Webdiary - Founded and Inspired by Margo Kingston

... most Sydneysiders are wondering why [the APEC leaders] couldn't have chosen one of the dozens of luxurious islands of the far north to hold theirconference, now the full scope of the staggering security measures that will lock-down half of the city's center for10 days are being made public.

"The family had decided to keep quiet about the mystery surrounding Jake's death, preferring to let the Army handle the media questions, but a string of incredible mistakes has culminated with the body of Judy's son not being sent back to Australia where the family was waiting to retrieve the coffin. Judy Kovco now wants Australians to know exactly what has happened in the six days since her son was killed, and the circumstances under which he died." Darryl Mason

"Don’t panic. The questions will be tough, but your Prime Minister set up this inquiry, he set the terms of reference, so you haven’t got too much to worry about. The commissioner in charge can’t prosecute you. All he can do is allow you to be questioned for a few hours by a team of kick-arse lawyers and QCs." Daryl Mason

"One argument made in favour of the West Papuans is a simple one, although it may not be a 100% correct: How can Australia send its soldiers to the other side of the world to free Iraqis from a brutal regime when West Papuans, so close to Australia, suffer still in their cry for freedom?" Darryl Mason

"It had to happen eventually, and now it has. The cyclone hammered people of Innisfail have been mightily slagged by Sydney columnist Miranda Devine, safely tucked up in her warm PJs as she delivers her scathing, bitter verdict on mothers with children in tow who spent two days or more standing in the rain in the Innisfail town square last week." Darryl Mason