Exceptions make the rule
“I don't think Australians will ever so far lose their common sense as to elect stupid people.” — PM John Menzies Howard explaining in the August 23 Age why the new military powers legislation us unlikely to be abused by federal government.
Smiley
“It's a bit like getting a star or smiley stamp on your homework.” — Michael Egan, NSW treasurer, on the state government discontinuing bonuses averaging $13,000 a year for senior public servants.
Indeed
“If [Doug Cameron] was really concerned about manufacturing jobs, he would be targeting both parties.” — Industrial relations minister Peter Reith, on the AMWU leader's plan to run “pro-jobs” candidates who support Labor in the next federal election.
Modern workplace
“This is work, not watching the Olympics.” — A spokesperson for federal financial services minister Joe Hockey, who will be working in Westpac's corporate box at the Games.
Cooperative
“The approach this government has taken is that you can work very cooperatively with landholders.” — A spokesperson for NSW agriculture minister Richard Amery, whose office has mounted no prosecutions in 2½ years despite 100,000 hectares being illegally cleared annually.
Interested
“I have some interest in human rights law — in fact, it was the only law subject I got a distinction in when I was at law school.” — Senator Amanda Vanstone trying to excuse her support for the government's refusal to ratify the optional protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
