Loose cannons

Consumer resistance

"Paying somewhere in the order of $10,000 to guarantee an Olympic seat is going to turn a lot of people off the idea of attending." — Dr Rob Hall, director of the Centre for Visitor Studies, on a poll which showed little enthusiasm for $10,000 "gold memberships" which guarantee seats for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Time for promises again

"[ALP national secretary] Mr [Gary] Gray said the party platform would have to be overhauled because it was designed for a party in government, not in opposition." — Sydney Morning Herald, March 22.

... us

"We've always said that if anyone has any information, give it to the proper authorities." — Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, refusing to call an inquiry into charges about improper government behaviour in the granting of the Crown Casino licence.

Accentuate the positive — 1

"There is no need to feel ashamed for the police culture. There are a lot of positives in it." — Lloyd Taylor, secretary of the NSW Police Association.

Accentuate the positive — 2

"The operation was successful but the wrong people were killed." — South African former military intelligence officer Johan Opperman, testifying in the trial of former apartheid defence minister Magnus Malan, charged with conspiracy to murder 13 church people, mainly women and children, in 1987.

Nothing new

"I am used to such criticism." — Sydney University chancellor Dame Leonie Kramer, responding to complaints that the selection of a new vice-chancellor is too secretive and dictatorial.

From GLW issue 226