Loose cannons

Precedent

"The Indonesian government used to complain about the Australian media like this. I just never thought I would hear it from an Australian foreign minister." — Indonesian journalist Ratih Hardjono on Alexander Downer's complaint that the media are overplaying the significance of Pauline Hanson.

Leaders

"I rang Mr Howard's office and there was no comment. I tried Mr Downer's office and there was just nothing." — Ratih Hardjono on the government's response to Pauline Hanson's parliamentary maiden speech.

Vote for dummy

"We certainly don't want candidates commenting on issues they know nothing about, for example, government policy." — NT Country Liberal Chief Minister Shane Stone, explaining why the CLP had banned all of its candidates except ministers from talking to the ABC.

Nothing is forever

"Are they finished forever? The answer is a resounding no." — BT executive vice-president Olev Rahn on the collapsing Asian "tiger" economies.

Your money or your life

"We have to try to balance competing priorities." — Federal health minister Michael Wooldridge, indicating that the government will not further restrict tobacco sponsorship of sporting events.

Unsporting

"We are trying to play the game in this place, but you're not giving us a chance." — ALP MP Simon Crean in federal parliament on September 4, expressing frustration at Coalition MPs' conduct during a debate.

No change

"There will be a great emphasis on user pays." — Mark Addis, chief executive of the Australian Bankers' Association, explaining that government measures to increase financial sector competition will lead to higher bank charges.

From GLW issue 289