Tony Wright’s Column
ALP
Farewell to the incomparable Pete, a prankster and activist for the ages
Pete Steedman was a one-off in all his many pursuits: student activist, journalist, MP, promoter of Australian music, Labor man of the Socialist Left. We will not see his like again.
- by Tony Wright
Latest
My ancestor knew more about atrocities against Aboriginal people than he let on, inquiry told
Atrocities during the Frontier Wars must be honestly acknowledged, a writer and a landowner have told the state’s truth-telling commission.
- by Tony Wright
Tony Wright’s Column
Real life
Stranded, stressed … then blown away by an act of kindness
A foolish, absent-minded mistake could have wrecked our road trip. Instead, it led to a rescue – and a reminder of the good in the world.
- by Tony Wright
Analysis
Australia votes
Former radio host launches third bid to oust Dan Tehan – with big-name backing
Independent Alex Dyson launched his campaign for the seat of Wannon with the support of Zoe Daniel and financial backing from Climate 200.
- by Tony Wright
Tony Wright’s Column
Regional Australia
Mobile phones, 3G and the coming sounds of silence in the bush
The approaching closure of the 3G telecommunications service means an unknown number of mobile users will no longer be able to connect with emergency services.
- by Tony Wright
Political Sketch
Parliament House
The sooks of parliament revive an old playground sneer
The would-be bruisers of federal parliament turn to that old taunt of schoolkids: “sook”. And manage to consign it to the unparliamentary language bin.
- by Tony Wright
Perspective
Vietnam
Old enemies unite: The Australians finding the bodies of Vietnam’s lost soldiers
In 1968, John Bryant fought in the brutal Battle of Coral-Balmoral. Fifty-six years later, his memories are helping to unearth bodies of fallen Vietnamese soldiers.
- by Tony Wright
Tony Wright’s Column
Olympics
Chasing greatness: The champion and the philosopher
It was one of the greatest partnerships in Australian sport. Percy Cerutty trained Herb Elliott with techniques that were tough, innovative and inspired by history’s great poets and thinkers.
- by Tony Wright
Perspective
Early childhood
The Cubbies: the junkyard that became home to children’s dreams
An empty block in Fitzroy became a place of adventure for the children of the tower blocks. Scrounging cast-offs, they built their dreams: cubby houses.
- by Tony Wright
Exclusive
Investigation
Comedy legend Rod Quantock was told he’d been hacked. Minutes later, $30,000 was gone
Rod Quantock and wife Mary Kenneally are calling for greater bank protections after being defrauded of their savings by a conman.
- by Tony Wright and Aisha Dow
Perspective
History
‘My beautiful boy’: The diary of a heart broken at Fromelles
Frontline nurse Alice Ross-King’s World War I diaries tell of a great love - and a dreadful tragedy.
- by Tony Wright