Out of the hammock and into safety net for Amy and Ashleigh
Plus: Banging the Drum slowly (and quietly) at the ABC, and terrorism remains an “irritant”
Policy by Allen key? Social Services Minister Christian Porter announcing plans for a new welfare regime, National Press Club, yesterday:
It’s so much better than what we’re using at the moment, which is just instinct. We’re assembling Ikea furniture in the dark at the moment.
More from Porter, yesterday:
We are trying to move people out of the system … To that extent we are using employment as a proxy for the better life … These types of jobs are far better than 40-odd years inside the welfare system.
Young Sydney-area welfare recipients “Amy” and “Ashleigh”, as quoted in The Daily Telegraph, September 16:
I would tell you it’s hard to get a job but to be honest I don’t even try. Centrelink pays my rent and that’s all I need.
Sydney radio 2GB’s Ray Hadley dobbing in the pair to Scott Morrison, yesterday:
It’s simply a matter of going out there and saying, ‘‘Here they are, they’ve identified themselves, it’s our belief they never wish to work — good, they’re entitled not to work, but get them off whatever Centrelink payment they’re on tomorrow’’, because I guarantee today those same two girls are still drawing money on the public purse.
Time to polish those CVs? The Treasurer responds, yesterday:
Leave it with me. I’ll have a chat with Christian.
Your tax dollars off work. The Australian on the demise of ABC’s opinion website, The Drum, July 5:
ABC director of news Gaven Morris has told staff opinion website The Drum will close on Monday …
Reopen for business? The ABC’s rebranded “analysis & opinion” putting a team of three journos on the case, yesterday:
Halal snack packs, the Family Court, Christmas carols and Australia Post: Senator Pauline Hanson’s maiden speech was a wide-ranging affair. What’s it all about? We’ve checked statements and gathered the background. Click or tap on the blue highlighted parts to get the lowdown.
Meanwhile, in the US. AFP reports, yesterday:
The Afghan immigrant arrested in the bombings that rocked a New York City neighbourhood and a New Jersey shore town is now facing attempted murder charges over his dramatic capture.
You know, like a mosquito bite. Waleed Aly, The Sydney Morning Herald, April 19, 2013:
Terrorism is a perpetual irritant.
Surely they don’t mean … the British Telegraph reports on the race for UN Secretary-General, yesterday:
The race to be the next Secretary-General of the UN remains wide open as speculation mounts that the current frontrunner for the job could be sidelined by a surprise last-minute entry to the contest.
Phew! The Telegraph continues:
But, with the UN having stated that it is high time for a woman to lead the 70-year-old organisation, many expect Bulgarian diplomat Kristalina Georgieva to throw her hat in the ring.
Damned supermarkets, making food affordable! Herald, yesterday:
Big supermarkets blamed for ‘‘ridiculous’’ strawberry price drop
Damned kittens, killing us all! Headline, British Telegraph, Monday:
Cuddling kittens can kill you, warn scientists