“Politics has become a vocation once again, ruled by an ethic of responsibility, whereby options need to be carefully calibrated against alternatives, probabilities assessed, decisions made even though the outcome is unclear, and responsibility taken for the result, whatever it may happen to be. “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.” Politics has been lifted above the banal everyday swamp of networking for influence, career opportunism and public relations.”      Prof. John Carroll (Sociology, La Trobe University) A better future is possible if we can lock in these improved behaviours of our politicians. Is that too much to ask for?

The Reserve Bank of Australia should consider buying "zero coupon perpetual bonds" from our federal and state governments over the next two years. This is, in effect, a no-interest and non-repayable loan from the Reserve Bank to fund public works while the economy is sub-par.It could fund a capital spending surge over two to three years for constructing social housing, schools, hospitals, roads and railways. This increase in the money supply and public spending would underpin the private sector’s recovery.https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-free-ride-we-can-t-afford-to-spurn-how-the-rba-can-jump-start-our-economy-20200519-p54uju.html

"We must show, not merely in the great crises but in the everyday affairs of life, the qualities of practical intelligence, of courage, of hardihood, and endurance, and above all the power of devotion to a lofty ideal."  "The principles for which we stand are the principles of fair play and a Square Deal for every man and every woman in the United States: a Square Deal politically, a Square Deal in matters social and industrial." THEODORE ROOSEVELT

We are starting to see cooperation fray as politicians move back to re-embrace the varied wishes of their constituencies, their ideologies and the need to garner enough votes to gain and hold power. The nation’s chance of a rational and timely recovery rests on the ability of our elected representatives to keep their egos and political instincts in check and focus on the task at hand. It is up to us all to encourage the right behaviours…as citizens, business people, journalists +

The Prime Minister of Canada has announced the ban of over 1,500 models and variants of assault-style firearms. Some of the

Australia's "novel" coronavirus pandemic response is being praised by the highly-regarded Brookings Institution in Washington for preserving the nation's economic fabric without throwing millions of workers into potentially permanent unemployment.JobKeeper and JobSeeker Payments keep people in work in Australia.Other decisions by the Australian Government  that have been winners are:1. Stopping Chinese travel to Australia early (including by students returning to Australia despite complaints from universities)2. Establishing a National Cabinet3. Isolating people for 2 weeks in hotels on their return to Australia ( because isolation at home did not work) and4. The new Contact Tracing App Any other compliments we can give?