Writer
Mungo McCallum
Mungo MacCallum is a veteran political journalist and commentator. His books include Run Johnny Run, Poll Dancing, and Punch and Judy. mungomccallum@staging-johnmenadue.kinsta.cloud
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. Vale Comrade Jack Mundey
It is impossible to overstate the legacy of Jack Mundey. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. The false promise of a COVIDSafe economy
The latest catchphrase from our government spin doctors is a COVIDSafe economy – optimistic and reassuring. And, unfortunately, a cruel hoax, a contradiction in terms. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. Eden-Monaro: For whom the bellwether chimes ring
A three cornered contest, they warned us – messy and unpredictable. But what did they know? The fiasco of the Eden-Monaro by-election already has at least seven corners, and counting. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. The COVID-19 App
I must admit to a moment of apprehension before unloading the COVID-19 app; anything that involves Amazon or Stuart Robert has to be either incompetent or dodgy or both. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. Cook and the continuing culture wars.
He was also an 18th century Englishman, convinced of the innate superiority of his race, his culture and his class. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. Time to get back in the water
Finally, it’s safe to get back in the water – well some bits of it, some of the time, as long as you behave. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM Turnbull’s Quo Vadis
So: eight modern Liberal PMs, one prematurely deceased, three (possibly) in the roll of faithful old boys and four definite apostates having left the building. Not much of a record of loyalty over the last 70 years. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. The Cost of a Job.
It has only taken a week for the simple beauty of JobKeepers to become a little tarnished. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. George Pell and the faithful choristers at The Australian.
Cardinal George Pell (we must resume his proper title now) is out of prison and is seeking asylum with an order of Carmelite nuns in Sydney. But his real protectors are the loyalists who always refused to believe he was guilty, and are now running a fierce campaign for his immediate canonisation. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. Snapback
Well, that should be out of the way for the next four months. Having shrugged off the minor and temporary distraction of parliament, Scott Morrison can resume doing what he is best at – marketing himself and his often dubious achievements. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. Science and modelling.
In the modelling for COVID-19, the real world evidence is too immediate, too stark to be wished away by nitpicking. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. JobKeeper, perhaps not too little and not too late
Two hearty cheers for ScoMo and his $130 billion JobKeeper package. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM.-Patriotism is Paramount
The pandemic is not an excuse to close down the parliament, it is a vital reason to keep it going. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM.- Confusion beyond parody.
Barbers are considered essential, but the MPs are considered redundant in a way they have never been, not during wars, depressions and previous pandemics. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM.- Team Australia on the Corona virus
Scott Morrison’s National Cabinet is working pretty well so far. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM.-The personal and social problems of isolation.
Communities encourage and enhance the general well-being and co-operation needed to keep society going, the idea of a common wealth. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM.-Confusing and often self-contradictory messages on Covid-19
As so often with Morrison, there is no overall strategy – simply a series of reactive measures which, he hopes, will do the job unless a next one is needed. and then another one, and another one … Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM.-Morrison’s announceathon.
The bulk of the cash splash goes to business, and is unlikely to trickle down into the pockets of consumers in the foreseeable future. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM.- Peter Dutton is human after all
It would be harsh and uncaring to admit a modicum of satisfaction at the news that Peter Dutton has contracted coronavirus. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM.- Morrison’s Clayton’s Solution
The frazzled Josh Frydenberg more or less admits that his beloved surplus is about to become collateral damage; he will reluctantly kiss it goodbye. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM.- Porky Pies
Scott Morrison has stopped even pretending to mount a coherent argument over his sports rorts plagued administration. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM.-Scott Morrison is not one to let a chance go by
Desperate for political rehabilitation after his negligence and mismanagement after the bushfires, our leader has taken full control of the situation. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. In the secret world, secrecy is always the default option.
The ASIO response was the same as all his predecessors,not to mention Oliver Twist: more, please. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACALLUM. Avoid the problem by changing the subject.
Scott Morrison’s technology diversion remains a roadmap without a destination, without milestones or landmarks, without a recognisable path and without even a clearly defined starting point. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. The balancing act is becoming more precarious.
We can no longer pretend that Australia is not largely dependent on our great northern neighbour,its physical and economic health and crucially, its goodwill. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. Don’t rely on evidence in climate change.
The Coalition war is over climate change and whether the city-based moderates or the reactionary rural rump will prevail. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. The Gap report.Hopes dashed within minutes.
We know Scott Morrison seldom takes much notice of those who disagree with him. Continue reading »
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The Nats and Barnaby
Barnaby Joyce is focused and determined to the point of egomania, and utterly ruthless in the process. That is what makes him dangerous. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. The Culture Wars continue
Turnbull’s legacy may not be one he will boast about, but it will certainly be remembered. Continue reading »
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MUNGO MACCALLUM. The Marketeer
Scott Morrison is nothing if not a marketeer. Or, to put it more precisely, he is nothing except a marketeer. Continue reading »