Diary Leaks

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 00:44:00 +0000

Here are your opportunities to catch the Diary Leaks authors in their natural habitat during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival:

Comedy in Melbourne, Canberra

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 02:25:00 +0000

Howdy Diary Leakers!

We have it on good authority that, despite evidence to the contrary, Greg Hunt is not the world's best Minister. That's not a leak, it's just the bleeding obvious.

In other news, come see Diary Leak authors Toby Halligan and Mathew Kenneally on stage this weekend at the Sustainable Living Festival in Melbourne.
http://www.slf.org.au/event/political-asylum/

And next Month, Canberrans can check out Toby Halligan's brand new stand-up show at the Canberra Comedy Festival, Fri 18 and Sat 19 March:
http://www.trybooking.com/172648

Bronwyn Bishop: reasons to chopper

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 07:56:00 +0000

Bronyn Bishop has come under serious criticism for taking a helicopter from Melbourne to Geelong to attend a Liberal Party fundraiser. Even Joe Hockey has said it “instinctively” fails the sniff test, but that Ms. Bishop should have the chance to explain.

It’s important not to judge. Maybe Bronwyn is trying to give the helicopter industry a leg-up. Maybe she saw an episode of the Jetsons and thought we should all have flying cars, starting with her.

In the spirit of empathy and understanding we have tried to think of those situations where all of us could use a helicopter.

1. You want to pick your daughter up from her Indonesian lessons and take her straight to Bali.

2. You want to avoid the rabble: unlike Parliament you cannot eject other motorists off the highway for breaking road rules.

3. You're worried about your health: commercial airflights involve sharing air with hundreds of people and with recent cuts to health you can't be too careful.
4. You forgot to book flights to a wedding on the Whitsundays.

5. You want to pick the kids up from child care without the hassle of city traffic

6. Traveling in Melbourne from the north side of the river to the south side.

7. Traveling across the harbor in Sydney - why pay for the tunnel?

8. You want to travel between Canberra and Sydney without being confronted by wind farms.

9. It's 840am on Monday morning and you feel a little too fragile to squeeze on the train.

10. Your car has broken down and the government has failed to deliver the promised train line to your outer suburban development.

11. It's 43 degrees in Melbourne and you cannot afford to be delayed from your gin & tonic.

12. Flying is statistically a far safer mode of travel than driving, and there are no commercial airlines that fly direct from Melbourne to your favourite Geelong country club. What choice do you have?

Over to you commercial airlines, lets get Helicopter fares down from $5000. I’m sure Tiger could get it down to at least $500, although it may require passengers to fly the choppers themselves!

The Smuggling Season: Diary of a Liberal Frontbencher - 11 to 16 June 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 00:34:00 +0000

THURSDAY 11 JUNE 2015

7:00am

Arrive at Parliament House. Concerned about this “payments for people smugglers” issue. As Minister for Values, journalists are likely to ask me questions. Call Abbott’s office to arrange lunch briefing.

1:00pm

Arrive to lunch. Abbott not here, only Credlin.

Ask where Abbott is. Credlin refuses to discuss “operational matters”.

Ask if I can have meeting with Abbott to discuss smuggling issues.

Credlin says I do not have clearance to discuss operational matters with PM. Operational matters include location of PM and people smuggling.

Clarify how I should answer questions from press.

Credlin would prefer all press requests go through her, but if I am slow-witted enough to get trapped, I should say I cannot discuss operational matters. If they repeat the question: run.

FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2015

7:00am

Bishop drops in. Has heard I had met with PM on payments to people smuggling. Bishop says it sounds like absolute nonsense, and has confirmed with Dutton and Department, but needs to talk to PM. Asks if I know anything. Tell Bishop I cannot discuss operational matters. Bishop nods. “Right, so she hasn’t let you meet with him either.”

Really hope this is just a “routine” blocking of access and not a “covering up a secret” blocking of access.

9:30am

PM does Neil Mitchell; does not deny we are paying people smugglers. Is it true? Has Credlin not given PM same line?

Must ensure I do not get ambushed by press.

10:00am

Bishop back in, looking for PM.

Ask why?

Bishop insists that it is “operational”.

Suggest she call Abbott.

Bishop has tried, get’s Credlin. Suggest we ambush him on his morning ride.

Bishop has tried that. Credlin changes the route every day. She’s harder to crack than the Enigma code.

SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2015

9:00am

Morning papers are chaos. Dutton & Bishop denying people smuggling story. Morrison and Abbott not denying.

Journalists calling.

Call Chief of Staff. Ask what to do. Chief of Staff says she will call Credlin.

11:00am

Chief of Staff cannot get a hold of Credlin for clarification. Can only get through to Credlin’s secretary, who says Credlin’s location is an operational matter. Advises me to turn my phone off and not leave the house for the weekend.

What am I meant to do?

Chief of Staff advises I catch up on season 4 and 5 of Game of Thrones.

4:00pm

God. This is awful. So much gratuitous sex and violence.

SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2015

3:00am

Still watching Game of Thrones. Should sleep, but need to know who will rule Westeros.

7:00am

That’s it???? 9 months til next season. Can’t believe I got so addicted. Have not enjoyed callous brutality so much since first episode of The Killing Season.

MONDAY 15 JUNE 2015

6:00am

Preparing for Parliament. Chief of Staff has advised me that I must avoid press pack. Has advised me to wear comfortable shoes.

Proposes I make my break for it when Joyce arrives. Must not get asked people smuggling question.

7:00am

Got ambushed. Journalist did not ask me about smugglers. Asked if I had read legal advice on stripping citizenship. Assured journalist there was no advice.

8:00am

Credlin is sitting in my chair. Furious at me for revealing I had not seen cabinet advice.

Remind Credlin I am in cabinet, and have not seen advice.

Credlin says that with that attitude I won’t be allowed to see it. Until I learn to answer questions about national security with “operational matters”, I cannot be trusted with sensitive material.

Need to talk to Abbott.

1:30pm

Get to chamber early. Tried to make my way over, but Credlin cut me off.

3:30pm

Amazing question time! Bishop, Dutton now not denying people smuggler payments. It’s true. We did it. Not sure if this is bad or good. Pro: it stops boats; con: is a crime. Get Chief of Staff to do research.

5:00pm

Chief of Staff says strictly speaking it’s a crime under Australian law, international law, and Indonesian law.

God.

So Bishop did not know, or did know and was lying.

Dutton did not know, or did know and was lying.

Morrison knew, but did not tell Dutton.
Abbott knew.

This could bring down every leadership contender, just leaving….Turnbull or…me.

Open drawer, pull out draft of leadership speech. Get to work on opening line.

“A good government that lost its way at sea” – No

“A government brought down by nay-sayers and human right’s lawyers” – true, but too negative.

“A great Prime Minister who sacrificed himself to protect the nation from boats. I will honor his legacy.” - Yes that’s it.

Call wife. Suggest we start looking at schools in Canberra.

10:30pm

Watch advance copy of Episode 2 of Killing Season in office with staff. Good laugh. Cannot trust Shorten. Ha ha ha! I can totally take him.

TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2015

8:00am

Abbott in!

Ask where he has been.

Abbott said Credlin had to put him in lock down. Needed to control information. Crisis is over, turns out Labor might have paid people smugglers.

What a relief. Thank goodness we both did it.

Abbott corrects me. First rule of operational matters, we do not talk about operational matters, even in quiet.

Apologise. Ask if I can see Solicitor General’s advice.

Abbott says he cannot confirm existence of any such advice, but if I prove I can maintain operational secrecy I can see new documents.

Abbott leaves.

Burn victory speech. Next time.

Diary Leak author Toby Halligan at Melbourne International Comedy Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 04:38:00 +0000

Catch writer and performer Toby Halligan at this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Check out his fantastic new solo show Toby Halligan - The Bad Gay on this week and next.

Also see him host an amazing lineup of topical comedy talent at Political Asylum - Late Night Riot this Saturday night - one show only!

LEAKED: "Average Joe" Says So - 21 January 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 02:17:00 +0000

Joe Hockey, Treasurer, cigar smoker, ordinary guy, added another string to his bow on Monday: futurist. His prediction that we need to plan for a world in which people live to 150 has sparked ridicule, comparisons to Sarah Palin, and some support.

Artist's impression of Futurist Hockey

Secret documents leaked to us show that Hockey is an avowed futurist. That many of his public policies are not informed by neo-liberalism but rather his far sighted eyes on the future. Below are Joe Hockey’s personal jottings on the future:

Wind power is ugly and pointless, there is no wind on our new home, the moon.
Gen Y needs to stop whining about housing affordability. They'll have over 100 years to pay off mortgages. Here's a tip: collect rent from your great great grand children.
We must introduce a price signal to Medicare now. Otherwise we’ll have people coming in to get life extension pills, for any old reason.
We must build Melbourne's East-West Link road tunnel. It is foolish to build another train line that will certainly be destroyed when the asteroid collides with Earth. The survivors of this inevitable catastrophe will be unable to commute between underground bunkers without the East-West Link.
If we allow gay marriage what next? People marrying their clone?
Extinction of Great Barrier Reef is sad but ultimately a great opportunity to build future city, Oz-Lantis, in the coral graveyard. Robo-fish will also be more welcoming than actual fish. Could even provide tourists with beverages.
Obviously it would be better if the Chinese did not know about our Robocop program. Also, probably better if we not tell actual cops.
Yes, robots should run nursing homes. Sooner, rather than later.
Housing affordability for the young is unlikely to remain an issue as the generation born today are likely to ascend to be beings of pure consciousness that live in the cloud.
It's foolish to invest in the NBN. It's only a matter of time before tech wizs learn how to communicate telepathically. Which will also make Facebook, Twitter and Instagram redundant. Thank god.
Kangaroos should be bred either so they're big enough to ride or small enough to have as pets. My kids really want a Kangaroo. If the CSIRO were working on useful stuff like this, they might deserve more funding (hint hint).
The Chinese are fools to buy Australian farms. Food is a dying industry. Everybody knows the future is in the weekly sustenance pill.

We phoned Mr Hockey's office for comment, but were informed that the Treasurer now only communicates via Google Glass.

Diary of the Minister for Future Building and Values – 16 January 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 02:17:00 +0000

A DAY AT THE CRICKET
FRIDAY 16 JANUARY 2015

8:00am

Off to ODI between Australia v. England at the SCG with the Prime Minister. Looking forward to relaxing day of cricket, beer, and bitching about the Senate.

1:00pm

Arrive at Sydney Cricket Ground Members. Abbott pleased to see me, needs to discuss Medicare policy.

Insist to Abbott it is a new year; no need to beat himself up about co-payment failing.

1:15pm

Abbott explains new Medicare policy that his office has worked up.

Is it a good idea to bring co-payment back, even if just for short appointments?

Abbott explains it is not a co-payment, but measure to encourage Doctors to spend more time with patients by reducing the rebate for short appointments by $20.

So it is a cut?

Abbott insists it is not a cut. It's an incentivisation measure that just happens to yield savings of $1.3 billion.

2:20pm

Hockey calls. Needs me to pass on message. Backbench is against new $20 co-payment policy. Try to explain Abbott's position that it's not a co-payment but an incentivisation measure.

Hockey takes exception to me trying the "calling taxes and cuts other words" strategy on him. Hockey warns that opponents of "Credlin’s plan" are willing to make public their threats to go public with opposition.

Does this mean MPs are threatening to go public with opposition?

No, Hockey says MPs would never go public, this is merely a warning that MPs will go public with details of warning to go public unless the policy is dumped.

Ask Hockey how he can even consider this? Hockey says it was either communicate with one another through media or go through PM's office.

2:23pm

Pass info on to Abbott.

Abbott says it is not $20 co-payment, but $20 cut to rebate.

I thought it was not a cut?

Abbott: this is just the point. There is a lot of confusion. Backbench needs more time to absorb and understand Prime Minister’s policy.

Wonder if this would have been easier if we'd told them about policy before telling The Australian?

2:27pm

Match started. Mitchell Starc takes two England wickets in three balls.

Abbott inspired by Starc bowling, coming back from Shane Warne’s criticism calling him “soft”. Maybe Coalition should stick to $7 co-payment plan rather than incentivisation co-payment plan.

3:00pm

Abbott goes to get beers. Has been thinking it would actually be soft to back down from incentivisation plan and go back to $7 co-payment. Policy is now to stick to incentivisation.

5:00pm

England on top. Abbott feels weakness in Australian attack is lack of variety. Thinks this might be weakness in Medicare policy. Decides new policy will be to implement incentivisation-measure, AND $7 co-payment. Abbott calls Credlin, asks her to brief cabinet on new policy.

5:30pm

Hockey calls me. Asks if PM has changed mind.

Confirm that PM has changed mind.

Hockey asks what policy is.

Explain dual-co-payment policy.

Hockey says he is coming to the cricket to discuss.

Sigh.

6:00pm

Backbenchers have seen me at cricket with Abbott. Constant phone calls. Very angry they have not been consulted. Demands from many backbenchers that Abbott kill policy before end of Australia’s innings.

6:30pm

Just finished dinner with Australian team.

Abbott spent time with David Warner. Abbott believes Warner is archetypal Australian. Has new quote “so goes Warner, so goes the country”. Warner is against idea of $20 co-payment and thinks “incentivisation” sounds like “fucking Hindi”.

Abbott thinks he should take the advice. Plans to talk to Warner further after innings.

7:00pm

Hockey calls. Refused entry to SCG on the basis of dress code: jeans had a hole.

Told Hockey relax; David Warner has almost talked Abbott out of new policy.

Hockey does not relax.

7:45pm

Warner still batting. Will probably make century.

Inform Abbott that Hockey cannot get in to ground. Abbott laughs. Feels we should conduct more meetings at sporting events, going to tennis tomorrow. Wants to pick Lleyton Hewitt’s brain about submarines.

PM orders another beer. Is that four?

Must save PM from himself.

8:30pm

Call Susan Ley (Health Minister). Ley is on cruise ship. Does not want to talk.

Explain that Abbott wants to ditch new co-payment policy.

Ley did not know we had new policy. Explain policy.

Ley alarmed, but feels this can wait until next week.

Demand Ley calls journalists before end of Dave Warner’s innings, and do press conference tomorrow morning. Abbott is out of control. We need to kill policy without consulting him.

9:15pm

Australia win. Abbott and I join Australian team at post-match drinks in night-club.

Feel too old for this, but Abbott suggests I relax.

10:00pm

Warner and Abbott deep in conversation: mostly discussing sledging. Both agree that while actual prowess at career is important, sledging is just as important.

LEAKED: Private correspondence from Putin to Abbott - 17 November 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 05:58:00 +0000

понедельник 17/11/2014

Dear Tony

Thank you for lovely stay. I very much enjoyed time with Koala. Great to meet pre-sedated animail. In Russia we have to sedate animails before posing with them.

Many apologies for my sudden departure from the G20 summit, like my country I have considerable energy reserves but they must be replenished. I wanted to thank you for our sparring matches. I very much enjoyed them.

I find these summits very dull, being forced to spend time with people I do not know or respect, it's like a family reunion, but with less influential people. And ever since Berlusconi stopped attending I do not have anyone to share stories with!

When I first heard the Australian Prime Minister was going to Shirt-front me I asked my advisor to get me a dictionary and an Atlas. After I learned you had threatened to hit me with an Australian football move of questionable legality, I sent my staff to bring my thinking vodka. I was not afraid, because you are puny country, but I was impressed. I knew you were worthy adversary.

Last week I brought two war ships to International waters, you met them with four. Bravo. Many leaders have ignored my warships, but you Mr. Abbott did not. I hope you appreciate – I only bring warships to international conference when I respect leader. It was my way of saying: “Tony Abbott is tough enough that I need to have military on stand by just in case he has shirt-front”.

We have much in common. Both of us understand how to utilize power even if we use it in different ways that may be hard for the other to understand. You must understand why it was important for me to retake our treasured Crimea, just like I am trying to understand why you declared yourself Minister for Women.

I did want to take this opportunity to give you some advice to help you with your politics. First, never make threat you cannot follow through. This is Barack’s problem. He keeps calling me, Crimea this, sanction that, won’t let you do this. He is weakling. I now have my voice double take his calls.

Allow me to give you advice, you must stand up to your enemies and Obama is clearly yours. Would friend have made you look like fool in your own country? No. If he had started talking about climate change at my summit, I would have turned off mic and instructed interpreter to translate badly.

Second, I understand Australian people are making it very difficult for you to cut useless programs like University and Doctor visits. In my country voters are also very difficult. I tried to abolish election program, but people got so angry, so I had to tinker round edges.

I see great potential in you Tony. Call me on red-phone anytime. It saddens me that you are desperately unpopular and must go to election. I feel to be good leader you need at least 8 years as President, than 4 years as Prime Minister. Only then are you ready for world affairs.

I like you Tony and while we cannot be allies now, I hope one day we can be friends, and go hunting and horse riding together. Or perhaps I can take you on a ride in our submarines, I believe your country has these things but they do not, what is the word? "Work"? Haha - funny joke - I believe I just give you what your people call "spray" you.

Perhaps when you come to Russia next we have a mutual shirt front at my personal dojo?"

Yours in Masculinity
Vladimir Putin

Also published here: http://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/the-project/the-side-project/private-correspondence-from-putin-to-abbott

Diary of the Minister For Future Building and Values - 13 to 15 August 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 23:42:00 +0000

WEDNESDAY 13 AUGUST 2014

Enjoying delightful mid-winter break. Very quiet in electoral office.

Never thought I’d say this but looking forward to getting back to Canberra. Got Centrelink reform to work on.

THURSDAY 14 AUGUST 2014

7:30am

Arrive in Canberra, picked up by regular com-car driver Gaylen. He’s a real character. Classic scot, always joking around.

Ask Gaylen how he’s going.

Gaylen says he’s utterly terrified. Has no idea what he’s doing. After all, as a poor fella, he doesn’t get to use one of these horseless carriage things at home.

Ask Gaylen this is about Hockey isn’t it?

Gaylen dinnae ken what I’m talking about. Asks me what the big circular thing in front of him is for.

Tell Gaylen the Treasurer chose his words poorly…

Gaylen looks down at his feet, tells me he thinks one of the pedals makes it go forward and one of them makes it fly, but he’s not sure.

Gaylen bunny hops the car out of Canberra airport.

9:30am

15 minute drive takes 2 hours. Dropped off at bottom of hill, have to walk rest of way to office.

10:00am

Hockey in. Is entirely unapologetic. Says his comments are backed by facts and he’s not afraid to tell harsh truths. Age of entitlement is over, and that includes entitlement to not hear things you don’t want to hear.

Point out that there’s no proof that the poor actually drive shorter distances.

Hockey not worried, has Treasury guys working on that one. Those stat guys can prove anything with stats.

Concerned Hockey has misunderstood purpose of both Treasury and stats.

10:15am

Credlin explodes into office. Asks if Hockey’s still being an idiot.

Explain our conversation. Credlin: “Damn it!”

Credlin needs me to talk to Hockey. Tell Hockey if we only voiced opinion backed by facts we'd be voted out immediately! Joe doesn't get to pick and choose which of his comments are backed by facts. What about his comments that the Australian economy is nearing collapse? Or claims carbon tax would destroy small business? Lots of things he's said have been fact free and good for government. No reason to reverse policy on facts now.

Ask Credlin why I have to fix it. Credlin says “You touch it you keep it.”

3:00pm

Trying to read massive Centrelink report before I meet Hockey. It’s scattered all over the office.

Maurice Newman, Chair of Business Advisory Council, comes in with a staffer…

Thank Maurice for his time but insist I’m busy. Newman insists I sit down; needs to talk to me about future building issue: global cooling.

Remind Newman we have already abolished carbon tax.

Newman says he is concerned about Government inaction on global cooling. Clicks his finger. Newman’s assistant carries in large fan. Says he will demonstrate using the power of science. Points it at me. Newman puts in earplugs. Turns fan on. Fan blows everything off my desk. Ask him what he’s doing.

Newman asks me if I am “feeling cooler”. According to Newman “if this little fan could make me cooler what could thousands of giant wind farms do to the planet”. Since his granddaughter showed him how The Google works he's been doing some research. Newman insists his crusade against windfarms is not about him, it’s about stopping an ice age. Wants funding to do a report – needs me to take it to Abbott.

Ask Newman why he wears ear plugs. Says he has read research on The Google that windfarms cause cancer.

Tell Newman that we cannot afford this distraction right now. Promise to think about it provided he does not go to media. Newman says we’re talking about another ice age; he won’t bargain with me. Says he’s going to leave the fan to help me think about it. Tapes buttons so I can’t turn it off.

5:00pm

Finally meet with Hockey. Hockey arguing that he was right. Just because he’s wealthy and likes cigars doesn’t mean people get to push him around.

6:00pm

Hockey still won’t apologise. Trying to argue on technicalities… Hockey’s never good on technicalities.

7:00pm

Hockey now coming up with ideas that’ll make it worse, like expressing regret that people misinterpreted his statement. God this is bad.

Decide there’s only one way to change his mind.

Call Gaylen.

10:00pm

Sitting with Hockey at Civic Bus interchange waiting for night bus. Hockey crying. Cannot believe that Gaylen would call him “a self-entitled, evil, fat cat”. Hockey will apologise tomorrow. If Gaylen’s typical, he’s in real trouble.

FRIDAY 15 AUGUST 2014

10:00am

Hockey apologises, tells people he is not evil. But doesn’t cry. All in all, a win.

Have cleaners disassemble fan.

12:00pm

Take Gaylen to lunch to repay him for help with Hockey. Abbott on radio declaring that the Scottish independence movement are against freedom and democracy. Gaylen slowly turns to me…

Aye, so I’m an enemy of freedom am I?

Phone rings… Credlin needs me to talk to Abbott.

Tell Gaylen I may need him to take us for another drive…

An open letter to Senators Brandis and Abetz - 13 August 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 01:49:00 +0000

Published at The Monthly:
http://www.themonthly.com.au/blog/toby-halligan-and-mat-keneally/2014/12/2014/1407826169/open-letter-senators-brandis-and-abetz

The Birthday Cake Moment: Diary of a Liberal Frontbencher - 26 to 28 May 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 01:50:00 +0000

MONDAY 26 MAY 2014

9:00am

Back in Canberra for post-budget sitting week – morale is very low. We are really struggling to sell budget. I have not been able to sell it to my own mother. She is very concerned about co-payment, particularly for seriously ill cousin Billy.

9:30am

Party room meeting: Abbott emphasises discipline and staying on message.

Bernardi yells “Why does the ABC still exist”. Abbott thanks Bernardi for excellent example of what not to do.

Hockey demands we all be across the detail.

Abbott approaches me, wants me to come to budget emergency strategy meeting in Parliamentary basement.

7:00pm

Arrive at meeting room. As I enter am hit by wave of smoke. Cormann and Hockey are puffing away on cigars. Abbott is there wearing oxygen mask. Cormann tells me to close the door or I’ll set off the sprinklers.

Hockey explains they cannot be seen smoking Cubans outside. Abbott explains he cannot afford to inhale smoke. Will not allow being PM to compromise his cycling times.

Hockey and Abbott want me to lead negotiations with Senate. Say I have two advantages: (a) Cross-bench Senators do not hate me; (b) Palmer does not know who I am.

8:00pm

As I leave I set off the fire-alarm. Cormann and Hockey leg it. I’m left to take responsibility for all the Cubans. Security Guard’s eyes widen when I explain I had smoked 28 Cubans. Says he hasn’t seen someone this hardcore since Hawkie.

9:00pm

Open budget papers; study time.

10:00pm

Mum calls; asks if I have an answer for cousin Billy.

1:00am

Finish studying. Don’t want to disappoint Hockey.

TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014

8:00am

Call Hockey, give details of Cousin Billy’s chronic illnesses. Hockey assures me once cousin Billy is on a healthcare plan he will be fine.

8:20am

Call Mum, assure her cousin Billy has nothing to worry about.

9:30am

Abbott Press Secretary (APS) suggests I start with Motoring Enthusiast/Palmer United’s Ricky Muir.

9:45am

Call Ricky. Strange conversation. He answered as Ricky, then, when I said I was calling on behalf of government, he claimed he was in fact Mickey Muir, Ricky’ cousin. Then he said Ricky was working at the sawmill. When I asked why, Mickey got irate and told me “Look mate, I’ve got a family to feed, and so does Mickey - we’ve both got families to feed and only one job between us” before hanging up.

Told APS Ricky Muir could not speak because of work. APS smiled, looking forward to leaking to media!

10:00am

Call Sawmill. Sawmill bloke laughs, says Ricky is not rostered on. His father Micky called in earlier today to say he was sick.

4:00pm

Mum calls. Has been working on figures with Knitting Circle. Knitting Circle is unanimous - Treasurer’s information was inaccurate. They have called the AMA to confirm. The Knitting Circle would like clarification from Hockey or may be forced to put out a press release.

5:00pm

Call Hockey’s office. Explain Knitting Circle’s findings. Hockey’s Chief of Staff laughs, says he’s pretty sure Treasury is across something so important but he’ll check.

5:37pm

Hockey’s Chief of Staff calls. Has identified a gaping hole in policy. Needs to know cousin Billy’s age, income, relationship status, his assets, whether he is the beneficiary of any private trusts, and Medicare Number.

6:10pm

Hockey calls back. They are going to need faxed copy of Medicare card.

6:30pm

Receive four page memorandum from Hockey’s Chief of Staff. Includes bar graph. He is happy to take cousin Billy’s call.

Executive summary: “the visits are free for any conditions directly or partially related to your chronic health conditions as detailed in your healthcare plan. For conditions unrelated to your chronic conditions they will not be exempt. For further clarification please seek legal advice”

9:00pm

E-mail memo to APS. APS shares my concerns about lack of clarity. APS says “this is our birthday cake moment.” Agree with APS but say this is worse. You can live without birthday cake, not Doctor.

WEDNESDAY 28 MAY 2014

7:00am

APS has sent out strongly worded e-mail prohibiting any MPs from answering any questions regarding co-payment. APS has told MPs “We need to give voters time to digest policy before we start explaining it”.

9:00am

Mum calls, wants answers. Explain to mum that due to media’s misinformation campaign I am not allowed to discuss policy. Mum explains the only reason media has been spreading misinformation is because they have been quoting the Treasurer.

12:30pm

Try to call Muir again. Muir’s phone re-directs to Palmer. Ask Palmer if I can arrange meeting.

Palmer says he cannot meet until we apologise to Ricky Muir for leaking that
he told the PM he was at work. Palmer explains Muir had told sawmill he was meeting
with PM. Palmer says all negotiations off until apology. Informs me he already raised his concerns with Malcolm Turnbull at dinner that night.

Point out that Turnbull is part of Abbott government. Palmer laughs and says “No he’s not!”

4:00pm

Meet with Greens. Sarah Hanson-Young in attendance unexpectedly. Hate it when that happens. SMS staffer to send earplugs.

Sarah Hansen-Young is wearing a “Fuck Tony Abbott” T-shirt. Ask her whether that’s productive. Hansen-Young asks me whether torturing refugees on Manus Island is productive.

Explain that I am not here to discuss migration policy, but budget proposals the Greens are willing to support.

Greens will support fuel excise. Will not support anything else until Coalition promises to keep carbon tax.

[Long pause]

Milne and Bandt apologise. Hanson-Young just follows them around. They’ll support fuel excise, and while they have nothing against me personally, pretty sure that’s it.

7:00pm

Mum calls. Cousin Billy is very concerned that his university debt will start incurring interest retrospectively. Explain to Mum that is absurd. Mum suggests I check website.

7:30pm

Website does appear to say something that is different to policy.

Call Pyne, Pyne says website is wrong. Ask Pyne if cousin Billy will pay interest. Pyne says he will need to know where cousin Billy studied, when he graduated, his current address, and then be given a week to calculate answer.

Decide to order Billy a cake to make up for all the fuss. Call Mum. Reminds me that Billy’s chronic condition is diabetes. Really need to keep across the detail.

Diary authors this weekend at Melbourne International Comedy Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 10:59:00 +0000

Mathew Kenneally and Toby Halligan are performing this Saturday night at the Melbourne Town Hall!

Check it out:
http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2014/season/shows/late-night-riot-political-asylum

Return of the King? Journal of the Minister for Community Concerns - 26 June 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 03:00:00 +0000

WEDNESDAY 26^th OF JUNE 2013

7:00AM

Wake up. Have great motivational chat with wife. Am determined to focus on positive. I WILL have policy discussion with media.

7:30AM

Press conference. Declare from outset that I am not interested in speaking about leadership in any way shape or form, I’m talking policy.

Fairfax journo says fine. Asks me if Gonski can go ahead with only two states.

Pass.

Asks how the surplus is going?

Ignore question.

Asks me how we are going to stop the boats?

Declare that I support PM and media needs to stop focusing on the leadership.

Storm off.

11:00AM

Fitzgibbon in – hands me envelope. It’s an invitation to the “Future of Australia”. Invitation is written on stained napkin.

Also inside, petition to spill leadership. Throw it to one side of room. Run out of room, should not even be in the same room as this. Realise Fitzgibbon is now alone in my office. Run back in room.

Fitzgibbon says Kevin’s got the numbers. We’ve got a meeting in half an hour – come hang out – no pressure, no expectations.

11:45AM

At Camp Rudd. Do not know half of these people. Apparently they are all backbenchers; really should turn around in question time more often.

12:30PM

Now I know why I never speak to backbenchers. Every conversation starts with “So, what’s your margin?”

Ask Fitzgibbon where Rudd is?

Fitzgibbon says Rudd is busy recording a video message in Mandarin to a conference in China on macro-economic policy on South-East Asia. Also has a phone hook-up with Mal Meninga to discuss Queensland’s tactics before Origin II.

12:45PM

Bob Katter is here.

12:50PM

Katter pulls out guitar, bursts into own version of Slim Dusty’s “I’d love to have a beer with Kevin”.

Escape.

4:30PM

Shorten in.

Tell Shorten he looks terrible.

Shorten says he feels terrible.

Ask if it’s because he’s still struggling to make a decision.

Shorten says it’s because he has made decision.

5:00PM

Whoaa, it is totally on. Gillard calling spill for 7PM? Typical Victorian: State of Origin ruined.

5:30PM

Discuss issue with wife. Wife suggests I stay loyal to Gillard. Explain that means electoral destruction.

Wife unwilling to explain to daughter why I brought down first female Prime Minister, if I want to that’s FINE.

6:00PM

Vote in just one hour. Have got to make call. Walking packs will be gathering. Don’t want to walk alone.

6:46PM

Shorten doing presser. Praising Gillard as always!

6:48PM

Shorten just backed Rudd. Holy crap.

7:00PM

Meeting starts. Gillard speech okay, still not sure who to back.

7:15PM

Rudd finishes speaking, Counted over 50 cliches in his speech. Ended saying we need to “cook with gas”. That’s it: I’m backing Gillard.

7:20PM

Rudd has won. Yes! Time for Origin.

7:21PM

No… time for Gillard farewell speech.

8:00PM.

Richo texts. Wants to know who has won. Text Richo will trade him details for regular Origin scores.

8:05PM

Text from Richo. Richo won’t be blackmailed. Richo will decide if my information is worth Origin scores or not. Text Richo that Rudd is PM.

8:15PM

Richo texts “I knew that at 7:30PM. To be fair I will give you the Origin score at 7:30PM – Nil – Nil.”

8:30PM

S#!t we have to vote on the deputy leadership, and the leader of the Senate, and the deputy leader of the Senate.

8:35PM

Phew, Labor factions have fixed up all positions. Quick vote. Definitely have a place in Labor party, now for the second half of origin!

9:30PM

Gathering in Gillard office with her camp; good times. Beers, conversation, not one discussion of polls! Origin on in background – pity about the Blues.

Cavalcade of Ministers are resigning. Don’t think I will – happy to be kicked out by people.

11:30PM

Head to office.

Rudd is waiting. Wearing Maroons jersey. “Freshly signed by entire victorious Origin II team” he tells me. How is this even possible!? The man truly is a machine.

Rudd thanks me for supporting Gillard; was good she had someone.

Has knocked up some notes on education policy. Wants to know what I think.

2:00AM

Rudd is still here. We are discussing the lessons of Hong Kong’s kindergarten system.

Rudd feels we’ve had a great chat, we’re really cooking with gas, but now, he’s gotta zip.

Wish the election was tomorrow!

Originally published at BigPond News.

March of the Nutters: Diary of the Shadow Minister for Future Building and Values - 17 to 20 June 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 01:51:00 +0000

Published at BigPond News:
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Election-2013/2013/06/26/smfb_3.html

Journal of the Minister for Community Concerns: To Spill or not to Spill - 15 to 18 June 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 01:25:00 +0000

Published at BigPond News:
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Election-2013/2013/06/21/diaryleans_mcc4.html

Journal of the Minister for Community Concerns: Stairway to Kevin? - 13 to 14 June 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:56:00 +0000

Published at BigPond News:
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Election-2013/2013/06/17/diary_leaks_mcc_3.html

Diary of the Shadow Minister for Future Building and Values: An Unpalatable Affair - 12 to 13 June 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:52:00 +0000

WEDNESDAY 12^thOF JUNE 2013

8:00AM

Wake up in Brisbane hotel.

Spent a long time deciding what tie to wear. Want to wear blue tie, but that could play into Gillard narrative.

Decide on blue suit with lilac tie.

8:30AM

Meet up with Abbot and Abbott Press Secretary (APS).

Both stare at tie. APS hands me blue tie. She’s carrying spares: says LNP is setting fashion agenda not Gillard.

8:45AM

APS looks hard at me, says we need to talk about the menu.

I have no problem with breakfast menu!

APS slides menu across the table to me.

Thank APS but I ate at hotel. Also: Quail? For breakfast?

Abbott insists I look closer.

Notice obscene and frankly unamusing joke about Gillard – shake my head at APS – if these are today’s talking points I’m OUT.

APS explains it’s from a fundraiser in Mal Brough’s electorate that I attended.

Tell APS I can’t possibly be expected to remember all the fundraisers I attend, especially given how heavily I have to drink to bear them.

APS wants to know if I saw this menu.

Look at menu again. Don’t remember. I would totally remember if anything interesting happened at a fundraiser.

APS says ultimately we don’t need to worry too much. Brough is up against Peter “Mussels in brine” Slipper. Even if Brough personally hand wrote the entire menu, would still look like raging feminist compared to Slipper.

Abbott wants me to head to restaurant – needs me to sort this out.

APS says George Brandis will be meeting me there, for legal advice.

9:30AM

Brough has apologised. Wonder if I should apologise. Call wife.

Wife says you do not apologise casually. Apologising pre-emptively makes you look guilty. Wife says I have awful habit of apologising whenever someone gets angry.

Apologise to wife.

Wife hangs up.

11:30AM

Arrive at Richards & Richards. Suggest to Brandis that we play good lawyer, bad lawyer.

Meet restaurateur. Immediately apologise for sullying his establishment.

Brandis looks furious.

Restaurateur confused. He wrote the menu as joke, never distributed it. Is willing to come clean.

Brandis demands to know if restaurateur will say that in court.

Restaurateur doesn’t understand why it’s going to court.

Brandis: ALL things can wind up in court.

Restaurateur REALLY confused.

Explain to Restaurateur that we just want a letter for the media and this will all go away.

Brandis adds: OR WE’RE GOING TO COURT.

Walk out. Brandis feels like I overplayed good lawyer role. Reckons he could totally have gotten restaurateur to pay damages.

2:00PM BACK WITH ABBOTT

Abbott does presser stating menu was tacky and in bad taste, just like jokes about Peta Credlin at ALP fundraiser. Brilliant!

2:05PM

Pyne calls. Loved Abbott presser! Has further examples of vicious slurs Labor has aimed at Coalition.

5:45PM

Just finished with Pyne. 47 of the 50 examples were about Pyne. Did not have heart to say I found most of the “slurs” really funny. He IS like a poodle!

THURSDAY 13^thOF JUNE 2013

9:00AM

Journalist calls to discuss menu-gate. Reckons it was pretty CONVENIENT menu was not distributed. Convenient like an alibi.

Agree, alibis are, by definition, convenient.

Journalist asks what I’d say to people who say there is no proof that I did not see the menu?

I’d say: “Leave me alone.”

Journo reckons Gillard is right and about menu-gate we still have questions to answer.

Laugh! Say I remember using that line against PM at tail end of AWU scandal. “Questions to answer” is line you use when you’ve run out of questions to ask.

Journo asks if I’m saying AWU was a beat up.

Say nothing.

Journo thanks me for story.

MIDDAY

APS calls. Did I describe AWU as beat up?

Say I did not use that PARTICULARphrase.

APS says I’m dumber than your average Queensland restaurateur.

4:00PM

APS calls back. I’m in clear. A talkback host managed to one up menu-gate by asking Gillard if Tim Mathieson is gay. No time to chat.

11:00PM

Watching Lateline at home. Wife says something profound: If a menu is drawn up in a kitchen and nobody reads it, is it worth two days of media coverage?

Originally published at BigPond News.

Journal of the Minister for Community Concerns - 6 to 10 June 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 02:41:00 +0000

Published at BigPond News:
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Election-2013/2013/07/12/diary_mcc_2.html

Journal of the Minister for Community Concerns - 4 June 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 07:47:00 +0000

Published at BigPond News:
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Election-2013/2013/06/04/diary_leaks_mcc_1.html

Halligan & Kenneally performing at the Melbourne Int. Comedy Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:07:00 +0000

Check out the guys behind Diary Leaks performing their new double act onstage at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival!

POLY-GOBBLE featuring Mathew Kenneally and Toby Halligan opened on Tuesday to a full house and is running until Sat 20th April.

All the details are here: http://www.trybooking.com/41355

Leaked Coalition carbon tax talking points

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 07:34:00 +0000

Published on The Punch:
http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/labor-lies-leaked-coalition-carbon-tax-talking-points/

Video featuring Diary Leaks authors at the Melb. Int. Comedy Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:28:00 +0000

POLITICAL ASYLUM'S LATE NIGHT RIOT! featuring Mathew Kenneally and Toby Halligan opened at the comedy festival on Saturday to a big crowd and huge laughs. Check out this highlights clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Scx6Nt13dxQ

Show #2 this Saturday 7th April features special guest CHARLIE PICKERING, as well as ROD QUANTOCK, MATHEW KENNEALLY, TOBY HALLIGAN, AAMER RAHMAN and NAZEEM HUSSAIN (Fear of a Brown Planet), SCOTT ABBOT and ELBOWSKIN

More details, including lineups for shows #3 and #4, are at the Political Asylum website: www.politicalasylum.com.au

And don't forget to check out Toby's great solo show here: http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/season/shows/dr-toby-halligan-is-not-a-dr/

Comedy Festival Season: March/April 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:49:00 +0000

Diary authors Mathew Kenneally and Toby Halligan are performing live onstage in Canberra and Melbourne this festival season. Check them out!

21 - 24 MARCH
POLITICAL ASYLUM
CANBERRA TOUR
Featuring: Kenneally and Halligan,
plus Jon Brooks and Scott Abbot
Details, tickets: http://www.politicalasylum.com.au

31 MARCH, 7 APRIL, 14 APRIL, 21 APRIL

POLITICAL ASYLUM'S
LATE NIGHT RIOT!
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
Featuring: Kenneally and Halligan, plus Aamer Rahman & Nazeem Hussain (Fear of a Brown Planet), Rod Quantock, Damian Callinan, Stella Young, Elbowskin and many more...
Details, tickets: http://www.politicalasylum.com.au

29 MARCH - 22 APRIL
Dr Toby Halligan is not a Doctor
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
Details, tickets: http://www.comedyfestival.com.au

Clusterf*ck 2012: The Labor Leadership Form Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 21:25:00 +0000

Published on The Punch:
http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/monday-bloody-monday-our-labor-leadership-form-guide/

The Return of K-Rudd: Journal of the Minister for Community Concerns - 13 to 16 February

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Barber) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:10:00 +0000

Published on The Punch:
http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/Ministers-journal-The-return-of-K-Rudd/