“Doctored” documents, extortion fears, political bastardry and bizarre stonewalling: the story of George Christensen’s many, many trips to south-east Asia, and the AFP’s related inquiries, has everything. If you missed Kirsten Drysdale’s investigation this week in the Crikey Daily, you can catch up now in the Weekender.

We also looked at the “cult” success of Extinction Rebellion, the normalisation of anti-Semitism in Australia, and Scott Morrison’s encroaching economic mire. Plus, who is the tabloid giant trying to kill Ronan Farrow’s Me Too exposé?

As always, get in touch to let us know what you thought of the week’s news. Write to boss@crikey.com.au and please include your full name if you’d like to be considered for publication.

GUY RUNDLE 2 minute read

There is a great irony in how conservative media and commentators have responded to Extinction Rebellion's 'cult' success.

BERNARD KEANE 3 minute read

The ethical and environmental case for avoiding meat and dairy is overwhelming. We should be moving to close down those industries, not propping them up with taxpayer handouts.

SHAKIRA HUSSEIN 3 minute read

Islamophobia may be more visible in modern Australia, but anti-Semitism is just as deeply entwined with the ideologies of the growing far-right. And it's becoming more common.

MICHAEL BRADLEY 4 minute read

Dylan Howard has threatened defamation action, and Amazon are running scared. It's an interesting move from someone who's made a career trashing other people's reputations.

GUY RUNDLE 4 minute read

What's needed now is a bold plan for rural Australia, sold with a bit of very tough love.

GLENN DYER and BERNARD KEANE 3 minute read

The stagnation inflicted by Scott Morrison on the economy has gripped retail and is now engulfing the media sector.

GLENN DYER 2 minute read

Shepard Smith, one of Fox News' last independent anchors, has quit the Murdoch-owned network. Don't expect to hear about it in The Australian's media section.

BERNARD KEANE 3 minute read

You may not like the idea of a congestion price for motorists, but you're already paying one in the form of time spent stuck in traffic.

BERNARD KEANE and GLENN DYER 4 minute read

People in Canberra have short memories, but do we really need another inquiry into why the banks don't pass on interest rate cuts?

CHRISTOPHER WARREN 3 minute read

One minute Australia's media is rallying for freedom of the press. The next, it's tearing down climate protesters. Speaking out shouldn't be a professional privilege.

JEFF SPARROW 4 minute read

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made his name by employing ethnonationalism and anti-Semitism. Where's the outcry about his Australian cheer squad?

CHARLIE LEWIS 2 minute read

The strategists credited with the Liberal Party's digital wins at the election are taking their skills to the beleaguered UK Tories.