Loose cannons

Stop press

"I ceased being a democratic socialist long ago." — His Excellency the Governor General Bill Hayden, in a speech to the Stock Exchange.

Careless driving

"While we may wish to applaud this effort [to achieve "sustained economic improvement"], we should do so with one hand, for we need the other constantly on the steering wheel of economic management and restructuring." — The GG, sharing with the Stock Exchange his meditations on the sound of one hand clapping.

Watch out, Australia

"BHP believes Ok Tedi Mine's commitment to environmental and social responsibility is the equal of any operation in Australia." — A spokesperson for BHP, which for years has been dumping 80,000 tonnes of mining waste per day into the Ok Tedi River system.

Refreshing

"Almost 100 of Indonesia's wealthiest businessmen have pledged to try to overcome the vast differences between rich and poor ... [after they] attended a three-day refresher course on the state ideology, Pancasila." — Melbourne Herald Sun, August 29.

Challenge for Martin

"... the old ideological cement which once united the [ALP] Left no longer exists. Adherence to lofty principles has shrunk to an unseemly scramble for jobs. There is really nothing left for Martin to unite." — Former Labor Senator "Diamond Jim" McClelland in the Sydney Morning Herald on Martin Ferguson's statement that one of his aims as a parliamentarian will be to unite the Labor left.

Study hard and become a dollar

"Because it improves a country's stock of human capital, education is an important factor in raising output." — The Economist, reporting a World Bank study on why women should have access to education.