Loose cannons

Issue 

Money's the answer

"We recognise that AIDS is a major problem, but weakening intellectual property rights is not the solution." — Alan Holmer, president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association of America, opposing regulations allowing poor countries to import cheap, generic anti-AIDS drugs.

Where should we begin ...

"I'm not sure what I would be resigning over." — Federal health minister Michael Wooldridge's reply to calls that he resign over the imaging scan scam.

Just ask Murdoch and Packer

You can't take the benefits if you don't do the hard work." — Treasurer Peter Costello justifying the Coalition's tax "reform" during his budget speech.

Bosses' laws

"The rule of law in a democratic society does not permit any member of that society, no matter how powerful, to pick and choose the laws or court orders that are to be observed." — Justice Ron Merkel on why he ruled that three Victorian trade union leaders (Dean Mighell, Craig Johnston and Cesar Melham) are guilty of contempt of the Federal Court for defying a court order to stop holding mass meetings of union members last year.

Family values

"[It will] keep families together while ensuring they can do their job." — Special minister of state, Senator Christopher Ellison explaining why the government supports the Remuneration Tribunal's decision to allow, not only MPs spouses, but now also their children and nannies to travel, at taxpayers' expense, with the MP on official government business.

Shame on them

"Schools will use any excuse available to obtain extra money to upgrade their texts." — NSW Labor education minister John Aquilina explaining why no more government funds would be available to cover the costs of implementing the new HSC syllabus.

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