Stop press
"We have become a right-wing, conservative party." — Former prime minister Malcolm Fraser on the Liberal Party.
Falling out
"I don't see much joy in sitting down there seeing someone who I have lost a lot of respect for." — NSW Liberal MLA Joe Schipp on his party leader and premier, John Fahey, explaining his (Schipp's) decision to boycott Question Time. Schipp was sacked from state cabinet by Fahey in May.
Radical
"Making Australia a republic has turned out to mean radical change." — Ex-PM and current TV presenter Bob Hawke.
Off with his head?
British opponents of the Maastricht treaty are reported to have prosecutors investigating whether foreign minister Douglas Hurd is guilty of violating the Treason Act of 1795. They say the treason consisted of making the queen a subject of Europe by signing the treaty.
Comeback chance for Fine Cotton
"Chinese officials from the Shenzhen Jockey Club will tour Australian racing and breeding facilities in November, preparatory to racing being resumed in mainland China." — Financial Review, September 10.
Pick the key word
"A fierce campaigner, she neither rises to the bait nor flinches when attacked. Stone-faced, she just keeps boring in." — David O'Reilly in the Bulletin on Liberal Senator Bronwyn Bishop.
Happy
"I don't see the GST as baggage. One, because we dropped it and two, because Keating is implementing it." — Liberal MP and former shadow treasurer Peter Reith.