DOMESTIC
Iguanagate – The neverending saga of Belinda Neal and John Della Bosca’s evening at a Gosford nightclub regathered media strength once again this week as the pair at first refused to be interviewed by police, with first Della Bosca and then Neal bowing to considerable political pressure to make themselves available.
Petrol prices – As the oil price hit US$145 a barrel, uncertainty over whether either of the political parties wanted to add or offset a carbon tax against the existing petrol excise continued, while pump prices looked set to head to new highs this weekend.
Emissions trading – The political and economic reality of the Rudd Government’s greatest challenge started to hit home this week, as the media debated what would and would not be included in an emissions trading scheme, how much pain there would be and how many rebates would be given, and whether anyone really understands what an emissions trading scheme is.
World Youth Day – There was extensive controversy in NSW this week over new laws put in place for the upcoming World Youth Day that make it a criminal offense to “annoy” event goers with inflammatory placards, t-shirts or other signs.
Cowra axe deaths – Shock and disbelief swept through the rural NSW town of Cowra and the nation this week after two small children and their grandmother were killed in an alleged axe attack. The woman’s husband has been arrested.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Zimbabwe – Robert Mugabe attended an African Union meeting in Egypt and received almost no condemnation from other African leaders, the meeting announcing their support for a power sharing arrangement, a suggestion ignored by Mugabe.
In other international news: Australian aid worker Darren Stratti was killed by bandits in Tanzania, a man stole a large forklift and killed three people before being shot by a soldier in Jerusalem, conservative Anglican bishops have rejected the leadership of the Archbishop of Canterbury for failing to condemn a gay bishop and Malaysian Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim again faced allegations of sodomy.
BUSINESS NEWS
Interest rates – The Reserve Bank once again chose not to raise interest rates at this month’s board meeting, despite inflation heading towards five per cent as retail sales figures remained strong.
In other business news – Babcock & Brown finalized the sale of some of its energy assets; and Qantas announced it may sell off part of its frequent flyer program.
TALKBACK
the travails of Belinda Neal and John Della Bosca returned to the top of the talkback list, as petrol prices maintained their permanent spot in the top five, the emissions trading scheme brought forth many different strategies from callers; Alexander Downer’s retirement was noted as was Queensland’s win in the State of Origin.
SPORT
Casey Dellacqua lost in the third round and as expected Lleyton Hewitt lost to Roger Federer in the fourth round to end Australia’s involvement in the singles at Wimbledon, while Venus and Serena headed to their third all Williams final; Queensland beat history and the loss of playmaker Scott Prince early on to win their third State of Origin series in a row, proving along the way that Blues wingers can’t jump; and the Australians continued on their winning way in the One Day Series in the West Indies.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"The most inappropriate response would be to delude ourselves, taking small actions that create an appearance of action, but which do not solve the problem”
Professor Ross Garnaut warns against a piecemeal response to climate change
Tracking the media, monitoring the message
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