Loose cannons

Supermarket's cheaper

"The idea that if you want a dentist or a doctor, you should scurry around to find the cheapest one, is quite inappropriate in a professional sense. The professional relationship is something quite different to buying goods at a supermarket." — Chester Porter, QC, deputy president of the NSW Council of Professions, explaining why professionals shouldn't have to compete with each other.

Professionals

"Some specialist doctors are receiving more than $700,000 a year in Medicare payments alone, and overstating the cost of running their practices to minimise tax, according to a study by the University of NSW." — Sydney Morning Herald, February 28.

Commitment

"There was no political intention in these actions. We see it as a demonstration of our renewed commitment to work more closely with the community on an ongoing basis." — Peter Hughes, chief executive of the Sydney Alliance (the Liberal Party name in Sydney local elections), after the Alliance was found distributing literature claiming it is the coordinator of the Clean Up Australia campaign.

What ever happened to Joh?

"The support's building up and it's growing. I have made many speeches. They come in large numbers as they always did, and people are exceedingly interested." — Joh Bjelke-Petersen on his campaign to have Tasmania secede from "socialist" Australia.

Something missing

"It is the missing part of their recovery." — Federal Treasurer Ralph Willis on business investment.

Stability

"I think the future of monetary policy ... is one of stability, for a little while anyway." — Treasurer Willis.

Testimonial

"I am on Senator Richardson's side. I think he's terrific and on the right track." — Paul Ramsay, founder of a large private health-care group, on the federal health minister.

From GLW issue 134