robert Gates said it was the first time the Russians have had someone inside the [CIA] ...” -- Sydney Morning Herald report on the arrest of the former head of CIA Soviet counter-intelligence on charges of spying for the USSR.
Humanitarian
“American [foreign aid] is not charity. We do it because it is in the interest of the US, and for no other reason.” -- US secretary of state Warren Christopher.
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