Where there’s smoke, there’s a failed vaping policy
Ross Fitzgerald
Why has the ALP deserted its key constituency?
In the last decade, Australia has witnessed slow wage growth, higher inflation, mortgage stress, prohibitive energy prices and a rising cost of living. Yet the Albanese government has done little to alleviate economic and social pressures that especially bite in Labor electorates.
The revision of the stage three tax cuts may have somewhat improved Labor’s standing following the rejection of the Voice referendum in 2023. But the Albanese government remains under huge pressure, and not just about …

Days of drunken pollies and urinating in the chamber

ROSS FITZGERALD

Like many people, I have been following the Barnaby Joyce story with interest. Perhaps more interest than some, for a number of reasons.

I must say that I find it disgusting that whoever filmed the video of a well-known federal MP collapsed on a main street in Canberra did not have the decency to offer him some assistance. Is this how people behave in the age of social media?
Joyce was candid about his situation and admitted that alcohol was a factor in …

Help is there if it is needed
ROSS FITZGERALD
   Like many readers I have been following the Barnaby Joyce story with interest. Perhaps more interest than some, for a number of reasons.
I must say that I find it disgusting that whoever filmed this video of a well-known Federal MP collapsed on a main street in Canberra did not have the decency to offer him some assistance. Is this how people behave in the age of social media?
Barnaby Joyce was candid about his situation and admitted that alcohol was a factor in his …

Working with  Barry Humphries
ROSS FITZGERALD
Barry Humphries and I were friends for more than 60 years.
We drank together, got sober together, and also worked with each other.
In 1972, when we were two years sober, I played a small role in Barry’s raucous Australian comedy, The Adventures of Barry McKenzie.  In this path-breaking Australian film (or “fillum” as my father used to say), Barry not only played Edna Everage but a number of other characters as well, including the mad psychiatrist, Dr Humphrey de Lamphrey. I was one of Bazza’s mates farewelling him …