Loose cannons
Hallowed tradition
"I don't see why we should break with tradition; that is, we should re-endorse sitting senators." — NSW Labor Senator Michael Forshaw, facing a challenge for his position from TWU chief Stephen Hutchins.
Please explain
"I have never claimed single parent and been by myself a single woman and had a child and claimed welfare." — A well-known advocate of making knowledge of English a prerequisite for immigration to Australia.
Christmas present
"The system will collapse before Christmas if things continue the way they are." — Paul Fitzgerald, chief executive of the biggest private job agency, on the achievements of the federal government's Job Network.
Or no-one is looking
"It is better to postpone it until a more appropriate time when people feel the gift is proper." — Indonesian ex-president Suharto, knocking back, for now, a government handout of $3 million to pay for his 3000 square metre retirement villa.
Patient
"I think I have been an extremely patient minister for the environment." — NSW ALP minister Pam Allan, complaining about business's failure to cooperate with a rubbish-reduction plan.
Fair
"There is a fair bit of policy confusion." — Communications minister Senator Richard Alston, announcing the government's retreat on Telstra privatisation.