Vale Ray Lawler, one of our greatest playwrights
Ray Lawler’s death should have been a day of national mourning as many in the know regard Summer of the Seventeenth Doll as one of the 20th century’s finest plays.
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The things I’ve collected all my life
Like bowerbirds decorating their sex dens, like squirrels gathering nuts for winter, humans are natural-born collectors. For some of us, the impulse becomes an addiction. I am one of them.
The one negative about all these gold medals
It must have been tricky to pen an inspiring anthem when the only words that rhyme with Australia are regalia, genitalia and failure. But who the hell is this Gert who lives by sea?
’I have never, ever been censored in The Australian’
I remain free to write whatever I like. The question – perhaps you could call it a mystery – remains: Why do they keep me on? Perhaps it’s just that they haven’t noticed I’m still here.
They’re our friends – and they’re in trouble
We slaughter Australian trees in their millions. In Tasmania, a horror story is unfolding.
‘Bugger Bognor’: the incredible history of famous last words
I’ve long been interested in people’s last words – seeking inspiration for my own. Why was this town on England’s south coast the focus of King George V’s dying breath?
Suicide is unique to the human race. What drives it?
With all the woes and worries of the world, from wars to our attempts to voluntarily euthanise the planet, it’s little wonder we’re so depressed.
As my career on radio comes to an end, I want to pay tribute
It’s official. ABC managing director David Anderson has unceremoniously dumped me on the footpath at 700 Harris Street, Ultimo, for council collection.
Jews have given the world so many of its best comedians
Laughter can neither save you from death nor delay it – but it can deny its total victory. You see that in the phenomenon of black humour, and even more in Jewish humour.
![1958. The Prime Minister, Mr Menzies, beams at the Liberal Women’s Club on Saturday night after progressive counting indicated that the Liberal-Country Party coalition would win the Federal election.[Sun 24/11/1958]1958 Federal Election. Robert Menzies.](https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/e435926c164a7265759aa58944775b32?width=650)
Politics used to be a civil business. But no more
Once upon a time in Australian politics, friendships transcended parties. I remember when a conservative like Sir Robert Menzies could be on very cordial terms with a lefty like Jim Cairns – and grief-stricken by the death of Ben Chifley.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/phillip-adams/page/4