CityNews 251218

2025

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS…

And here it is, month by month, through the eyes of CityNews columnists – a quirky, serious, funny and sad look at the 12 months just gone.

DECEMBER 18, 2025

The year Labor screwed Canberra

Well written, well read

If you read only one of JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED’s columns this year – this one will shock you!

The year Libs gnawed their own bones “The Canberra Liberals spent the year gnawing on their own bones, becoming less and less relevant,” says MICHAEL MOORE

The year an era ended, now for terrifying “Trust in the great institutions of the past is falling by the wayside – from government to industry,” writes ROBERT MACKLIN

THREEforCHEERS

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NEWS / Murrumbateman farmers

Tonnes of grapes and berries lost to late frost

By Elizabeth

KOVACS

Canberra’s sudden November cold snap brought a terrible setback to many Murrumbateman farmers.

The late frost took up to 70 per cent of their crop for the year.

Leonie and Brett Waldock, of Vineyard 1207, were one of the many winemakers adversely affected by the frost.

“Bringing a harvest in is no mean feat,” says Brett, who has more than 20 years of experience within the food industry.

“Only one thing has to go wrong and you’ve lost everything.”

Owning the established vineyard since 2018, the winemakers have seen their vines impacted by bushfires (and the associated smoke), flooding, hail and drought. The frost damage is just the latest setback to strike the region.

“We’ve lost at least half of our merlot, maybe 60 per cent,” says Leonie.

Due to the location within a gully, the cold air settled on the merlot vines, effectively burning the leaves and fruit off.

“This will affect this year and next year’s crop,” says Brett. “There has

Winemakers Leonie and Brett Waldock… “Only one Merlot grapes wither on the vine at Vineyard 1207…

Frost affected blueberries… “Once the cell walls have thing has to go wrong and you’ve lost everything,” “This will affect this year and next year’s crop,” says fractured, the fruit dies,” says grower Greg Kovacs. says Brett.

Photo: supplied Brett Waldock.

Photo: Elizabeth Kovacs Photo: Elizabeth Kovacs been damage to the primordial shoot.”

Carrying the dormant fruiting shoot, the damage will significantly impact next year’s harvest with many of the shoots completely burnt off.

While some of the vines will survive the impact, many will have used their reserves to generate new leaves after the frost and will not be able to produce enough sugars for the fruit.

“If it’s really bad, we will take the plant out,” says Leonie.

Unlike other fruit farmers, the winemakers won’t be able to fill in the empty space with a new plant as the surrounding vines have

INDEX Arts & Entertainment 27-29 Crossword & Sudoku 31 Gardening 30 Letters 10-11 News 3-13 Politics 6, 8 Streaming 28 Wine 29 2025 Year in Review 15-26

developed roots.

“We won’t be able to put any new plants in until we decide to replant the entire field,” says Brett. “That’s the joys of farming.

The couple is looking at sourcing merlot grapes from another vineyard to allow them to continue producing the wine.

Many winemakers within the region are looking at doing the same with anywhere from 60 to 100 per cent of losses expected from the frost.

Brett and Leonie have recently opened their cellar door to the public.

The higher-planted chardonnay and

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season nears summer.

Greg says the frost (unusual for this time of year) fractured the cell walls of the forming berry.

“Once the cell walls have fractured, the fruit dies,” he says.

“Although it is devastating financially, it allows the blueberry bushes to recover and shoot new growth, which will fruit next season.

“We will still be making ice cream from our frozen stock.”

Vineyard 1207 and Bluefields Blueberries will be appearing at local markets with their produce.

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Teeth don’t regenerate once fully formed, says Whimsy columnist Clive Williams.

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cabernet grapes were unaffected by the frost.

The Waldocks weren’t the only ones impacted by the sudden frost, with blueberry farmers, Greg and Nicola Kovacs [the author’s parents] from Bluefields Blueberries, losing their entire season’s crop, about two tonnes of berries.

Berry farmers are wary of frosts when plants begin to bud, which can freeze off the development of any fruits for that season.

By the time a bush has lost its flowers in favour of berries, the uncertain period has almost passed with the weather beginning to warm up as the

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2025 POLITICS / a year of gasping for political breath

Labor’s debt drain calls while Libs fight each other “Groundhog Day” was how the year began for the hospital system in the ACT. Surprise!

Surprise! By the end of the year the term still applied.

The Canberra Liberals spent the year gnawing on their own bones, becoming less and less relevant.

At the start of the year, Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith announced an injection of $227.3million into the system “to meet demand”.

Despite this injection, the Canberra Hospital system still languishes amongst the lowest on national performance targets. Ms Stephen-Smith still languishes as the health minister.

On the Opposition benches of the ACT Legislative Assembly, the Canberra Liberals have been too busy with internal fighting to look beyond their navels.

Across the nation 2025 has seen the Liberals in free fall. The federal election resulted in the leader, Peter Dutton, losing his seat and a very diminished party returning to the parliament.

Weak oppositions are bad for democracy resulting in ineffective governments that are not being challenged nor tested.

Over a year after the October 2024 election, the Canberra Liberals have been so introspective, for example, that they have not moved to establish the Royal Commission into the Canberra hospital system that was in

to halt the ideologically based tram construction from steaming ahead.

By July, independent Fiona Carrick released a detailed analysis of the budget, stating “it is a story of ongoing and larger deficits, increasing borrowings and increasing interest payments, accompanied by routinely unrealistic forecasts”.

Ms Carrick also exposed financial misrepresentations stating, “treasury officials confirmed that interest payments on government debt are not included in the information on government spending presented on rates notices”. Standard and Poors further downgraded the ACT to a credit rating of AA+ – with Victoria, this is the equal lowest in Australia.

The Labor government has been happy to weather the storms of criticism. Meanwhile, the Canberra Liberals spent the year gnawing on their own bones, becoming less and less relevant. Finally, as the year approached the end, the leadership transitioned from Leanne Castley to Mark Parton with an attempt to pull the party together.

Myway+ proved a disaster for

Rachel Stephen-Smith… still languishing as health minister. Image: KEEPING UP THE ACT characterising her in March as the Minister for Declining Health Services. their election platform.

They are in opposition – but the Labor government does not have a monopoly on decisions taken in the Legislative Assembly. Following last year’s election, the Greens returned to the cross benches and have been sensible enough to negotiate with both the Liberals and the two independents on a range of issues.

The ACT finances remain in dire straits. The budget review released in February revealed an unsustainable debt, growing at 15 per cent each year.

On projections at the time, the forecast was for this jurisdiction to pay interest on a $12.8 billion debt by the next election in 2028. It was not enough

Transport Minister Chris Steel. His attempt to bluff through the debacle, and tough it out, resulted in a serious admonishment from the Legislative Assembly.

Surprisingly, as Treasurer, his initial budget did not create the same outcome. He was able to make compromises on a series of gaffs and get the budget accepted.

Mr Steel backed down on the most serious gaff – charging volunteers for the Working with Vulnerable People Registration. Fancy being in a Labor cabinet and approving charging volunteers who contribute so much to this community! The opprobrium for this one belongs with all the government members.

Speaking of languishing… the Integrity Commission’s report on Operation Kingfisher remains in limbo. This is the investigation “examining whether public officials within the ACT Education Directorate failed to exercise their official functions honestly and/or impartially (through 2019 and 2020) when making recommendations and decisions regarding the Campbell Primary School Modernisation Project”.

The commission held public

hearings in December 2023. Still no report! In June of this year the Integrity Commissioner stated: “Suffice to say, we estimate that the final report required to be provided to the Speaker is some months away.”

Unfortunately, and disappointingly, the credibility of the Integrity Commission has now reached the point that no-one would be surprised if the Operation Kingfisher report were to be released on Christmas Eve. At the end of the year the ACT Assembly did show some signs of maturity. Legislation introduced by independent Thomas Emerson to ensure Closing the Gap measures were taken seriously, was considered by all MLAs, modified, and then supported unanimously in the Assembly.

Let’s hope next year brings a breath of fresh air.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.

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2025 FINANCE / The the cost of the ACT’s runaway debt ‘The total deficit expanded to a staggering $1.4 billion – the largest deficit the ACT has ever recorded’

Debt spiral: the year Labor screwed Canberra “On average, net debt rose by more than $5 million a day, every day, including weekends and public holidays, including Easter and Christmas!” If you read only one of JON STANHOPE & KHALID AHMED’s columns this year – this one will shock you!

The staggering $369 million blowout in expenditure in the ACT budget, as revealed in the independent audit of the 2024/25 accounts, is the largest overspend in the territory’s history.

It equates to more than a million dollars a day over and above the budgeted amount.

Compounding this budgetary mismanagement, there was also a $175 million shortfall in revenue compared to what the government had forecast in the budget.

The combination of these two factors – a significant overspend and a notable revenue shortfall – produced a record

$543 million increase in the overall deficit.

It is important to note that this figure represents only the increase. The total deficit expanded to a staggering $1.4 billion, which amounts to 14.9 per cent of the total budget.

This, too, stands as the largest deficit the ACT has ever recorded.

While the 2024-25 budget was initially delivered by thentreasurer, Andrew Barr, it was subsequently managed, for the majority of the financial year (November 2024 to June 2025)

by Treasurer Chris Steel.

Despite the magnitude of the blowout, neither of them has bothered to explain the genesis of these damning outcomes.

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8 CityNews December 18-31, 2025

Despite the magnitude of the blowout, neither the Chief Minister nor the Treasurer has bothered to explain the genesis of these damning outcomes.

Digital cartoon: shushcapital.com.au However, both now share the dubious honour of presiding over these historic records.

Unfortunately, these concerning results are not restricted to only budget deficits.

Net debt, for example, has

surged by $1.858 billion – a 25.5 per cent increase – from $7.3 billion in 2023-24 to $9.2 billion in 2024-25, as shown in Table 1. On average, net debt rose by more than $5 million a day, every day, including weekends and public holidays, including Easter and Christmas!

With the extraordinary increase in debt at five times revenue growth, the Net Debt to Revenue ratio jumped from 96 per cent to 115 per cent.

The judgment from the rating agency was swift, and blunt, in the form of another credit downgrade from AA+ to AA. It is sobering and deeply disturbing to note that in 2019, net debt was $2.2 billion, and that in just one year, Messrs Barr and Steel have accumulated almost the same amount of debt that Mr Barr accrued in the seven years to 2019.

The territory is now, indisputably, well and truly in a debt spiral, with debt more than doubling in four years and borrowings required to pay the interest.

This begs the questions: What has the government to show for the $1.9 billion increase in debt, and who will pay it off?

The usual banal rhetoric from the government, its coalition partners (the Greens), and its apologists is that debt funds investment in infrastructure for the future.

In reality, other than funding the operating deficit, paying the interest on previous borrowings, wasting on failed projects, or routine expenditure on capital works, there is little tangible or lasting benefit to justify this $1.9 billion escalation in debt.

Even if debt was stabilised at current levels – and clearly

this is unlikely for the near future, particularly under the current administration – a Canberra child entering kindergarten today is likely to be contributing to its repayment well into their retirement.

To the extent debt has funded infrastructure, the duration of the debt obligation is projected to outlast the economic lifespan of that infrastructure, imposing an enduring burden on future generations of Canberrans who will not only be responsible for its repayment but also for funding the replacement of ageing assets.

The Financial Management Act 1996 requires adherence to prudent financial management and the principle of inter-generational equity.

One wonders whether it would not be more prudent, and intergenerationally equitable, to leave subsequent generations free from such financial burdens, thereby enabling them to address the challenges of their time with greater flexibility?

However, it is not only future generations of Canberrans who will bear the burden of the cost of the runaway debt. Existing Canberrans – including those who are least able to afford to do so – are already paying through higher taxes and reduced services-most notably health and housing.

Table 2 details the increase in interest costs in 2024-25 over the previous year, and the share of the expenditure consumed by interest payments.

Interest costs grew by $114 million – an increase of 30 per cent – from $380 million in 202324 to $494 million in 2024-25.

The increase is likely the combined effect of the increase in debt and an increase

in the cost of borrowing due to the downgrade in the credit rating from AAA to AA. Interest costs as a proportion of total expenditure increased to 5.3 per cent in 2024-25. This may appear relatively small, however, relative to the increase in expenditure from 2023-24 to 2024-25 (ie, $712 million), the increase in interest costs comprised 16 per cent.

Noting that a considerable part of the expenditure growth related to the CPI and wage increases, we estimate interest actually consumed more than a quarter of all discretionary new spending.

What might that $114 million have delivered if it was not spent on interest?

For a start, just a fraction of this amount would have achieved the budget target on elective surgery that the government failed to deliver by 885 occasions of service.

It could have closed the gap in elective surgery wait times for Aboriginal patients who wait – on the latest data available – 32 per cent longer than non-Aboriginal Canberrans.

It could clear all patients with extended waits beyond those clinically recommended.

There could of course be other desirable areas, such as teacher support, community services and housing, that would benefit significantly and in the long term from some of these funds.

Canberrans, particularly those suffering from poor services, are entitled to question the prudence of the government’s debt accumulation strategy.

What might that $114 million have delivered if it was not spent on interest?

Jon Stanhope is a former chief minister of the ACT and Dr Khalid Ahmed a former senior ACT Treasury official. citynews.com.au

2025 THE GADFLY

Era ends, now for something new… and terrifying It feels like the end of an era, or perhaps the start of something new… and terrifying.

Alas, I am far from alone in the fear that planet Earth is whirling into its last days as its protective atmosphere heats beyond its power to sustain mammalian life-forms; or that some inherent quality in our lizard brain commands us to destroy our own species in a lunatic quest for dominion. Or perhaps you’d prefer the welcome mat of a Christian fervour for Armageddon disguised as some spiritual “rapture”.

It is the second occasion in my lifetime that the possibility of human extinction has been widely and seriously contemplated. The first was during my journalistic cadetship in the 1960s with the Kennedy/Khrushchev crisis. But it was over in a flash; so easy to forget.

Today, by contrast, the prognosis throughout the sweep of mass media is fearful at best from the New York Times to the academic calculus, or the bright sparks of Hollywood projecting their crystal-clear messages of a dystopian future. They too have access to AI. Trust in the great institutions of the past, from government to industry to communal honesty and pride, where once they powered our hubris, is falling by the wayside. Even the venerable

Trust in the great institutions of the past, from government to industry to communal honesty and pride, is falling by the wayside. Even the venerable Liberal Party no longer warms the cockles of a windswept generation; Labor is frozen by fear.

Cartoon: Paul Dorin Liberal Party no longer warms the cockles of a windswept generation; Labor is frozen by fear.

The optimists will point to the past when time and again the good guys “muddled through” and the crises tripped and fell on the banana peels of history. But that was before the entire globe approached boiling point – and only two atomic bombs could end conflict in the Pacific.

Today is different. If we do nothing at all, we’re destined for disaster. Even

if we double our efforts to cut the hot carbon gases from yesterday’s buried forests, we will not escape the consequences. The great climate-change migration will itself trigger the wars and the genocide of a craven species: Gaza for one and all (Netanyahu is a human being, too.)

It’s no one’s fault but our own.

Eighty years from the end of World War II we’re the victims of what Prime Minister Kevin Rudd called his beloved mother’s “forgettery” (only Kevin could

have made up such a word).

In his mind, it was a tribute to her wonderful capacity to forget and forgive. Alas, it does equal service to our own inability to heed the lessons of our past.

The ambitious ideals that created the United Nations soon faded into the shadows of adolescent nationalism where they withered and died.

Reason gave ground to religion, debate to military power, investment to exploitation.

As a war-baby generation melded into a massive Boomer bell curve, we were spoiled by our members of parliament. Vietnam called our

younger siblings to a foolish war. In its wake, migration made our modest homes treasure houses; our ageing health and racist fears met by taxing the future… until the system revealed the wasteland of our preparations.

Now we know that our children will pay, in a world where each day there will be news of disaster rising – 1000 lost at sea, 2000 in a city blaze, 100,000 down with heat stroke, 1 million starved to death.

How do we apologise for our forgettary? Kindly Mrs Rudd’s was born of generosity. Ours had a lesser parentage, more Nero than hero, we indulged ourselves in good fortune as all around us, the signs cried out their warnings: Corruption rules! (Putin is a human being, too).

Loud, but not loud enough to divert our attention (“no worries”) from the glimpse of what’s to come. Little wonder half the world is choosing to sniff and snort its way through its last 10-dollar bill (Trump is a human being, too). robert@robert macklin.com

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CityNews December 18-31, 2025 9

LETTERS / well written, well read

Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au

Who ever wanted disruption and cost of the tram?

Following on from Anthony Hordern’s letter (“Only fools keep spending borrowed billions”, CN October 30) on the ridiculous Stage 2B money pit of outdated cost-inefficient technology.

Where is the Barr government’s evidence that it is the most cost-effective solution compared to simply more electric buses with greater flexibility and less impact?

What percentage of the ACT taxpayer community were ever in favor of the damned tram and its monstrous extent of traffic disruption, let alone the unnecessary costs to the community?

Let’s have a public poll now, but not one run by the ACT government nor the NCA. Or is it more a case of “Glory Be to Barr”?

Alec Gray, via email

Green public transport claim ‘misleading’ Adelaide Metro has agreed to remove advertisements claiming that fossil-fuelled buses are “clean and green”.

SA’s Ad Standards panel found that SA’s transport department misled the public by running ads on buses claiming “natural gas” was “clean and green.”

The ACT government stopped promoting buses as being environmentally friendly, after I pointed out that travel on

dose of dorin

Canberra’s public transport system causes as much pollution as equivalent travel by car.

But the Conservation Council ACT Region’s government-funded “Make the Move” website still makes the misleading claim that “making the move into ... and public transport are effective actions we can take to reduce our ecological footprint”.

It features photos of polluting fossilfuelled buses with misleading captions, “help the planet” and, “get your workplace moving into clean transport”.

Leon Arundell, former (expelled) Conservation Council transport working group member, Downer

NCA needs stronger planning powers Under the Howard government, “Planning” was dropped from the title of today’s National Capital Authority.

One cause/result seems to be the extensive development at the Commonwealth’s airport precinct, zoned by the original NCPA for “defence and related purposes”, but now developed with large general offices and retail. Much of that development has largely wrecked the ordered development of Canberra, and loaded Canberrans with

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Jeering at someone isn’t a debate In response to Martin Miller (letters, CN December 4), well may he remain disappointed by young people choosing housing over obstruction.

The name and suburb was an error on the

part of the editor [He’s right, Apologies –Ed] – my name is Malcolm Bourke, and I live in the wonderful suburb of Farrer, very much in Murrumbidgee, not Fadden.

Of course I have a “pet hate” for people that seek to lock my peers out of houses. I make zero apologies for joining a political party at 15, particularly one that stands with people and against obstruction.

It is wonderful to see that I am – in youth speak – “ragebaiting” people like Martin.

Given his ideas are as derelict as the pool he seeks to defend, I am not surprised that he’s been set off as a NIMBY attack dog against me, both on Facebook and here.

If Martin was serious about indoor sporting facilities, then he would have been at the consultation for the facilities as part of the Scentre Group development. He was not, I was.

If he was serious about these facilities, then he would have consulted young people.

Alas, his submission to the Assembly’s Woden Inquiry yielded no results for “young” or “youth”. Mine: 7.

Jeering at someone isn’t a debate. Yelling, as Miller tries to replicate over text, isn’t debate. That’s what those Save Phillip Pool volunteers did. I’ve since received a halfapology and radio silence from MLA Fiona Carrick when I raised it.

Malcolm Bourke, Farrer

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huge infrastructure costs.

The NCA should now strongly curtail development in the airport precinct, and encourage it at, say, the National Capital Plan’s “designated areas” at Russell and Civic.

In contrast with the airport development, another developer has exploited the apparently simpler approval processes of the NCA, and installed interesting and well-connected developments at New Acton and Dairy Flat.

Meanwhile, the ACT has been forced into “land value capture”, and that is driving the light rail program, but upsetting the generally ordered and hierarchical multi-centre focused system of Canberra’s planning and development.

Now, more than ever, the NCA needs stronger planning and development powers, in the interests of the ordered and exemplary development of the capital, the ACT, and beyond. The latter including border expansions to save places such as Ginninderra Falls, and to enable more well-planned and connected land for good-sized, single-block housing for families, preferably sans private developers, thus enabling real affordability.

Jack Kershaw, Kambah

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At the end of November, ACT senator and Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher received much criticism for showing a lack of transparency about reports that letters had been sent to public service departments seeking identification of areas suitable for spending cuts.

She finally admitted that departments had been directed to nominate the least important five per cent of their spending for potential budget savings.

However, details were withheld and a request from the Senate for release of the letters was also refused.

So the public and the ACT’s inquiring independent senator still do not know what exactly is being sought and when by, what references were made to staffing, and which departments and agencies might have escaped such a demand and its follow up investigations.

This information deficit affects the work and workplaces of 70,000 Canberrans. No doubt these workers’ 128,000 APS colleagues elsewhere across the country would also appreciate a more meaningful dose of transparency and insights than what has been dished up to date.

Public and media reaction to Senator Gallagher’s prevarications and inadequate clarifications certainly showed that the Labor government’s preferred application of “public interest immunity” does not wash with those who hold higher expectations of a government that for years promised to operate far more openly and honestly than its Coalition predecessors.

Labor’s poor handling of this matter coincided with its reluctant and much delayed release of the Briggs report on government appointments, and the dismissal of most of the report’s key recommendations. This also demonstrated an unhealthy reliance on quite dismissive public communications, which seemed encouraged by a stubborn adherence to putting the party’s wishes first, and making the interests of the voting public a poor second.

A wilful approach to governance transparency and accountability will come back to haunt the government in 2028, especially in the ACT. Sue Dyer, Downer

Ned’s last words, such is journalistic license As someone that has had a long-standing interest in Ned Kelly and armed with a degree specialising in history from the ANU, I found the article “Murdering horse thief or victim of persecution” (CN December 11)

by Ross Fitzgerald and Dick Whitaker to be interesting, but also disappointing.

Several assertions are made and left hanging, with little information provided as to the basis of the relevant claim. A prime example of this is the authors’ comment that Kelly’s last words are often quoted as being “Such is life”, but then stating that this is “debatable”, without saying why.

With many people believing these to be Kelly’s last words, based on nothing more than histrionics and a misplaced sense of Aussie culture, they have had these words tattooed on various body parts, printed on oversized stickers and placed on their cars, etcetera.

It is therefore worthwhile providing some evidence that brings the debate down strongly on the side of Kelly not saying these words on the gallows.

An excellent research paper by Dr Stuart Dawson (2016), titled Ned Kelly’s Last Words: “Ah, Well, I Suppose”, and published by Monash University, used many primary sources from the time, including eyewitness reports, to argue that Kelly’s last word were: “Ah well, I suppose”, or “Ah well, I suppose it has come to this”.

Only one journalist, from The Herald and who was standing furthest from the gallows, claims to have heard the “Such is life” quote.

It is unfortunate that such journalistic license has helped turn a murderer and thief into a sympathetic cultural figure.

As a final comment, Kelly’s grave is indeed officially “unmarked”, with three graves being dug side-by-side to dissuade anyone seeking morbid souvenirs, with only one of these used for Ned. However, anyone going to Greta cemetery needs only to view online the photos of Kelly’s reburial, to locate the position of these graves and his final resting place.

Mike Desmond, via email citynews.com.au

LETTERS / 2

Let loose to: editor@citynews.com.au

The PM drags his heels on gambling advertising Would you like to see a community with less crime, less domestic violence, fewer suicides and broken families and a decrease in family debt and homelessness?

Well, voters need to put more pressure on PM Albanese to introduce a ban on gambling advertising, especially that which targets our young and vulnerable.

Albanese has been dragging his heels on this issue for years despite the results of the Murphy bipartisan committee into online gambling and the fact that the majority of the community want such advertising gone.

Over $244 billion in bets in 2022-23 make Australians the world’s biggest gamblers with a collective loss of $31.5 billion, which dwarfs Las Vegas’ $21 billion. What is most alarming is that 30 per cent of 12-17-yearolds gamble and this increases to 46 per cent when they turn 18.

I for one will not vote Labor while this persists and I would hope that the majority of Australians, especially those with children, put more pressure on Albanese (and it appears, surprisingly, Tania Plibersek) to ban gambling advertising altogether.

Perhaps Jodie Hayden could take the matter up with her new husband as this is a matter where the ramifications have more impact on women and children than it does men.

Ric Hingee, Duffy

Repackaged Libs need to change the product When a once popular brand continues to have a declining market share, often the strategy employed to halt the decline, is a repackage of the product and include words such as “new and improved” to the revamped label.

Regrettably, such attempts to reposition and reinvigorate the product rarely work as consumers have moved on and “voted” with their wallets to buy alternative brands they perceive as better meeting their needs.

Such will be the outcome of the Liberal parliamentary parties around the nation to rebrand themselves.

By endorsing Jess Wilson, Kellie Sloane and Ashton Hurn to Sussan Ley to be their respective parliamentary leaders in Victoria, NSW and SA, the Liberal Party is repackaging itself in an attempt to convince the electorate how different they now are.

Having women lead their parliamentary parties will follow the result of so many other rebrandings. The desperation shown by the respective states to elect leaders who are in their first parliamentary terms, only confirms the dire straits in which they find themselves electorally.

Changing the packaging will only work if you are also offering a product that’s saleable. The product the Liberals are trying to sell has been rejected in most jurisdictions

around the country, and having a woman as their figurehead is not the answer.

The sooner they realise that they need to change the product as well as the packaging, the sooner they will be able to offer a viable alternative.

Ian De Landelles, Murrays Beach, NSW

I’ll take conservative any day Not sure if Sue Dyer (letters, CN December 4) is accusing the Liberal Party or National Party of being backward looking, but it does seem a bit rich when the current Labor Party has broken a multiple of promises they took to the last two elections.

I haven’t seen anything nation building or progressive (in the real sense of the word) in their almost four years in charge, unless you call handing out taxpayers’ money as some sort of achievement.

At least the Coalition put nuclear energy on the table as an option. This form of energy is seen as getting better and more efficient with the times, as opposed to outdated windmills that are less environmentally friendly than they are made up to be.

The Labor Party persists with lies regarding all types of energy whilst trying to maintain their reckless renewable energy nightmare that is increasingly shown itself to be more of an ideology than something that is going to solve the current energy

crisis in this country.

Dyer’s referral to a right-wing party shows her left-wing fixation as does the statement that the current ACT Liberals are not progressive enough.

ACT Labor, the self confessed progressives, have shown themselves to be arrogant, incompetent, irresponsible especially over the last decade, is this what Dyer wants from the ACT Liberals; more debt, more crime, more lies, more spin, longer waiting times at hospitals, increased electricity, rates and cost of living, mismanagement of public institutions?

As for whingeing, I don’t think I have ever seen a more dishonest and ingenuine government then the current federal one.

The recent defence of Albanese for Anika Wells’ incredible waste of public money, whilst being the first to criticise the previous government on anything untoward, is the stuff of comedy and cowardice. If that is being progressive, I’ll take conservative every day of the week.

Ian Pilsner, Weston

Free hydro? Maybe, maybe not Peter Gately’s idea of free hydroelectricity along Australia’s east coast sounds attractive (“Brave enough to swap wind for hydro?”, CN, December 4).

A global study by Prof Andrew Blakers and colleagues at ANU found Australia has enormous pumped-hydro potential – about

6.5 TWh per million people. With national electricity use at roughly 9 TWh per million people in 2024, the opportunity is clear.

But pumped hydro also brings major cost, engineering and environmental challenges, largely because new dams are usually required.

Peter’s example in Wales – the Derwydd farm project – is quite different. It uses naturally flowing water on the property, not pumped storage.

The system is a 30 kW hydro generator supported by 24 kW of solar panels to maintain supply when streamflow is low.

At full output it can produce enough electricity for around 30 homes, with excess power exported to the grid. Even so, the farm’s owner notes that generation is limited by grid constraints: more electricity could be produced, but the local network is already at capacity and requires a transmission upgrade. Sounds familiar.

Some small Australian communities or businesses with reliable year-round water might be able to install similar systems, but on the world’s driest inhabited continent such sites are limited – and the Derwydd project required the owner to invest “hundreds of thousands of pounds” to build it.

For most Australians, simply drawing power from an increasingly green grid remains the more practical path. For small communities, NSW’s Bawley Point and Kioloa community microgrid is a good model.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn, Victoria

Call for more professional kangaroo culling People have every right to be outraged over the current mess that’s modern-day kangaroo culling.

By comparison, today’s professional contracted fox shooters have no such problem. They shoot in the dark of night, 300 metres out, at a target not much bigger than a moving small box, with a 90 per cent success rate.

They use smaller-calibre long rifles with suppressors to minimise gunshot noise, off carbon-fibre tripods equipped with thermal imaging and powerful night vision laser telescopic sights.

It’s time the local government became more professional when setting standards.

John Lawrence, via email

Anniversary snub for amateur performers I recently attended the Canberra Theatre to see Here You Come Again, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

However, I noticed in The Link there were posters on the wall to celebrate the Theatre’s 60th birthday and all of them were only for professional productions that had been in the theatre.

As a life member and past president of Canberra Philharmonic, I was appalled that this was the case.

Philo staged more than 75 productions of musical theatre in the Canberra Theatre from 1965, when it opened, to its final production, Jekyll and Hyde, with Donald Cant, in 2001.

During this time Philo staged two to three productions every year and on occasions imported professional performers such as June Bronhill, Denis Olsen, Robert Guard, Ronald McConachie, Normie Rowe and Donald Cant. All of who were/are professional performers.

The Society also had fully professional orchestras, as well as highly regarded professional directors and musical directors.

Les Miserables was staged three times between 1994 and 2006. The first production of 13 performances sold out a week before opening night. At that time this was a record for the Canberra Theatre.

I know professional theatre is now the theatre’s bread and butter but there was a time that was not the case and I believe the theatre depended on not only citynews.com.au

Philo but other “amateur” productions as well.

Philo had a very good relationship with the theatre and I am very disappointed this is how it has treated Philo and the other theatre groups who worked in the theatre for so many years. Did Philo get an invite to the 60th anniversary celebrations? I don’t believe so.

Linda Tregonning, past president, Canberra Philharmonic

Historical evidence for the existence of Jesus The main Christian faiths use the King James Version, the Jerusalem Bible and the New Revised Standard Version translations of the Bible as the basis of their beliefs.

Columnist Robert Macklin would’ve done better to rely on these sources rather than on 20th century Alvar Ellegard (“Human story triumphs telling Christian history,” CN December 11).

Mr Macklin may wish to know that the “God/human figure of Christ” was not “invented” (his words). There’s a good deal of historical evidence for the existence of Jesus. I won’t go into detail – the article concerned doesn’t merit a long rebuttal.

As for “the changeable list of disciples” it refers to, I simply point out that these men were human just like us, selected by Jesus partly so we could identify with them and emulate them.

Mr Macklin periodically scoffs at it, locating whatever sources he can to justify his arguments and using Copilot as affirmation, heaven forbid!

Herman van de Brug, Holt

Hold your fire, just for a moment This is our last letters column for this year. Thank you to all our many new and regular correspondents. I always enjoy the lively, passionate and often provocative opinions that we are able to publish.

They keep me on my toes! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all, in the certain knowledge of welcoming you back to our pages in 2026.

Ian Meikle, editor

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WHIMSY / Can you replace yourself?

Popular myth about body renewal is partially true I said to my dentist “My teeth are going yellow”. He said, “Wear a brown necktie.”

–Rodney Dangerfield.

Much of your body is constantly renewing itself, but some parts of you are built to last a lifetime.

The notion that your body completely replaces itself every seven years (or any set number of years) is a popular myth – but it’s partially true.

Here’s what actually happens.

Much of your body is constantly renewing itself, but some parts of you are built to last a lifetime.

Neurons in the cerebral cortex – the part of your brain responsible for thought, memory, and consciousness – generally don’t regenerate.

Similarly, the cells of the eyes’ lenses remain with you from birth to death. In other words, some parts of “you” are permanent, while others are in a constant state of renewal.

Here’s a rough guide to how quickly some parts of your body renew: • Skin cells, 14-28 days • Red blood cells, 120 days • Stomach lining cells, 2-9 days • Liver cells, 300-500 days • Bone cells, 10 years • Fat cells, 8 years • Brain neurons, largely permanent • Heart muscle cells, renew slowly (1

but often there wasn’t much in them.

The regeneration potential of the teeth is as follows:

Unlike skin, blood, or even bone, teeth do not regenerate once fully formed but they are extremely hard and long wearing.

Photo: Karola G per cent a year) • Eye lens cells, don’t renew • Teeth, minor renewal

Teeth are a special case. Unlike skin, blood, or even bone, teeth do not regenerate once fully formed but they are extremely hard and long wearing.

When we were doing missing-inaction recovery work in Vietnam, we found that teeth were sometimes all that was left of a dead body after burial in lateritic soil, or exposure to fire – such as in an air crash. Full-size coffins were used for official burial purposes,

• Enamel (the outer layer of your teeth): Once damaged, the body cannot repair it.

• Dentin (the layer of tissue in your teeth that lies just beneath the enamel): Can form reparative dentin when stimulated, but only minimally.

• Pulp (the nerve and blood): Cannot regenerate if severely damaged; requires intervention.

• Cementum (the root cover): Slight regeneration possible if surrounding tissue is healthy.

Although your body can’t regrow a tooth on its own, modern dentistry does offer impressive ways to repair or replace damaged teeth through dental implants, biocompatible fillings and crowns, and regenerative endodontics.

The bottom line is that your body does not completely renew itself - some parts are largely permanent.

On a lighter note – A young

guy from Texas moves to California and goes to a big department store looking for a job.

The manager says: “Do you have any sales experience?”

The kid says: “I was a trainee salesman back home in Texas.”

Well, the boss likes the kid, so he gives him a sales job. “You start tomorrow. I’ll come down after we close and see how you did.”

The first day on the job is always rough but the kid gets through it. After the store is locked up, the boss comes down.

“How many sales did you make today?”

The kid says, “One”.

The boss fears he’s backed a lemon and says: “Just one?! Our salespeople normally average 20 to 30 sales a day. How much was the sale for?”

The kid says: “$101,237.64.”

The boss, astounded, says: “$101,237.64? What the heck did you sell him?”

The kid says: “First I sold him a small fishhook. Then I sold him a medium fishhook. Then I sold him a larger fishhook. Then I sold

him a Loomis fishing rod. Then I asked him where he was going fishing, and he said down at the coast, so I told him he was going to need a boat, so we went down to the boat department, and I sold him that twin-engine Chris Craft and trailer. Then he said he didn’t think his Honda Civic would pull it, so I took him down to the automotive department and sold him that 4 X 4 Blazer.”

The boss says incredulously: “A guy came in here to buy a fishhook and you sold him a rod, boat and truck?!”

The kid says: “No, sir, he came in to buy a box of tampons for his wife, and I said, ‘Well, sir, since your weekend’s shot, you might as well go fishing’.”

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist

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CAR MECHANICAL SERVICES

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‘His experience is deep, practical and something you can only get from decades of doing real work’

Three cheers for Charlie’s 45 years of dedication For 45 years, motor mechanic Charlie Sgroi has served the community in more ways than one.

Tinkering with cars has always been in his blood and, at 12 years old, he’d already moved into the big league by working on tractors and farm equipment with his father.

“I was just a young boy helping my dad with tractors,” he often tells his young apprentices.

This, he says, sparked his passion to gain an apprenticeship at a young age. Now he uses his own story to encourage others to begin their own journeys within the car industry.

Running Car Mechanical Services in Weston Creek alongside his wife, Raffy Sgroi, Charlie’s legacy encompasses more than just his car expertise.

Hitting 45 years within the industry, Charlie’s team says they want to celebrate the man who made them who they are today.

“Charlie’s knowledge about cars is honestly next level. After 45 years in the industry, there’s not much he hasn’t seen or solved,” says first-year qualified technician, Angus Gray.

“His experience is deep, practical and something you can only get from decades of doing real work.

“What really stands out, though, is that he’s not just the boss, he’s in it with the team every day.”

Operating a “tight ship”, Angus says Charlie keeps the place running smoothly, still finding the time to support his team, share his knowledge and run programs dedicated to mentoring school kids, those with a disability and encouraging more women to enter the industry.

“Learning from him has been a huge opportunity, and you really feel how much he cares about the work and the people around him,” he says.

Among the myriad of support and learning programs that Charlie runs, his wife, Raffy, says he has always gone the extra mile by showing up at school career expos and conducting industry tour workshops that actively engage and encourage

neurodiverse young adults and those living with a disability to look under the cars, have a tinker and understand that it isn’t “just about being a grease monkey”.

“His hard work and unwavering commitment to his clients, staff and family is truly outstanding,” she says.

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“He has not just built a successful business, he is creating a true legacy, and his journey is an inspiring example of dedication, passion and vision.

“I am so proud to walk this journey with him, every step of the way.”

Since starting his apprenticeship, Charlie has “stuck it out”, working multiple jobs until he could establish his own business.

Now, Raffy says his legacy and open mindedness has created a workshop that thrives on sustainability, progress, innovation and inclusion.

Within the workshop, he is praised for his “incredible dedication to young people”, by the team.

A father of three, Charlie’s pioneer work has “set the standard” for the future of the automotive industry.

“Charlie isn’t just my dad but a mentor to me, he’s my inspiration,” says his son, Francesco.

“Getting to see everything he’s accomplished and done is so insane, and I hope to be half the man he is.

“His work ethic is on another level… He’s taught me so much and I’m grateful to be his son.”

Now running a successful, multi-award winning car care service, Francesco says Charlie taught him to appreciate life, to respect everyone and to constantly give back.

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CityNews December 18-31, 2025 13

Christmas gift guide

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2025 THE YEAR THAT WAS... January

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‘From this day forward’… and he hasn’t stopped That was the year that was… and here it is, month by month, through the bright eyes of the CityNews columnists – a quirky, serious, funny and sad look at the 12 months just gone.

By IAN MEIKLE “From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world.” Who’s that then?

Clue: it’s January 20 in cold, old Washington.

“We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer.”

Yep, he’s back.

“During every single day of the Trump administration, I will, very simply, put America first.” Boom!

And there was the ideological bowling ball that started rolling and hasn’t stopped skittling conventions, compassion and tariffs all around the world. Donald Trump 2.0 was in full flight and, astonishingly, he hasn’t stopped since.

Not that should have come as a surprise to CityNews readers. The week before, astrologer Joanne Madeline Moore, in her annual look at the upcoming year in the stars, gave us fair warning.

“With Saturn and Neptune both

shifting into Aries, expect some individuals and nations to demand more independence; the rise of strong, new political leaders [Sussan Ley?]; and the restructuring of religious institutions [that would be the new pope].”

But no-one in summer Down Under much cared. It’s January, the month that the nation aches not to come back to work. The month when getting a park in the soon-to-be warzone of Civic is a doddle and getting over the soon-to-be refurbished Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, easy peasy.

In fact, thousands flee the town for ABC holidays (anywhere but Canberra), where the south coast becomes Canberra by Sea. But Clyde Mountain inevitably calls and the long, reluctant procession away from the beach, family fun and doin’ nuthin’ fades into the digital picture library for another year, unless there’s the chance of a quick sortie south on the Australia Day weekend.

Like all “silly season” media, the year’s first couple of editions are more recreational (Health & Wellbeing and Modern Living), illustrating the lack of acerbic news and the pressing need

to get the editor out of the office!

Nonetheless, there were interesting insights. Early in January we learnt of the rebranding of the Hall and District Axemen’s Club to the more inclusive Capital Country Woodchopping.

Under the heading, “Cheyanne swings the axe to cut down barriers”, president Cheyanne Girvan said: “We didn’t want to be exclusively a Canberra association and we deliberately left any gender-specific wording out in the new name.”

She said that nearly 50 per cent of its 43 members were female.

Whimsy columnist Clive Williams caused an office stir on his

piece that asked: “What if the hokey cokey really is what it’s all about?”

Staff members (from certain parts of Australia, mostly Geelong) upbraided the editor for using “cokey” instead of “hokey pokey”, invoking The Wiggles to prove their point.

Elsewhere we wondered if weighted blankets help you sleep any better, did stretching before exercise matter, does stress really turn hair grey and offered seven ways to extend the life of your smile.

But Modern Living loomed. Before we asked the big questions, former MLA Deepak-Raj Gupta shared the news that he was “hungry” to see

stronger connections in his new role as national chair of the AustraliaIndia Business Council.

Carla Rodeghiero, owner of Canberra Region winery Sapling Yard, told us that when she entered The Extrovert, her blended red 2023 wine (mourvèdre, shiraz and touriga), into the Australian and NZ Boutique Wine Awards, she knew “it would probably get something”. And it did, winning the show’s best red-blend award.

A year’s a long time in modern living. We ran an expert piece that suggested that Australia’s love affair with electric cars was running flat.

Maybe not so much now.

But we also, sensibly, reflected on the science of making dogs happy, wondered why reading rates in Australia were falling and urged readers to measure their blood pressure properly, intoning that one in three Australian adults have high blood pressure (hypertension) which is when your blood pressure is at or above 140/90.

Rounding out the month, columnists Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed revealed three graphs from the ABS that confirmed the statistical reality that we are the nation-leading community for locking up Aboriginals.

Ian Meikle is editor of CityNews.

We look forward to working with you in 2026

electprinting.com.au citynews.com.au

02 6280 6925 CityNews December 18-31, 2025 15

2025 THE YEAR THAT WAS... February

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From global turmoil to Canberra’s budget blues delayed decisive action on species loss.

By CLIVE WILLIAMS Some of the global constants in February 2025 were the war in Ukraine, genocide in Gaza, Donald Trump throwing his overweight around, more Jeffrey Epstein fallout, and so on.

Global issues specific to the month included: • The 61st Munich Security Conference (February 14-16), where Europe and the US clashed over defence, values and the war in Ukraine.

• The February 18 US-Russia summit in Saudi Arabia, held without Ukraine or its allies.

• Rebel group M23’s advance in eastern Congo, seizing key territory and reportedly massacring thousands while the UN condemned Rwanda’s backing, but did little else.

• Global worry spiking over inflation and violent crime, topping a 29-country Ipsos survey.

• The COP 16 biodiversity conference opening in late February, constrained by funding shortfalls as governments again

A local economy under pressure Meanwhile, back in the bush capital our unwanted self-government faced its own reckoning. The ACT budget, unveiled with much ceremony, appeared to have broken the bank before the ink was dry.

In CityNews February 13, the lead story was blunt: “Andrew Barr broke the bank”. The piece questioned the ACT government’s mounting debt, its fragile reliance on property rates and land sales, and the political arithmetic behind its spending priorities.

A week later, the February 20 edition asked, “Why do senior public servants earn more than pollies?” in an article that highlighted widening salary gaps between ministers and their departmental heads.

For taxpayers, it added another layer of disbelief: how could austerity co-exist with executive affluence?

The same edition carried “Unsustainable health budget a surprise to no one”. Health costs were rising faster than revenue, and the government’s own advisers conceded that systemic reform – not temporary savings – was needed. Yet cuts to middle-tier public-service

positions were again floated as the first response.

The contradiction was striking.

While the chief minister urged restraint, executive salaries continued to climb, and agencies hired consultants to find “efficiencies”. It raised the same old question – efficiencies for whom?

Light rail and the mandate issue

By February 25, CityNews turned its attention to another perennial debate: the cost and mandate of light rail. The opinion piece “Who ‘voted’ for light rail? Less than half of us” reminded readers that fewer than half of Canberrans had supported parties explicitly backing stage 2 of the project at the last election.

Yet construction planning rolled on, costs escalated, and the government insisted it remained “core infrastructure”.

The article captured the mood: big infrastructure, big cost, uncertain consent. The tram, like the budget, had become a symbol of political persistence over public consensus.

Health, housing, and cost of living Beyond the light rail and salaries debate, February’s local coverage noted deep unease about the ACT’s

social foundations.

Health waiting lists were growing, rates continued to climb (to five times what was paid elsewhere in Australia for comparable properties), and housing affordability reached breaking point.

Residents faced an uncomfortable reality: higher taxes, rising service fees, but a thinning delivery network.

The February 20 CityNews editorial summarised the frustration neatly – acknowledging that the territory’s small tax base and rapid population growth left few easy options, but urging more candour from leaders about what could and could not be afforded.

The politics of perception If February’s international headlines reflected global disorder, Canberra’s mirrored the same pattern in miniature – strained alliances, contested priorities, and a public struggling to see where authority and accountability actually rested.

Ministers spoke of prudence and sustainability while public trust eroded under the weight of contradictory signals: cuts here, bonuses there, and a tram system that remained both flagship and flashpoint.

Residents were left to weigh rhetoric against experience – paying record rates, watching services tighten, and wondering whether fiscal repair was being applied fairly.

A reminder from the newsroom Across those February editions, CityNews maintained its trademark independence – its commentaries by long-time respected observers like Jon Stanhope and Michael Moore offered both critique and continuity.

They reminded readers that local journalism’s task is not cynicism but clarity: to hold government to account in a city where politics and bureaucracy often blur.

“In a world of spin and confusion,” one CityNews tagline noted, “there’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra.”

That message felt particularly apt.

The ACT’s February budget debate revealed a government confident in its course but wary of scrutiny, a bureaucracy fluent in process but less sure about its purpose, and a community increasingly aware that prosperity and prudence can’t just be promised – they have to be earned.

Clive Williams is the CityNews fortnightly Whimsy columnist.

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2025 THE YEAR THAT WAS... March

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The players in law, politics, guitars and football

By HUGH SELBY Of course, we all remember March. It’s when summer’s heat gave way to autumn colours.

There was little rain.

It was when Albo told us, at month’s end, that for five, long weeks we’d have to put up with a surfeit of political spin before casting our votes in early May. Then Liberal leader Peter Dutton decided to channel Donnie and belt public servants – that’s a lot of us, our friends, family – as lazy, unproductive, and very trimmable.

Columnist Michael Moore enjoyed pointing out how Dutton’s and (now leader) Ley’s record of turning up to vote in the parliament were poor, even though that was one of their job requirements.

There were articles taking the ACT government to task for its inept management of our prisons, especially the lack of any rehabilitation.

Andy’s gang yawned, ignored them and moved on.

There were articles about our Integrity Commission and its damning report on Walter Sofronoff KC’s sharing of his report into the

Tradwives… stir-crazy women who want to go back to that fantasy time of domestic bliss as traditional housewives.

Image: Adobe Stock, generated with AI Higgins/Lehrmann/Drumgold saga.

Columnist Hugh Selby was very critical of the Integrity Commission report. Columnist Michael Moore thought the same report was “tightly framed”. That’s balanced reporting.

The courts will have the last word in good time.

Sofronoff sought judicial review of the findings. In an extraordinary, ill-considered, and inimical to democracy and due process manoeuvre, the

Commission attempted to argue that its reports could not be reviewed by a court. It lost that argument some months later. In what cupboard was integrity hiding?

Christina Vogel wrote a cover story about stir-crazy women who wanted to go back to that fantasy time of domestic bliss as traditional housewives, staying at home and being duly subservient to the dominating male who would give them weekly

spending money from his account.

The influencers promoting this craziness do not mention using a washboard to hand clean clothes with soap flakes, getting rid of the microwave, the toaster, the steam iron, and the self-cleaning oven, dumping the TV and the internet, no freezer, etcetera. They also gloss over that this dream lifestyle brings on a repetitive loop of a cup of tea, a pain killer and too much lying down.

Much more important, even if the season end was tearful, was the Raiders win in Las Vegas over the Warriors. Lots of Raiders fans were in the stands. It gave them hope that grew through autumn and winter to yield Minor Premiers before the springtime finals’ crash and burn.

While thinking about the various codes and the balls they use, everyone has heard of the Sherrin, that long famous ball used in AFL. Peter Stanley, military historian, finally published a novel written decades ago using that name, telling the story of the bitter rivalry between volunteers and conscripts in a part of the World War II Pacific Theatre. And in the end there was a footie match. Available in hard copy and as an e-book.

A real life story with a happy ending and good future prospects was new writer David Turnbull’s open-

ing story of guitar and amp tragics, Ian Stehlik and Simon Wilkins.

They have turned their love of old guitars and amps into a business, Capital Vintage Guitars. They aim to match equipment with the player.

Still talking about players brings to mind Clive Williams, he who addresses an interesting topic and then leaves us with a joke. This time he told of a patient who when asked by his GP about his exercise explained that he spent a lot of time running up and down slopes, beating through the bush, and diving in lakes. That, said the doctor, is very impressed: “Are you training to be an Ironman?” Said the patient: “Far from it. I am just a very poor golfer”.

From time to time Clive and our wine writer Richard Calver play tag. This time Richard decided to go one up Clive with this tail ender.

The teacher asked the class to compose sentences with the opposite meaning to what she put up on the board, “Children in the dark make mistakes”.

All too quickly a future comedian, possibly a Tom Gleeson lookalike, offered: “Mistakes in the dark make children”. Out of the mouths of babes.

Former barrister Hugh Selby is the CityNews legal matters columnist.

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An election launched and promises on housing

By RICHARD CALVER April delivered the last leg of the election race that was held on May 3, with the “launch” of Labor and Liberal campaigns occurring on April 13.

The famous line “April is the cruellest month” from TS Eliot’s The Waste Land shows the paradox of the hope and the dismay in the blossoming of northern hemisphere spring.

The promised renewal in April also brings pain. Like some of the election promises made in April, hope is mired in doubt: “I will show you fear in a handful of dust.”

That sentiment is evoked by the distance between election promises on housing and what has eventuated. It’s also the feeling I got from the April 12 statement by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price that the Coalition would “make Australia great again”. Sigh.

At a memorable Easter dinner my adult children both lamented that, despite their acceptable salaries, their chances of owning property were becoming increasingly remote, to which I responded, not if I die early.

That reminded me why I had

Housing affordability… a survey said about 83 per cent of suburbs across the country are unaffordable for those earning the average pre-tax household income.

Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP never written an article about Jesus’ crucifixion and subsequent resurrection: too many cross references.

But at a later dinner in August, I recalled our April conversation about housing affordability after reading a survey that said about 83 per cent of suburbs across the country are unaffordable for those earning the average pre-tax household income (about $100,000 a year). My children’s April lament was given a factual basis.

Both major parties offered promises to alleviate the housing

crisis. In a contest centred on the cost of living, rising housing costs was an issue addressed by all parties.

Controversially, the Liberals proposed that interest on a mortgage could be tax deductible but in limited circumstances. It was only to apply to first home buyers, to new homes and for five years, as well as on the condition the buyer remained living in the home.

There would have been a means test, and the interest deductibility would only be available on the first $650,000 of the loan. It was costed at $1.25 billion

over the forward estimates.

This policy garnered harsh criticism. When combined with the Liberals’ policy to give people access to their superannuation for a deposit, one economist branded it as the worst policy decision of the 21st century so far based on historic evidence that anything allowing people to spend more on housing than they otherwise would results in more expensive housing and a smaller proportion of the population owning it.

A 2007 study by Abelson and Joyeux (“Price and efficiency effects of taxes and subsidies for Australian housing”) for example quantifies that the overall subsidy afforded homeowners from major subsidies and taxes that affect housing increases all housing prices by about 2 per cent and total housing consumption by about 2 per cent.

In addition, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development indicates that tax breaks favouring housing and capital gains in housing are associated with young people being locked out of home ownership.

The Labor party policies were a promised investment of $10 billion for the construction of up to 100,000 new homes to be sold only to first homeowners. Also, the then extant scheme under which the government guarantees a 5 per cent home deposit

would have the means test removed, something which has occurred since October 1, including other “strengthening” of the scheme.

But my fear, in part realised by house price rises, is that this scheme will only assist to further fuel house prices.

Back to the April announcements: One Nation campaigned on cutting immigration and reducing taxes on building materials for new houses.

The issue of immigration is vexed.

One view is that housing demand in part increased because of rapid immigration after the pandemic.

The federal government sought to address supply-side problems by promising the construction of 1.2 million “well-located” homes over five years. But the supply side constraints, particularly in relation to a shortage of skilled trades, makes this target a pipe dream.

I find myself agreeing with Senator David Pocock that this issue needs to transcend economics: by treating housing as a human right, his approach frames affordability and security of tenure as social justice issues where the cruelty of the market can be bypassed.

Lawyer Richard Calver is the CityNews wine columnist.

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Month off to an election bang, but there’s more

By ANDREW HUGHES May 2025 was memorable in politics for one big reason – the federal election of May 3.

Labor swept back into government with 94 seats, a record for any party in Australia, and equal to that of the Coalition victory of 1998 under John Howard.

They also picked up enough seats in the Senate to only need the help of the Greens or the crossbench to get legislation through. While the result was predictable, the magnitude of it was not.

Yours truly discussed how the result underlined the importance of having policies that reflected engagement with the electorate, rather than a narrow base.

But with the result all but certain by late April, many of our columnists in May focused more on local politics.

Michael Moore did an excellent job, as always, looking at local issues, notably health and gambling ads reform, which we are all still waiting to see Labor introduce.

Social media bad, gambling ads okay seems to be the government’s message for our youth at the end of 2025.

The covers of May. Moore was also perhaps one of the first to note how determined the two elected independents have been this term to not just hold the government accountable, but also draft and introduce legislation to the Assembly.

Fiona Carrick and Thomas Emerson show no signs of slowing down when it comes to this strategy, and more and more are creating a real sense in Canberra that they are as much a viable option as anyone else voters may consider in 2028 in ACT politics.

Hugh Selby and Julie Tongs wrote separately on the state of the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC), both were critical in highlighting just how badly reforms and ongoing oversight is needed in our prison system. Here’s hoping that happens in 2026.

As always, political columnists Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed

provided insightful analysis and views on the state of the ACT Budget.

Currently that state is also called Victoria on our credit rating by most global rating agencies.

I always look forward to their columns on what is really going on with the dollars in the local budget, and their impact has been noticeable for the subtle policy changes the government has made this term.

Here’s to more of the same in 2026.

And in May, the KEEPING UP THE ACT cartoon strips again hit their mark. I hope to avoid ever being featured in one because, wow, they do cut deep, but in the truest forms of political satire.

CityNews cover stories are always worth a read and May was no different. Personally, I enjoyed reading all about local workwear king Pat

Seears, because I didn’t know, but certainly do now. What an amazing story and great writing by Rod Henshaw.

Also there was Rod’s terrific cover story about Bill Shorten’s remarkable transition from cabinet minister to UC vice-chancellor.

In 2025 Shorten’s views of the sector were in stark contrast to those of other VCs and, hopefully, his thoughts on the sector needing to become less an echo chamber and more focused on engaging with the people who give it money will have an impact at the higher levels.

Arts editor Helen Musa is always across all things thespian. Her piece on Chris Baldock’s directing of Andrew Bovell’s When the Rain Stops Falling at the Belconnen Arts Centre was a great read, followed by her stories on Love Birds, The Maids,

Cezanne exhibition and Scenes from the Climate Era. Nick Overall, future mega star of Channel 7, had you covered for all things streaming and trashy. Tough, tough, gig that one Nick. Rest up over summer okay?

Gardening guru Jackie Warburton had a great column about the plant that keeps rats at bay, very Canberra, very political. Missed it? Hit up the May 8 edition. Going to get a few myself for the front and back doors.

Finally over to you dear readers.

The letters section. It never fails to provide interesting insights from some very interesting people.

Seriously, it is this section where many movements have started. And there were some great ones in May. The letters from Whitney Anders Richardson, Sue Dyer, Sue Pittman, Darryl Johnston, Ron Edgecombe, and Karina Morris all were decent reads. Many others provided contrast and perspective, which shows how engaged many of us are in the place we call home.

To you, letterwriter, Barry Peffer, you get your wish, but better. Not just a week off politics, but months.

Nothing from now until February, at least from me anyway.

Andrew Hughes is a political columnist.

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He’s the very model of a modern mega debtor

By HUGH SELBY Remember June? Shortest day?

Perhaps, perhaps not. Following all the excitement of the Federal elections, with David Pocock taking votes from everyone, it was back to “business as usual”.

Not that that phrase has a “onesize-fits-all” meaning. Stephanie Owen Reeder was about to release her latest book, Peculiar Parents, about the lives of some 60 different Australian animals. Her “usual” is quite unusual. She researches, writes and sometimes illustrates to benefit herself and her readers – a nice approach to a meaningful “retirement”.

There’s nothing retiring about the Gilbert and Sullivan Pirates of Penzance which the Queanbeyan Players chose to celebrate their first 60 years.

It’s a send up, or parody, of 19th century conventions and self-important people like the Major General who is, as he declares, the “very model of a modern major-general”.

The very model of a modern mega debtor came alive in Mr Shush’s Keeping up the Act comic strip as “he who must be blamed” handed over the

Demi Smith as Mabel and David Cannell as the Major General in Queanbeyan Players’ production of The Pirates of Penzance.

Photo: Ben Appleton strings to an empty ACT purse to his long time devotee Chris Steel who, in the strip, looks rather like Pinnochio.

That notion of being sprung for public deception and deceit was to be taken up in earnest by columnist Robert Macklin whose targets were in Albo’s new government. We get to them a little later.

Meantime, no longer saddled with the nightly horror dreams about the red tram cost fiasco, our mega debtor jetted off overseas to sunny, warm climes with poolside daiquiris to “melt the conscience away”.

Mr Shush was prescient about what

lay in store for the blue Liberal girl from Charnwood who was getting a wide range of groupie self-destructors’ advice about how to create an opposition to mega-debtor’s antics. Didn’t work out for her or her party: she and they are still in the wilderness.

Robert Macklin was most upset about the new Albo government’s rush to approve a mighty polluting enterprise far away from Canberra: Woodside’s gas project on the North West Shelf.

Robert thought Albo’s timing for the announcement was Macchiavellian, but not in an admiring sort

of way. This is a bit hard on Macchiavelli, who requires leaders to be “great liars and deceivers”. The word “great” has work to do: something more than mere cunning is required.

Columnist Andrew Hughes, writing about the same new government, was admiring of their mix of domestic progressive policies and international patriotic stance.

Robert Macklin got the inside story of a meeting between Albo and the Donnie in a helicopter somewhere in Canada. The latter as good as said we were suckers for paying for AUKUS. Seems, though, that this chat is fake news or, at any rate, plausibly denied.

Richard Calver, peripatetic chaser of the fermented grape, soulfully reported that drinking, any alcohol drinking, even good wine, is inimical to good physical health. He was being too hard. Don’t we know how a drink in moderation is wonderful for our mental health?

On the other hand, overcoming a spinal problem and rowing for Australia U23 in Poland is an achievement to cheer. That’s what university student Olivia Nattey had in store, come July. She rowed in the Women’s Four which came 12th, not as good a result as they had hoped for, but, heh, there’s plenty of time for improvement.

Also cheer worthy was young jazz singer Matilda Lorenz’s success in gaining a scholarship to a famous school of music in the US. Sometimes it’s just meant to be. A decade ago, her mother took her to listen to a jazz singer in New York. That was the occasion when Matilda knew the future that she wanted. That singer is the director of the program that she has now joined.

While Matilda is starting out in America, the Canberra Theatre, like the Queanbeyan Players, is celebrating its 60th. The Theatre decided to celebrate with the Australian Ballet’s production of Carmen. This production focused on the violent relationships between men and women.

But those relationships don’t have to be violent. They can be very supportive. Enrico and Franca Taglietti made Canberra their home in the 1950’s. He was to be the architect for numerous projects, along with furniture design.

He died in 2019. This year the Canberra Museum + Gallery in Civic is celebrating his work until next February, so plenty of time over the end of year, early new year to go along and enjoy.

Former barrister Hugh Selby is the CityNews legal matters columnist.

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2025 THE YEAR THAT WAS... July

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Shivering with Mr Squiggle and a kinda Christmas

By HUGH SELBY July is the time to put on the warmest coat, wear gloves, maybe even a muffler. It’s the cold from which some Canberrans escape, seeking warmth, to the north.

But it’s also the month for Christmas in July, with even the possibility of white frosting on the Brindabellas.

Mr Squiggle and friends came to the National Museum, a treat for all those whose childhood was from around 1960 to 2000. Those who saw it in the early years could take their grandchildren.

It was nice to find out that even small kids are being taught how to call 000 in an emergency. Of course, we now know – and it’s breathtaking – that the call may not be answered, but that’s a problem for adults. The kids will do their bit.

For those wanting a splash in their July lives, the Pirates of Penzance was on in Queanbeyan. Wine writer Richard Calver recounted a different sort of splash – the spilling of a large amount of trophy sparkling at the National Wine Show dinner. Oops.

Mr Squiggle and friends came to the National Museum.

Learning how to avoid accidents, mother of six, Shantelle, and her oldest, teenager Amber, both enrolled in a training program in the construction industry, that runs six weeks, alternating one week of training, one week on the job – a great way to put into practice what is being learned and to skill up. The workforce

beckoned both of them.

Meanwhile, another mum, with younger children, wanted to see a government that “valued caregiving (of her young family) as much as earning”.

She was concerned at the pressure on young households that flowed from rate increases and the proposed health levy. She and her kids ain’t

seen nothing yet: “care” is an unknown concept among our party politicians.

Young photographers of flora and fauna could take part in the Botanic Gardens’ competition. Entrants were encouraged to “play with different images, and how you take them, feel free to experiment. You might see something that no one else has noticed”.

Something that regular columnist Michael Moore did notice was a proposed dog code designed for idiots.

He noted, correctly, that those idiots would not read the code. Non-idiots who did read the code would wonder who was the poor sod given the task of compiling it.

It was too much for an anguished letter writer whose aged mother wanted to die, but was not allowed to.

It’s a topsy turvy world when dictating care for a pet is, it seems, more important than facilitating an aged, mentally competent human being able to die with dignity.

Beau McCarroll is a teenager with no thoughts of death. Quite the opposite, as he aims to represent Australia in boxing at the Olympics.

For that he trains six days a week before and after college. A few weeks after the CityNews article was published he was in Germany for the Brandenburg Cup where he had his

first international win.

At month’s end, Science Week was soon to arrive. This year the focus was on parasites, and how important it is that we know a lot more about them. Malaria, for example, is a parasite (a deadly one), so too are leeches (which can be useful as they suck blood) and fleas.

After reading the succession of articles about the budget fiascos inflicted upon us by Andy’s gang, some might be tempted to see their depredations as a sucking from the body politic. That, with respect, is a little harsh. They don’t so much drain our lifeblood as lead us all like a pied piper to a magic land where the money hangs from trees like clumps of exotic fruit.

Sometimes, it is a joy to be led, as in Michael Briody’s enthusiastic review of Chalk and Cheese: A Fabrication, co-written by our Ross Fitzgerald and Ian McFadyen (published by Hybrid).

This is a story that shows the wisdom and tolerance that ageing can bring, along with showing that it’s never too late to take a punt on something new – especially when a younger generation can be roped in to help. It’s hilarious.

Former barrister Hugh Selby is the CityNews legal matters columnist.

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Living in ‘70s, nothing like since… oh, nostalgia

By HUGH SELBY For those who were not young adults in the early 1970s, and that’s an increasing share of today’s population, the excitement about those times, the energy and the hope is beyond comprehension.

There’s been nothing like it since.

Oh, nostalgia.

Mid-month the CityNews cover featured Gough Whitlam at his charismatic best, along with Norm Gunson, Aunty Jack, women pressing for equality of opportunity and reward, and Margaret Fulton’s Crockpot cookbook.

“So what?” say those whose childhood offered something more on the table than overcooked veges, roasted or grilled meat, and the luxury of Neapolitan ice-cream in three colours.

You can catch Living in the Seventies at the National Library until February 1. It’s free, so it’s an ideal excursion with the grandkids.

Those pressing for more recognition of women and their achievements would be pleased by David Turnbull’s

ment, menopause and pregnancy choices.

By coincidence the same CityNews issue reported that expectant mothers are getting older and birth rates are falling. Expectant mums and dads of any age are excited, but it doesn’t always end well.

Peter Cursley and his wife Susan lost their newborn daughter after a few KEEPING UP THE ACT’s depiction of the venerable chief days. Then Susan snail at the ACT Inactivity Commission. succumbed to a brain cover story article about Elizabeth tumour within two years.

Reid who in 1973 became the first Peter’s response to this double tragadviser on women’s affairs to a PM edy was to fulfil Susan and his dream (in this case Gough). Later she was to to set up the Newborn Intensive Care spend three decades with the United Foundation.

Nations working to help women.

Millions of dollars later the charity Along the way she helped to develop could do with your little donation to Australia’s strategy on HIV AIDS. be able to keep on helping around 800 Women’s health was the focus of babies each year. a third August cover, featuring Dr It’s a good thing that helping Jeannie Ellis and her Queenbee others is on the agenda of some people Woman’s Health clinic. Her clinic because it isn’t in sight when the offers health care for women at every mega-debtor team led by Andy is in stage of life. Hence, she deals, for the news. example, with menstrual problems, There was yet another article endometriosis, miscarriage manageon the “we’ll do nothing about our

prisons and prisoners”. There’s more prisoners but no rehabilitation programs.

It’s worth noting that the ceaseless efforts of the Winnunga Nimmityjah Health and Community Services to improve the health and living conditions of local indigenous families would shame any government that had the capacity to feel shame. Ours does not.

Columnist Andrew Hughes summed up the approach of our territory government when he wrote about the recommendations of reports being ignored. He thought that the strategy is written by a narcissist: deny, denigrate, delay, defend.

He’s much too kind. The strategy is to ignore, knowing that the news cycle is so quick that any issue disappears within days, if not hours.

If ignoring doesn’t work then attack the messenger. Avoid any comment on the substance.

The best example is that red tram.

So many articles by Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed, but also by Beatrice Bodart-Bailey, and former planners. Then there are the letters to the editor. The response? Nix, zero, nil, nuttin’.

As Mr Shush Capital (author of KEEPING UP THE ACT) had the venerable chief snail at the ACT Inac-

tivity Commission tell us: “So to all you ne’er-do-wells seeking to dabble in corruption – I would say this… We are coming for you… eventually”.

“Corruption” is a word of wide meaning. The Integrity Commission follows a legislated definition that focuses on misconduct of one sort of another. But there is another sort of corruption: a corruption of core values that leads to heartlessness, lack of compassion, indifference to suffering and to dire need.

We can see its effects every day in our public spaces: at least 1000 people sleeping rough because they have no shelter to call home. The waiting list for urgent housing is several years.

Maintenance for Housing ACT is a travesty as the saga of Little Dion and his gran showed (and still shows at year’s end). Minister Yvette Berry stands mute through it all.

The truth, as Jon and Khalid found, was that the priority commitment is to sell off public housing to fund the red beastie. At least all that concrete and steel will provide more outdoor spaces for the homeless to bed down.

The last word is Mr Shush Capital’s Andy saying: “A disaster is only a disaster if you don’t spin it”.

Former barrister Hugh Selby is the CityNews legal matters columnist.

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2025 THE YEAR THAT WAS... September

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Covers that captured the essence of the month

By HUGH SELBY The four covers of our September weeklies captured the essence of the month: new energy, spring growth, creativity and exuberance.

The first cover celebrated studying plant proteins and then looking to see how those processes might be used in wastewater treatment.

The second featured the work of Charles Weston who planted three million trees in Canberra.

The third featured the stencil work of Luke Cornish (aka ELK). His art is found in many places here and abroad, including public spaces in Canberra. Refreshingly, he doesn’t think much of “fame”, but he thinks a lot about honesty in his art.

The final cover features the Canberra City Band, started a century ago by a small group of construction workers. The band got a post-war kick along from prime minister Ben Chifley, who liked big bands.

Living conditions for those early Canberra workers were spartan when compared with what we expect now. There was no insulation in their

The four covers of September. quarters, so the future problems of dangerous insulation and compensating those affected never crossed their minds as they strove to keep warm.

But as the blossoms of spring brought pinks and whites to our roadsides and gardens, Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed examined the meanness with which too many owners of Mr Fluffy blighted homes were compensated by our government.

A culture of blinkered, counterproductive meanness seems to have crept into health financing, too. In a letter to the editor, Bill Stone set out how, as a management consultant 20odd years ago, he and others worked to set up a system in our hospitals for engaging specialist doctors on either a sessional or “fee-for-service” basis.

He explained why both were need-

ed. He criticised the recent actions of ACT Health which, he asserted, would make it harder to attract and retain good surgeons. His letter followed an August article in which a surgeon explained why she had resigned after 15 years, rather than accept “new” working conditions.

A partial explanation for this niggardly approach to health services was that we paid $160 million to acquire the Calvary hospital. As columnist, and former health minister, Michael Moore explained, there was no good reason to acquire it.

Just imagine how that money might have been better spent on improving the services at Canberra hospital. But It’s pointless to cry over spilt milk. We are expected to just “suck it up”.

That’s a sentiment frequently

taken up by the faceless Mr Shush in “Keeping Up the ACT”. Mid-month the strip imagined a chat between our public service Supremo, Kathy Leigh and fearless leader Andy.

He bats away her timely suggestions of problems overdue for attention, preferring some photo ops at Floriade. It would be hilarious, but for its pinpoint skewering of our Andy’s disinterest in the welfare of the city he claims to lead.

Columnist Andrew Hughes drew attention to how important it is that community messaging (such as quit smoking, healthy eating, getting vaccinated), properly promoted by public service agencies, not be contaminated by political messaging.

Our well-founded disbelief in the latter will cause us to ignore the former.

By month’s end columnist Robert Macklin explained how the penny pinching of Andy’s gang – the inevitable consequence of servicing the debt for the cost of a tram that isn’t value for money – has jeopardised Charles Weston’s work and his vision. Trees and gardens need to be nurtured, not ignored.

Little Dion’s gran knows how to turn a dump into a garden. She’s done it while waiting for Housing ACT to re-house her and her family in a non-leaking roof, free of mould and druggie needles home.

I reported how she’d gone to the ACAT and the pleasant people from Housing had agreed to give her a significant rent reduction for the heartache they were causing her.

They also offered to speed up her rehousing.

“Speed up”, of course, means different things to different people. As columnist Michael Moore reported, there are some 2000 approved “high need” applications for public housing with a minimum wait of three years.

More than enough time for Gran’s tender plants to mature and to bring her the joy of a couple more September flowerings.

Former barrister Hugh Selby is the CityNews legal matters columnist.

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2025 THE YEAR THAT WAS... October

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Big and bruising with an occasional sniff of blood

By KEEPING UP THE ACT In the spirit of making October great again, the month returned to its Roman roots when it was consecrated to Mars, the god of war.

The first battle came early with the Brisbane Broncos storming the Melbourne Storm in the NRL Grand Final. The real casualty, though, was NSW – and its in-goal pocket, the ACT – which couldn’t even get a dog in the fight. A clear Roman auspice that the tides of war were turning against the once-dominant players.

In other unexpected defeats, the Barr Labor government was shell-shocked when its Minister for Incompetence, Chris Steel, received an historic censure motion over his handling of the MyWay+ ticketing fiasco.

A review described the rollout as “a significant failure” with “almost unanimously negative feedback.”

Robert Macklin went further, suggesting the entire farrago of local government was a failure.

All of this came as the chief minister was trying to spruik Labor’s first-year achievements since the

Castley went on to mount a spirited attack on her own party.

The trigger was Elizabeth Lee and Peter Cain crossing the floor to support a Greens motion on Assembly sitting days. The sandy line swirled away, and the Liberals resumed their regular infighting.

Columnist Andrew Hughes said the Libs, both locally and federally, had now turned KEEPING UP THE ACT looked at civil war at the AWM over self-harm into a the Ben Roberts-Smith display. tradition; licking 2024 election. Instead of receiving a their wounds, then tearing them open laurel wreath and triumphal arch again with gusto. in Braddon, our Chief had to humble Elsewhere, another civil war erupted himself before his subjects with an within the Australian War Memorial apology; something Canberrans had over its Ben Roberts-Smith display; not witnessed in decades. the soldier who earned medals for valCanberra Liberals leader Leanne our and headlines for villainy. Hugh Castley smelt blood. Perspicacious Selby, Robert Macklin and KEEPING from an internal review that declared UP THE ACT all argued the Memorial “the party infighting must stop had lost its way, while many letter– plain and simple,” and a CityNews writers fiercely defended it. op-ed column in which she vowed Amid this fog of war, a shaft “we are drawing a line in the sand,” of sunlight broke through with a

surprise ceasefire in Gaza, brokered by the President of Surprises, Donald Trump, and surprisingly agreed to by both Israel and Hamas. The surge of surprises continued the next day when anti-war protesters hit the streets worldwide to demonstrate against… well, the signs were already made.

October also brought the regular Canberra false dawns of spring and the urge to get into the garden. Jackie Warburton planted wisteria, shrimp plants, vines and candytuft before going multi-ball with her column, “It’s planting time for everything!”

Weeding out bureaucratic blight, Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed tackled the warnings ignored on ACT credit downgrades and the creative blame-shifting from the usual ministerial suspects.

Clive Williams whimsied on the Ho Chi Minh Trail and eyebrows, while Anthonio Di Dio looked at politeness through the lens of singing nuns.

In the arts, Helen Musa previewed the musical Newsies and poet Judith Nagala Crispin’s desert-fuelled, Dingo’s Noctuary. We felt the passion of Virginia Haussegger’s feminist manifesto, Unfinished Business, while musician Jo Camilleri revealed his surprising Canberra connections.

October festivals included Diwali,

SpringOUT and the Canberra Short Film Festival.

In human-interest stories, CityNews profiled a prize-winning young plumber who was also a shooting champion and cancer survivor, and told the rime of an ancient mariner who now mentored kids.

Colin Steele reviewed books by Richard Osman and Mick Herron, while Nick Overall dissected streaming gems, The Studio, The House of Guinness, Monster, A House of Dynamite, Frankenstein and The Last Frontier.

Wendy Johnson set her chompers on a Civic steakhouse, a Korean anju in Barton, a boutique Braddon bistro, an Indian eatery in Griffith, before some relaxed grazing at Pialligo Estate.

Richard Calver slurped through a sublime Tinta Cão-Souzão (it’s a red, mate), a compelling McLaren Vale shiraz-pinot, a snazzy Tassie savvy-b, Australia’s best riesling, and a discounted shiraz that was not to be discounted at all.

Taylor Swift broke the internet with a new album while the world mourned the passing of Jane Goodall, Diane Keaton and Ace Frehley.

It was a big and bruising month.

Keeping up the Act is usually a weekly comic strip making fun of ACT politics.

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2025 THE YEAR THAT WAS... November

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Bring out your dead, the Liberal leadership plague

By IAN MEIKLE ”On November 12, Mark Parton became the leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party in the ACT Legislative Assembly when then leader, Leanne Castley, resigned.

“On November 18, Jess Wilson became Leader of the Opposition in the Victorian Parliament when Brad Batlin lost a spill motion in the Liberal Party room.

“On November 21, Kellie Sloane assumed the mantle of leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party in Macquarie Street.”

So said letter writer Ian De Landelles.

Ian is a well-known, well-regarded former Labor apparatchik and partner of beloved Gininderra MLA Mary Porter.

Little did he know that eight days beyond the purview of this column, the South Australian Libs would flip leaders for the third time in 18 months to 34-year-old Ashton Hurn and gave her but 103 days (and Kamala Harris’ phone number?) to knock off insanely popular premier Peter Malinauskas.

Liberal leader Mark Parton, compliments of a little digital mischief from KEEPING UP THE ACT. Turns out, Ian’s final taunt wasn’t far off: “At this rate, Mark Parton will be the longest-serving Liberal leader in the nation by Christmas.”

But we’ve jumped over what started all this leadership turmoil locally.

On November 10, without apparent warning, former leader Castley and her deputy (former leader and former deputy leader) Jeremy Hanson went into the Liberal party room library and, gobsmackingly, with stiff upper

lips, shot their leadership for reasons we know not.

“In the spirit of ensuring a genuine fresh start for the new team, we will not be commenting publicly on the circumstances that have led to this decision,” Ms Castley said at the time and has pretty well kept to that pledge.

As the deckchairs kept moving around, it is salutary to remember that the Canberra Liberals will have been in opposition for 27 years when the 2028 election comes around.

Columnist Andrew Hughes was quick to make the bleeding obvious plea: “The Liberals need to be what they haven’t been: united, effective and policies reflective of what Labor isn’t doing. That’s a contrast we want and need to see, even Labor.

“The contrasts between the Liberals and Labor right now could not be more stark on the three key areas of policy, party and leadership. Literally night and day, east and west.”

So is Parto the answer? Columnist Michael Moore was optimistic saying: “Has well-honed communication skills and may finally provide the leadership to break the Labor deadlock on government in the ACT. “It beggars belief that the Liberals have been so long in opposition, but they only have themselves to blame.”

He was more circumspect about their chances in a later (November 27) column saying: “However, even the deputy leader of the Canberra Liberals Deborah Morris is a conservative making the challenge of a co-ordinated approach a Herculean task.”

Ms Morris demurred at confirming her conservatism when I asked her about it on the CityNews Sunday Roast program on 2CC. She dislikes the labels media use and prefers to be known as a “pragmatist”. I’ve never met a conservative who isn’t, Debs.

The month started under the shadow of one of the saddest stories we’ve published. It was the cover story about the death of little Blake Corney, written by his father Andrew Corney, who openly shared the tragic circumstances of losing his four-yearold son on the sunny morning of July 28, 2018, when a 7.5-tonne truck hit his stationery car at the intersection of Monaro Highway and Mugga Lane.

“I still cannot get my mind around a happy four-year-old boy listening to his favourite music while travelling to a toy store with his family and the horror of what I saw next. I am trapped in this space,” he poignantly wrote.

Andrew then calmly outlines his frustration at the criminal

legal system’s failure to protect the community from the carnage caused by repeat offenders and the telling indifference of local politicians.

The relentless Canberra Critics Circle, under the disciplined hand of CityNews arts editor Helen Musa, met in November and though a mysterious voting process, something akin to a Catholic cardinal’s conclave, anointed the 2025 CityNews Artist of the Year as well as welter of other awards for standout performers.

Michael Simic was named and praised by the Canberra Critics’ Circle as a “consummate professional entertainer” known for his rich baritone voice, relentless energy and effortless rapport with audiences.

Better known through his flamboyant stage persona Mikelangelo, Simic and his band, The Black Sea Gentlemen, have performed to sold-out audiences on London’s West End and at major festivals across the UK, Europe, NZ, Canada and the US. It all began in Canberra, where Simic was born in 1969. “Coming up to 56, I feel like I’m only getting started,” Simic says. “I’m only halfway through. I’m going to keep going until my nineties.” Now that’s a show I’d like to see, Mikelangelo!

Ian Meikle is editor of CityNews.

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2025 THE YEAR THAT WAS... December

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Barr’s magic pudding throws up a new theatre

By IAN MEIKLE How lovely to end the year with a Christmas magicpudding surprise from the ACT government, who suddenly announced, hoorah, we’re going into another $317 million of debt for a new 2000-seat theatre in Civic we didn’t know we needed.

And why, given the size of the seemingly unbudgeted project, did the Chief Minister Andrew Barr and arts czar Michael Pettersson hide their largesse under the bushel of a 6am announcement on Saturday, December 13 – a big pre-Christmas shopping day, when so many people will be, oh no, distracted? What kind of media management advice are these drunken sailors getting for their latest splash of borrowed cash?

The only discernible money in the current budget is $33.385 million for “Capital Business Case and Early Contractor Involvement Procurement” and $5 million for lyric theatre design. Was there ever a business case done? Here we go again, someone call the auditor-general.

THE aggrieved Brittany Higgins had a magical December three years ago as she climbed the stairs to her room at an aspirational Yarralumla club, a $2.4-million millionaire after a day’s negotiation over compensation with the Commonwealth.

But this October dogged former defence minister Linda Reynolds was successful in securing a defamation payout of $315,000, plus $26k in interest, plus a lazy million for her former boss’ lawyers. It all turned on a series of damaging social media posts, fallout from That Night on the minister’s couch in March 2019.

But minus the magic this year, on December 12, the seemingly impecunious Brittany was ignominiously bankrupted by the Federal Court in Perth.

She didn’t come up with a cracker.

So Reynolds chased her into bankruptcy as a means of unbuttoning Brittany’s mysterious trust where the compo millions are supposed to be parked.

DURING the never-ending story that was Communications Minister Anika Wells’ expenses outing that tested the pub test everywhere, political columnist Michelle Grattan posted a great piece on citynews.com. au describing Anthony Albanese’s globally controversial social media

ban on kids as a bold move into largely uncharted territory and saying it would take years to judge its real success.

One teenager condescending told me he viewed the legislation as “quaint” then listed on his fingers the work-arounds that smart kids are already working on.

Ms Grattan rounded out her column by sharing examples of the vagaries of policing pollies’ “within-the-rules” expenses, describing one, involving the PM, as “just another example of how politicians can drive a semi-trailer through their entitlement rules.

It’s not just the kids who are good at finding ways to get around things.”

CITYNEWS published in successive weeks some of the most damaging revelations of how badly we are served by our debt-laden ACT government, thanks to the intrepid digging of columnists Jon Stanhope and Khalid Ahmed.

On December 11 our fearless heroes tore apart the shameful performance of the Suburban Land Agency and its “dismal failure” to reach annual targets.

Scrubbing away the gloss and spin of the agency’s over-produced 200+-page annual report, fizzing with happy, smiling faces, they

chillingly revealed a 24 per cent shortfall in residential dwelling supply against the mandated budget target (what housing crisis?); a 100 per cent shortfall (zero achievement) in mixed use land supply against the target; a 100 per cent shortfall (zero achievement) in commercial use land supply and a 44 per cent shortfall in community Terrified bystanders ran for their lives, discarding use land supply as well as, their belongings as they fled the Bondi gunmen. of course, by a 7 per cent Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP increase in staffing over the previous year!

And that on average, net debt “This is a dismal and embarrassing rose by more than $5 million a day, performance from an agency that every day, including weekends and appears to have lost focus on its core public holidays, including Easter and business, without any apparent acChristmas. Unbelievable. countability or direction,” they wrote They write: “Despite the magnitude with commendable restraint. of the blowout, neither the chief minAnd if you’d been wondering how ister nor the treasurer has bothered to completely cactus we are financially, explain the genesis of these damning in this edition (December 18) is their outcomes.” Says it all, really. magnum opus on the state of the But the month was jarred by the budget (spoiler alert: dreadful). unspeakably evil antisemetic shootWith the heading “Debt spiral: the ings at Jewish families innocently year Labor screwed Canberra”, they gathering in Bondi. Its awfulness cast look at the independent audit of the an emotional pall across the nation 2024/25 accounts and reveal that “the at the very time all families celebrate total deficit expanded to a staggering together. Hold yours close. $1.4 billion – the largest deficit the ACT has ever recorded.”

Ian Meikle is the editor of CityNews.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE

Garner’s intimate mix of mundane to the profane

COLIN STEELE

It’s all about telling stories to interpretation winner

By Helen

MUSA Canberra-Queanbeyan designer and 3-D storyteller Caolán Mitchell has been awarded the Georgie Waterman Career Achievement Award for his impact and innovative approach to the unusual professional field of interpretation.

Mitchell, founder and creative director of design studio Thylacine, was praised by the judges from Interpretation Australia as “a transformative figure in Australian interpretation – an innovator, collaborator, and mentor.”

They highlighted his work on major projects including the WA Museum Boola Bardip, Auckland War Memorial Museum and Melbourne Holocaust Museum, noting his commitment to cultural integrity, emotional resonance and community connection.

But when we caught up with him, it was the words story and storytelling that kept surfacing.

“It is certainly humbling and huge to be receiving this prize after 25 years specialising in storytelling and design,” Mitchell told CityNews.

Designer and 3-D storyteller Caolán Mitchell…

“We’ve told so many amazing stories.”

“We’ve told so many amazing stories, and there’s rarely time to pause and consider our contribution to the industry, so the messages from peers in the interpretation world makes it especially meaningful.”

The industry-nominated award is not monetary, he said, but it is considered one of the highest achievements in the field and is given only very occasionally.

The Georgie Waterman Award, named after a budding young designer-interpreter

Thylacine’s Captivating and Curious installation at the National Museum of Australia.

whose life was cut short, was established in her name by her parents to recognise leadership in interpretation.

It is hosted by Interpretation Australia, representing more than 400 members across Australia, NZ and beyond, whose vice-president Scott Killeen said: “Caolán has helped shape interpretive practice with storytelling at the heart of it, bringing others along. His peers recognise his significant contribution.”

Graduating from Sydney College of the

Arts in 1993, Mitchell began his career as a sculptor and installation artist, later working at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Opera Australia and the Australian War Memorial.

In 1999, he founded Thylacine, initially out of ANCA Studios in Mitchell, before moving to larger more commodious premises in Queanbeyan, with additional studios in Melbourne, all run in partnership with Alexandra Gillespie, a doctoral graduate in

Photography and Media Arts, from the ANU. Quick to emphasise the collaborative nature of his work, he added: “I am in no way the sole author of any project. I try to support a network of storytellers to find their unique direction.”

Over the years Mitchell and Thylacine have come up with imaginative, often cheeky designs that hook museum visitors in, whether through the meaning-laden paper swans floating in Lake Torrens, the real and replica aircraft at the Qantas Founders Museum in outback Queensland, the “selfie with a kelpie” at Casterton’s Australian Kelpie Centre, or real penguins at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre on Phillip Island.

Closer to home, Thylacine has created the immersive Kellyland Glenrowan, which features featuring animatronics alongside original artefacts such as Ned Kelly’s death mask and police relics, many, many installations at the National Museum of Australia, including the portable exhibition From Little Things Big Things Grow, at Canberra Hospital the light-hearted Welcome Home Wall and a glimpse backward at the Centenary of Canberra Celebrations.

In short, as Killeen put it: “Caolán has redefined exhibition practice through story-led, inclusive design and technical ingenuity… shared ownership… His innovations include new ways to mount and display objects that better connect museum visitors to histories and environments.”

ARTS IN THE CITY

Video portrait of soccer team

By Helen

MUSA A new video portrait by Sydney artist and filmmaker Angela Tiatia, featuring all 23 players from the CommBank Matildas FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 squad, is on show at the National Portrait Gallery and will remain on display throughout the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. Commissioned by the gallery, the 23-minute work was filmed across three continents, five cities and seven shoots.

Musica Viva Australia has announced the appointment of Don Christopher (formerly Bemrose) to its board of directors. Now executive officer with the National Indigenous Australians Agency in Canberra, he was a noted baritone with State Opera of South Australia, Opera Australia, Short Black Opera and on Canberra’s musical theatre stages. He joins the board following a 12-month tenure in the 2025 Observership Program.

Monika McInerney, artistic director and co-CEO of Belco Arts, has officially announced that the centre’s theatre space – formerly known as The Rehearsal Room – has been renamed The Mockingbird Studio, or simply The Studio, in recognition of the work carried out there by Chris Baldock and citynews.com.au

A still from the video portrait of the Matildas… on display at the National Portrait Gallery.

Mockingbird Theatrics.

Linda Tregonning, a past president of the Canberra Philharmonic Society, was dismayed to discover that posters marking the Canberra Theatre’s 60th birthday in the Link celebrate only professional productions. She points out that “Philo” staged more than 75 musical theatre productions at the theatre between its opening in 1965 and its final show there in 2001. Presenting two to three productions a year, the society regularly used professional performers such as June Bronhill, Denis Olsen, Ronald McOnachie and Normie Rowe, also engaging

professional orchestras, directors and musical directors. Its 1994 production of Les Misérables set a Canberra Theatre attendance record at the time.

Richard Johnson, director, producer and curator of the 17-year-old SoundOut Festival of free improvisation, free jazz and experimental music and arts, has missed out on funding for the upcoming event.

Now he has turned to crowdfunding at gofundme.com to help bring the festival over the line and allow it to host international music guests.

SoundOut will be at the ANU Drill Hall Gallery, January 30-February 1.

CityNews December 18-31, 2025 27

STREAMING

Deal sounds a death knell for cinemas?

By Nick

OVERALL Is this the death of cinema as we know it? In what is being called the entertainment deal of the century, Netflix is set to buy Warner Brothers Discovery for an eye watering $US83 billion.

That would give the streaming giant access to even more of the world’s biggest franchises.

Warner Bros owns Harry Potter, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Game of Thrones, the DC universe and many more iconic films and TV shows that would end up in the Netflix catalogue.

It’s a huge move. In buying out Warner Bros, Netflix is also essentially taking out one of its biggest competitors.

HBO Max, the streaming service owned by Warner Bros, has been dominating with huge series such as The White Lotus, House of the Dragon and The Last of Us. These shows are conversation starters and Netflix wants to own that conversation.

By obtaining these series the streaming giant would undoubtedly cement itself as the winner of the streaming wars.

Having more content in one central platform for people to access sounds good on paper, but the deal has created serious concerns.

Among them is the possibility of yet another price hike for subscribers.

Netflix has rolled out a string of cost increases in the last few years that have left many families fed up at a time when cost of living is high.

With more content under its belt, it’s likely subscribers will get another email in the not-toodistant future telling them they have to open their wallets again.

The deal has also raised serious concerns about what will happen to already struggling cinemas.

Warner Bros is one of the biggest film-production houses in the world. If future movie releases were under Netflix control, cinemas would be less likely to get those movies on the big screen.

Netflix does occasionally release some of its films for limited runs in the movies.

Most recently they had Guillermo Del Toro’s new Frankenstein film on the big screen for a few weeks around the same time it released the movie for home viewers.

Netflix says it will continue to do this but they’ve previously made it clear what they really think about cinema releases.

In an interview last year, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos claimed the blockbuster films Barbie and Oppenheimer would have been just as big on Netflix as they were in the movies.

“There’s no reason to believe that the movie is better in any size of screen for all people,” he told the New York Times.

“My son’s an editor. He watched Lawrence of Arabia on his phone.”

Well, the director of Oppenheimer seems to think differently.

Christopher Nolan, known for being the director of the Dark Knight trilogy (also owned by Warner Bros) has called for a crisis meeting with Netflix.

Nolan is the head of the Directors Guild and wants an urgent sit down to discuss what this deal is going to mean for the future of cinemas.

He’s not the only one worried. Avatar and Titanic director James Cameron has called the move a “disaster”. A number of Hollywood heavyweight producers are reportedly lobbying to have the deal shut down over fears of cinema closures and job losses.

Perhaps the biggest impact though will be in the very creative output Netflix claims it champions.

Look at shows such as Stranger Things, which has become Netflix’s biggest hit and is now streaming its epic final season.

Stranger Things is a sci-fi horror series that wears its ‘80s inspiration on its sleeve.

Films such as ET, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Jaws, Stand By Me and many more are all massive influences that have made the show what it is.

Would Stranger Things even exist if the show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, weren’t once swept away by the magic of the big screen?

This kind of monopoly, all in the name of churning out endless content, risks a creative spiral that could drain the imagination out of future story telling.

Strange times indeed.

Blockbusters such as Barbie would have been just as big on Netflix as they were in the movies, says Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.

28 CityNews December 18-31, 2025

Author Helen Garner… her diaries are engrossing reading; her ruthless self-examination comes with an inner resilience.

BOOK REVIEW / Helen Garner

Garner’s intimate mix of mundane to the profane “Garner mixes the mundane with the profane, juxtaposing washing the dishes with the creativity of writing.” COLIN STEELE reviews the collected diaries of “national treasure” Helen Garner.

How to End a Story: Collected Diaries 19781998 (Text, $59.99) brings together the three volumes of Helen Garner’s diaries, Yellow Notebook (2019); One Day I’ll Remember This (2020) and How To End A Story (2021).

In November, Garner’s 800page book won the UK 2025 Baillie Gifford Prize worth £50,000 ($A100,000), the first set of diaries to win the prize. Robbie Millen, literary editor of the UK Times, who chaired the prize jury, compared Garner to Virginia Woolf in the canon of great literary diarists.

Millen said the judges were captivated by Garner’s “sharp observation” and “reckless candour” resulting in “a remarkable, addictive book, taking the diary form, mixing the intimate, the intellectual and the everyday, to new heights… there are places it’s toe-curlingly embarrassing. She puts it all out there”.

Garner, who certainly does, has said: “In my heart I always like my diary better than anything else I wrote”.

Garner mixes the mundane with the profane, juxtaposing washing the dishes with the creativity of writing. The reader follows her, in real time, through her troubled marriages, her self-doubt leading to therapy, her mixed relationships with her daughter and her parents, her dental and medical operations, including an hysterectomy, her love

of books, films, dance and music and her interaction with fellow authors and publishers.

In the first volume, she is separated from her first husband Bill Garner and her second marriage, to a Frenchman, Jean-Jacques Portail, is ending.

On the literary front, however, Garner wins a major prize with her first novel Monkey Grip (1977), although she reacts to criticism that it is provincial, writing: “My work seems piddling, narrow, domestic”.

Self-doubt contrasts with a strong inner resolve throughout the diaries.

In the second book (1987-1995), she begins an affair with a fellow writer, whom she ultimately marries, referred to in the text as “V”, but now identified as the Australian novelist Murray Bail.

Garner reflects: “I wanted so much to be loved that I tried to turn myself into the sort of woman I thought I would have to be, in order to be lovable. In the process I falsified myself, lost part of my soul and made myself sick with swallowed rage”.

Garner, describes one scene in which she is cleaning the toilet while V is telling her to stop writing fiction about the 1970s. V also believes “women’s writing lacks an overarching philosophy”.

Garner reflects that V’s criticism may have led her subconsciously to prefer writing non-fiction.

V tells Garner he can only work on his novel Eucalyptus if he is alone in the apartment. Garner is forced to “wander the streets” and, if she wants to write, she has

to resort to public libraries. Garner reflects she is “learning there’s the kind of man who believes he can have everything”. The marriage to V disintegrates, accelerated by V’s affair with an artist X. Garner, on one occasion tries to destroy V’s blue straw hat by repeatedly punching it, but infuriatingly, “it keeps popping back into shape”.

Garner is more successful when “I wrench the cap off his Mont Blanc fountain pen and stab the proof copy (of Eucalyptus) with the nib, gripping the pen in my fist like a dagger. I stab and stab, I press and screw and grind. The nib gives way, where bleeding ink, and twists into a little golden knot”.

Garner writes: “There’s no way he’ll ever understand writing about my life is the only thing that makes it possible for me to live it. I can’t (or won’t) give it up.”

She later acknowledges that “it must be awful to be married to me”.

Garner ends up regularly consulting a therapist. In typical Garner fashion, she persuades the Australian Tax Office to accept her therapy bills as “professional development”.

Then in 1995, Garner learns of two students accusing the Master of Melbourne’s Ormond College of sexual impropriety.

Garner writes: “I wrote the guy a letter. Hope I won’t regret it”, which, in one sense, she certainly will. The publication of the bestselling, The First Stone, led to legal injunctions and Garner being attacked by young feminists.

Garner reveals her own “street fighting” abilities and discovers “a hard nut of something in the centre of my heart”.

Garner’s diaries, How to End a Story, are engrossing reading. Her ruthless self-examination comes with an inner resilience that has enabled her to produce an outstanding corpus of fiction and nonfiction.

Garner is a national treasure. citynews.com.au

MUSICAL THEATRE / Toni Lamond

Canberra favourite Toni takes her final curtain BILL STEPHENS remembers musical

theatre star Toni Lamond, who died in Sydney on November 29. She was 93.

Toni Lamond’s career, spanning eight decades, left an indelible mark on Australian stages, television and cinema. She also had a particularly strong connection with Canberra audiences.

The daughter of vaudevillians Joe Lawman, a baggy-pants comedian, and Stella Lamond, a singer and later accomplished character actress (notably as Molly Wilson in Bellbird), Toni began performing at age 10, singing on radio and touring with her parents on the Tivoli circuit.

From these roots, she built a versatile career encompassing radio, television, cabaret and musical theatre in Australia, Britain and the US. In 1954, Lamond married fellow performer Frank Sheldon, and the duo performed in nightclubs and variety shows. Notably, they appeared in September 1956 as a specialty act in the first official commercial television broadcast in Australia.

Lamond’s breakthrough in musical theatre came in 1957 when she was cast as Babe Williams opposite Bill Newman in JCW’s original production of The Pajama Game. At the time, it was unprecedented for an Australian performer to lead in a local

production of a Broadway musical.

Her performance paved the way for Australians such as Jill Perryman (Funny Girl, 1966) and Nancye Hayes (Sweet Charity, 1967) to assume leading roles rather than understudying imported stars.

Lamond’s effervescent renditions of songs such as There Once Was a Man and I’m Not at All in Love, which I heard at Sydney’s Empire Theatre, remain vivid memories and later influenced my own direction of the show.

Following The Pajama Game, Lamond’s television career flourished. In 1961, she became the first Toni Lamond performs Woman on the Move at the School woman in the world to of Arts Cafe in 1995.

Photos: Robert Roach host her own television variety show, Toni Lamond’s immersing herself in work, relocating to In Melbourne Tonight.

Sydney with their son, Tony Sheldon, who Her career faced a personal tragedy in would also become a Broadway star.

1966 when Frank Sheldon took his own life Lamond never stopped working, and her after their separation. Lamond coped by career is documented in two autobiogra-

phies, The First Half (1990) and Still a Gypsy (2007), with many performances available online. Since her passing, social media has revealed more personal recollections highlighting the depth of affection for her.

In 1985 I interviewed Lamond for the National Library of Australia’s Oral History Project and again in 2012.

I developed a strong friendship with her during her cabaret performances at the School of Arts Café in Queanbeyan.

Her autobiographical cabaret A Life in Showbusiness premiered there in 1994, with Tony McGill as musical director and accompanist. Performances were recorded by Laura and Silvia Tchilinguirian for Canberra Stereo Public Radio (later Artsound FM 92.7) and later released as part of Larrikin Records’ Legends of Australian Showbiz series.

In April 1995, Lamond returned with Woman on the Move (musical director: Tony Magee) and in 1998 she performed Still a Gypsy with American pianist Ron Creager, who also accompanied her in 1999 for An Evening with Toni Lamond, celebrating her CD launch, Toni Lamond at the School of Arts Café.

Beyond the café, Lamond appeared at The Street Theatre in 1999 in a world premiere musical Careful He Might Hear You, based on Sumner Locke Elliott’s novel.

She played Lila Barnes, delivering a moving rendition of A Winter Kind of Summer.

She reprised this song at the 2001 New York Cabaret Convention, performing alongside Creager as special guests, amid a city still reeling from 9/11.

WINE / cyber breach

Data niggles of ordering wine online Autocorrect can go straight to he’ll.

I am sometimes concerned at the extent to which I rely on technology and the increasing reliance on computers and mobile telephones for everyday transactions.

This year I bought wine from a large online wholesaler and online from a couple of vineyards and placed my faith in them by, amongst other things, providing my credit card details.

Given reliance on technology, it is therefore worrying when you know that your data has been published on the dark web, with concomitant threats to your computer’s security and, potentially, your financial welfare.

This was brought home by the recent Qantas data release and a prior release of my customer information from Medibank Private.

These thoughts also arise from the planning for the purchase of holiday drinks. Should I order online or not?

Mid-year, mate Tom and I had agreed to share a case of wine ordered via Vinomofo.

The Vinomofo website says that it created its company “in a little garage in Adelaide back in 2011, and in just over 10 years we’ve grown to a tribe of over 500,000 wine-loving mofos around the world.”

That organisation had Tom’s citynews.com.au

Ordering online… “Worries brought home by the recent Qantas data release and a prior release of my customer information from Medibank Private.”

Photo: file details but not mine as I’d agreed to pay Tom post-purchase for my six wines.

Even so, I was annoyed when I recently read that Vinomofo had a finding against it by the Privacy Commissioner that it had interfered with the privacy of almost a million individuals (the cyber reach is obviously much greater than the customer base) by failing to take reasonable steps to protect the personal information from security risks. This led to a data breach.

On October 17, the Privacy Commissioner published the results of her investigation into Vinomofo.

This investigation arose from a September 25 2022

data breach, where an unauthorised third party accessed and exfiltrated data from the Vinomofo database.

The nub of the commissioner’s finding was that Vinomofo had breached a privacy principle, which requires an entity that is subject to the Privacy Act to take reasonable steps to protect the personal information that it holds from misuse, interference and loss, and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

The company wasn’t penalised, but the commissioner specified steps to address interference.

The context was a data migration project. I believe that it is important to harness the buying power of larger groups and that generally Vinomofo does a good job in getting appropriate bargains. But nothing should subsume appropriate privacy protection.

In a response to the commissioner’s findings published in Daily Wine News, Vinomofo said: “We have… taken steps to further strengthen our information security environment, governance and staff training since the incident. We will continue to do so in line with Vinomofo’s spirit of continuous improvement as a business.

“We understand the importance that our customers place upon their personal information, and the protection of their information and privacy is always our utmost priority.”

It’s important that whatever business you deal with online they have rock solid privacy protection.

“Privacy is not an option, and it shouldn’t be the price we accept for just getting on the internet.” –Gary Kovacs

The cover of Toni Lamond’s CD recording at the Arts Cafe in Queanbeyan.

I was there and noted in my diary: “A beautifully judged performance… expressed the feelings of a woman who had lost a child.

In the current climate of melancholy and uncertainty, the lyrics took on a subtle new resonance.”

In 2002, Lamond became a patron of the annual CAT Awards in Canberra, which honour achievements in non-professional theatre. She regularly attended award presentations, offering encouragement and inspiration to awardees and audiences alike.

Toni Lamond is survived by her son Tony Sheldon and his life partner Tony Taylor. Her funeral will be held on December 17 at the South Chapel, Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park, Matraville, and will be livestreamed.

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Weather matters in garden success Weather was the main player in what success we had in our gardens this year, and what survived our long, cold winter with little sunshine.

The rain has been steady and has helped many plants survive over the past few months, but now with summer upon us, irrigation is the most important to keeping the garden alive in the heat.

THIS year David Austin Roses released a rose called The King’s Rose at The Chelsea Flower Show. A shrub rose, it is the first striped rose for the Austin collection with deep pink and white petals with a light-medium fragrance.

One new rose, available now, that was released this year is Endless Love, specially developed to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Australian Breast-Feeding Association.

It is described as elegant and fragrant with white blooms tinged with pink that grows to 1.5 metres tall. It is bred for cut

flowers, potpourri or as a long-flowering shrub in the garden.

It is developed by Australian grower Wagner Roses who have been around for more than 70 years.

Ordering roses in autumn ensures the stock is available and in winter, when the plants arrive, they can be planted in prepared soil.

If you’re unsure which roses grow well in our climate, visit the rose gardens at Old Parliament House. The roses are named, and you can see their growth and size to judge what’s suitable in your garden. And enjoy the fragrances, too.

IN the vegetable patch this year I have had an abundance of cucamelons, tomatoes, carrots and zucchinis.

Cucamelons are cute mini-watermelons that hang on a vine and taste like cucumbers. One or two plants is all that’s needed for a family, but they don’t store well.

I grew Roma and Donkey Balls tomatoes this year, having sown them from seed collected in autumn.

In the carrot patch, I let a few carrots flower in autumn to attract beneficial insects. When the flowers were spent, the flower stalk was bent over and seeds fell, creating another carrot patch!

The Black Jack zucchinis grew well and from

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UNFORTUNATELY, the rats have been a pest this year and ate all my pears and apples. But now, for the first time in 20 years, I also have a possum problem.

After trying every home-made remedy or deterrent spray, I reckon mechanical measures are the only solution to keep wildlife from eating your produce. jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

Jottings…

• Plant the last of the dahlias .

• Trim chrysanthemums so they bush up in autumn.

• Turn compost regularly and add water if it is too dry.

• Place water dishes out for wildlife.

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three plants I made a dozen jars of zucchini relish and still had enough to give away. Email me for the recipe for zucchini relish.

In spring last year, I planted Queensland Blue pumpkins in someone else’s garden. When they were ripe for picking in autumn, there were more than 10 medium-size pumpkins. I prefer to grow Queensland Blues because they are hard to find in the shops. They store the longest and are the most versatile in the kitchen. It’s easy to keep and store seeds, but they must have room to grow.

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www.coolcountrynatives.com.au 30 CityNews December 18-31, 2025

citynews.com.au

HOROSCOPE Your week in the stars

By Joanne Madeline Moore

PUZZLES

ADVERTISEMENT

General knowledge crossword No. 1043 1

December 22-28, 2025

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ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

The week starts with Mercury and Venus in fellow fire sign Sagittarius, so you’re in the mood for plenty of fun and Yuletide cheer. However, too much haste and festive frivolity could land you in trouble, especially involving friends and/or in-laws. So do your best to get the balance right between thinking things through and being spontaneous. When it comes to Christmas presents, choose ones that bring joy and inspiration, like soulful music and beautiful books.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)

Most Bulls are well-prepared but Neptune squares Venus (your ruling planet) on Wednesday, so expect a rather confusing Christmas Eve. Perhaps a family member misunderstands you or Santa gets lost! With the Moon moving through your peer group zone, many Bulls will spend Christmas night with a close circle of special friends. Your festive motto is from birthday great, movie star Marlene Dietrich: “It’s the friends you can call at 4 am that matter.”

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

With the Sun, Venus, Mars and Mercury (your boss planet) bouncing through your relationship zones, it’s all about companionship and sharing as you enjoy the festive season with family members, close friends and/or neighbours. And some lucky singles could find love at a lively Christmas Party. Your motto for the moment comes from birthday great, singer-songwriter-activist Annie Lennox: “Love is the most important thing we can give.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

Prepare to be in a fabulously festive mood, as you let your hair down and enjoy the Yuletide celebrations to the max. But if you eat and drink and party too much on Christmas Day, then you’ll be a grumpy Crab for the rest of the week. Extravagant Jupiter is jumping through your sign, so be careful at the Boxing Day/New Year sales. Extravagant, impulse buys this week could result in long regrets later. From Thursday on, love is in the air.

LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)

When it comes to last-minute gift shopping, look for presents that are practical and useful. But if you spend more than you can comfortably afford this Christmas, then you’ll just end up with a heap of New Year debt. You don’t have to go overboard in order to have a good time. And avoid getting too serious and stressed.

It’s time for clever Lions to bliss out on Yuletide cheer! A calm and methodical approach is the best way to handle festive celebrations.

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

It’s been a busy lead-up to the big day, so you may feel a bit out of sorts this Christmas. Many Virgos have a very delicate digestive system which is easily upset by stress, rich food, too much alcohol, overwork and over-excitement. If you pace yourself, then you (and your sensitive stomach) will enjoy the festive season even more. Simple meals – in small amounts – and plenty of sleep is the smart and sensible way to go. Spend Boxing Day with a special loved one.

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ATO is watching where the income goes

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Solution next edition

Across

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3 In classical legend, which hero of great strength performed 12 extraordinary tasks? (8) 7 In golf, what is a position in which an opponent’s ball lies directly between the player’s ball and the hole?

(6) 8 Name the most important narcotic principle of opium. (8) 9 To withdraw something formally is to what? (6) 10 Which soft unctuous medical preparation is applied to the skin? (8) 11 Name a US city in NE New Jersey. (6) 14 Which term describes something that is quite new?

(6) 17 The marriage of one woman with one man is what?

(8) 18 Name a historic gold mining township north of Bathurst NSW. (6) 19 Which word describes industrial automatic processes? (8) 20 What is another word for an exit? (6) 21 Those who “linger longer” are what? (8)

1 What is a lofty tower attached to a church? (7) 2 Name the more common term for loss of memory. (7) 3 Having been sentenced to death, which poison did Socrates drink? (7) 4 Which nautical device is used for hoisting weights? (7) 5 One who “hangs about” does what? (7) 6 To be perfumed is to be what? (7) 11 Which word expresses a number? (7) 12 Name the horse that won the 1925 Melbourne Cup. (7) 13 What is an organised series of boat races?

(7) 14 What is the Latin name for Odysseus? (7) 15 The apparel of a police officer or the like is called a what? (7) 16 Which term describes that which is infinite? (7)

LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

On Christmas Eve, nebulous Neptune squares Venus (your patron planet) so things could get rather confusing. Don’t worry if your carefully-made plans are messed up this Xmas. Try to keep things in perspective. It’s OK if the food, presents, decorations and celebrations aren’t 100% perfect. As writer (and birthday great) Quentin Crisp wisely observed: “Treat all disasters as if they were trivialities but never treat a triviality as if it were a disaster.”

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

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FREE PUZZLES EVERY DAY AT citynews.com.au

Sudoku hard No. 408

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

With Pluto (your ruler), plus the Moon, Saturn and Neptune in your domestic and entertainment zones on Xmas Day, many Scorpios will host festive celebrations at home. But communication between guests looks tricky, as Neptune stirs up sensitivities. It will take your best diplomatic skills to keep children under control, parents from getting paranoid and family members from feuding. When in doubt, take ten deep breaths and continue… the show must go on!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

The Moon, Saturn and Neptune are in your domestic zone on Christmas Day, which favours traditional celebrations, surrounded by loved ones. Choose your words wisely though because Neptune squares Venus. If you’re not careful, you could blurt out the wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong time and upset a relative or stir up an old grievance. A smart Sagittarian will simmer down, hold your tongue, and think things through before you speak.

Disclaimer This column contains general advice, please do not rely on it. If you require specific advice on this topic please contact Gail Freeman or your professional adviser.

Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2025 citynews.com.au

G V M B O U R G H E R I T A G E N S G R O A S N P E T I T I O N A O D E A D E A T A N N E R Y S R Q S A M O V O U N E B U L A E T O B Y R O N B O C C H E R U B I U E S O T E R K S S C U M M Y

K E I T S T Y E N E A R G A Y X I C S

Sudoku medium No. 408

Steady Saturn (in your sign) helps to stabilise and conserve your energy throughout a long and hectic Christmas Day. Then you’ll be able to enjoy the Yuletide celebrations… without feeling totally exhausted by bedtime! Many Pisceans will spend the post-Christmas period reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026. So, your motto is from birthday great, writer Henry Miller: “One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.”

Solutions – December 11 edition Crossword No. 1042

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

This guideline expresses the ATO’s concerns that some people who earn PSI are using a personal service business (PSB) to alienate income from the individual who earned it to other family members who pay tax at a lower rate.

This guideline is highly relevant for professionals such as consultants, IT professionals, engineers, doctors, dentists and lawyers. It can also apply to tradies including plumbers, electricians, landscapers and carpenters who operate through entities to distribute income to associates who pay a lower rate of tax and those who may retain profits in the entity without passing them on to the person who provides the PSI. In the guideline, the ATO has 17 examples that are either classified as low-risk or high-risk to indicate whether it is an arrangement in which they may be interested.

They are focusing particularly on retaining profits in the entity without using them for reinvestment or business growth, income splitting, namely distributing income to family members who are taxed at lower rates and may provide no professional service to the entity.

They are interested in diversion of income to entities with losses so that tax is not paid due to the losses brought forward and the other concern is uncommercial remuneration for associates by paying amounts that do not reflect the value of their contribution.

The outcome is that this can provide significant tax advantages to the entity. The ATO is reviewing these arrangements very carefully, initially honing in on the strategies it defines as high-risk strategies.

If you are running a personal service business it is important that you make sure that you are not likely to fall foul of the ATO’s requirements.

In order to minimise any potential risk to your business, I recommend that you review the application of the PSI rules to your circumstances. Read PCG 2025/5 and assess your own risk zone based on the examples.

You need to keep clear records on retained earnings and remuneration decisions so that you can illustrate a commercial purpose to what you are doing.

The ATO suggests this should include business plans, board minutes and evidence of genuine reinvestment strategies. The ATO recommends that if you need to make any changes you adjust your current arrangements before June 30 2027. Clearly, this is an area where you need professional advice once you have assessed your potential risk.

This guideline is not the law, but it indicates the ATO’s interpretation of the law.

PCG’s do not replace the law and they are not binding. It is likely, therefore, after July 1 2027 that there will be some cases on this topic so that there is some confirmed law. The purpose of this PCG is to make the ATO’s stand on PSB’s very clear. Any professional, particularly a high-income earner, using a company or trust to earn income needs to ensure that they will be compliant from July 1 2027.

If you need advice on PSI, PSB, or any other tax-related matter contact the expert team at Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd on 02 6295 2844.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

You’ll need to be extra diplomatic if you want to avoid a fraction too much friction on Christmas Day. With Venus squaring Neptune in your communication zone, misunderstandings are likely (especially with relatives), so tread carefully. With the Sun, Venus and Mars all visiting your sign, focus on friendship, generosity and community spirit. Your Xmas motto comes from writer (and birthday great) Henry Miller: “Do anything but let it produce joy.”

Unique Uranus (your ruling planet) and joyful Jupiter are transiting through your domestic and daily routine zones. So, strive to be more generous and forgiving towards family and friends, as you view a troubled relationship from a more philosophical perspective. Your festive motto is from birthday great, singersongwriter-activist Annie Lennox (who turns 71 on Christmas Day): “Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world.”

The ATO has recently released practical compliance guideline PCG 2025/5 which sets out the ATO’s approach to personal services income (PSI) and part IVA, the antiavoidance provision of the Income Tax Assessment Acts.

Solution next edition

Gail Freeman & Co Pty Ltd 02 6295 2844

Unit 9, 71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston ABN 57 008 653 683

(Chartered accountant, SMSF specialist advisor and Authorised Representative of Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFS Lic No. 229892)

info@gailfreeman.com.au | www.gailfreeman.com.au Follow us on Facebook @gailfreemanandco

Connect with me on Linkedin bit.ly/3bcXEZl

CityNews December 18-31, 2025 31

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