McLeod’s (taxpayer funded) Daughters. Another angle on the socialist realist soapie, filmed north of Adelaide. SA Premier Mike Rann, as one of the perks of the job, had given himself the Arts portfolio. And as one of the perks of that job, he’s taken a close interest in the state’s film industry, even appearing before the camera as an extra. And if you take a quick look at the SA Film Corporation’s balance sheet, you’ll see that McLeod’s Daughters have been receiving about $250,000 a year (maybe more) from the (Labor) state government funded film body. That’s a lot of money for what’s supposedly a hit show, owned by a private production company and sold to Nine. Could the paymasters be enjoying a little bit of indirect editorial influence?

Queensland Libs start counting – just five fingers needed. More Queensland Liberal ructions, this time with reports of moves encouraging leader Bruce Flegg back to the opposition health portfolio and installing Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek in the top job. Helping behind the scenes, Crikey hears, is embattled state director Geoff Greene, who’ll be out of a job if he can’t get a factional friend in as leader.

Jokester. Federal Labor MP Kate Ellis seems to be sending out John Howard gags with her electronic media releases. From the example Crikey’s seen they’re pithy, but should be punchier. There’s a lot to get through before one actually reaches the releases.