‘Cricket tours have been cancelled due to terrorism, world wars and even the French Revolution, but never before on account of a government's interventionism.

John Howard's directive sets a dangerous precedent for sport in Australia, albeit a popular one in this case. But should the Government look to broaden that ban beyond matches played exclusively in Zimbabwe, as Howard and Alexander Downer foreshadowed, it could well find itself in a heated battle with the very body it is trying to help.

‘The Government is unable to break its addiction to soaring defence spending on high-tech but unsuitable assault toys. This is money that should have been spent enhancing lives through health and education.

Blair will stand down on 27 June

He made the announcement in a speech to party activists in his Sedgefield constituency, after earlier briefing the Cabinet on his plans.

He acknowledged his government had not always lived up to high expectations but said he had been "very blessed" to lead "the greatest nation on earth".

from the SMH …..

PM to seize uni control from states

John Garnaut & David Crawshaw

May 10, 2007

The Federal Government is poised to take its "education revolution" an extra step by using controversial constitutional powers to strip the states of their control over universities.

In her first post-budget interview, the Education Minister, Julie Bishop, told the Herald the states had tied the universities in red tape but contributed nothing financially.

from the ABC …..

Murdoch to make News Corp carbon neutral

Rupert Murdoch revealed moves to make his News Corporation carbon neutral as the company posted a big jump in quarterly profits on the back of a solid performance by its film division.

from our ABC …..

‘Budget revives Coalition's election hopes

Peter Costello's 12th Budget is sparking some hope for Coalition MPs ahead of the federal election, while the Opposition is doing its best to spoil the party.’

from the the Sydney Morning Herald …..

‘Families will be the focus of tomorrow's federal budget, which will also increase defence spending and deliver tax benefits skewed towards those on middle and low incomes.

Mr Costello confirmed the separate child-care rebate which repays couples 30 per cent of child care costs after the benefit has been received will be paid back more quickly.

from Alan Ramsay …..

from the New York Times …..

For Queen and First Lady, Bush Will Try White Tie

By Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Jim Rutenberg

Published: May 5, 2007

from the BBC …..

Climate change 'can be tackled'

While the Queen waited 15 minutes for her red carpet to be unrolled ….

While the New York Times is not mentioning her visit to the US state of Virginia ….

pentagon told it must give up oil …..

May 2, 2007

‘President George W. Bush vetoed legislation on Tuesday that would have required him to begin withdrawing U.S. combat troops from Iraq this year, setting up a new showdown with Democratic leaders over funding the war, the White House said.

from the ABC’s Lateline …..

from the New York Times …..

By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG

Published: April 30, 2007

Quiet Bush Aide Seeks Iraq Czar, Creating a Stir