This week saw a number of policy
backflips by the Australian government – on energy policy, on asylum seekers, on
Stem Cell Research (where it seems a conscience vote will be allowed) and
finally on the seriousness of the economic challenges now realised to be facing
the Australian economy. So it was good to see them ending the week on a high
note, with strong endorsement of a key plank in Peter Costello’s broader agenda
for the nation.

“Demography is destiny”, Treasurer
Peter Costello famously asserted. “One for the Mum, one for the Dad and one for
Australia”.

Last night at the Hyatt in Melbourne the Institute
for Public Affairs (IPA) provided powerful support for this notion.
The support came from the justly
famous writer and speaker Mark Steyn, whose rousing speech is presented in
summary form in today’s Oz. Henry was there, of course, and in
today’s blog presents his thoughts about the occasion.

This week we also launched a new,
low cost budget Goldmembership for students – only $30 per annum for the wit and
wisdom, daily updates and material for essays.

Read more at Henry Thornton.