The Saturday Paper is a weekly newspaper, from the publisher of The Monthly and Quarterly Essay.
Secure communications/tips
For encrypted and secure messaging, please use a ProtonMail account to contact [email protected]. Community guidelines
The Saturday Paper values the contributions of our readers and welcomes comments, questions and informed debate. However, as of October 2021 we have made some changes to our Facebook and Instagram pages. In September, the High Court dismi
ssed an appeal by several Australian media outlets in the Voller case. In doing so, it confirmed an earlier decision that said publishers were responsible for defamatory third-party comments posted on their social media accounts. While the laws are under review in Australia, and may change, we’ve have made the decision to switch off comments on most of our Facebook and Instagram posts in the meantime. These changes do not restrict readers from sharing and commenting on our journalism on their own pages, either directly or by sharing a post from our page. We also encourage readers to follow us on Twitter and use the hash-tag to join the conversation, or email direct feedback to our audience editor at [email protected]. We take pride in our in-depth journalism and encourage you to read the full article before commenting on an issue. Please engage with our community in a constructive and thoughtful manner. Abuse, discrimination, personal attacks, trolling and potentially defamatory material will be subject to moderation and may result in a user being blocked from our pages and accounts. Material that has the potential to infringe on copyright or breach personal privacy will be removed at the moderator's discretion, as will unauthorised advertising and spam. If you see something on our social media pages that concerns you, please let us know: [email protected]
Thank you for respecting The Saturday Paper community and those with whom you engage.
..
Subscriptions
A free press is one you pay for - take a look at our latest subscription offers:
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/subscribe
Our subscriptions team operates from 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am-12pm on Saturdays. They can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling 1800 077 514.
"Try repositioning this bloody Mary adaptation as a sunset drink rather than a morning-after cure. In the fading light, it’s a sipper, not a sculler."
The bloody Mary is a drink that took me quite some time to embrace. When positioned as a recovery/morning beverage and served alongside my eggs and self-pity, it looks too much like another lost day to me. But the clamato bloody Mary (aka bloody Caesar) brings a whole other culinary leaning. Its uma...
"Jai Opetaia's story isn’t that of a young man destined for success," writes Nick Feik. "The adversity he’s worked through is almost unfathomable."
Samoan–Australian cruiserweight boxer Jai Opetaia has been battered and broken but as yet has not lost a professional fight. Next month, the prodigious talent will step into the ring on the undercard of the most anticipated heavyweight bout in years.
First “African gangs”, now “woke Woolworths”.
This past week Trumpism landed in Australian politics. In suburban Brisbane in the early hours of Monday, the words “5 days 26 Jan Aussie Oi Oi Woolies f**k u” were graffitied on a Woolworths Metro store and a lit flare pushed under the door. It followed Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s call o...
Inside Julian Assange’s last chance bid against deportation:
Supporters of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange say his last hope in avoiding extradition to the United States is to have Britain intervene in his case and prevent his removal.
Sports journalist Ben Rothenberg sheds light on the culture of silence around domestic violence in tennis.
How sporting bodies deal with athletes’ domestic violence and sexual assault allegations is unfolding before viewers worldwide, who are currently tuning into...
"Taiwan may have fallen out of love with its two major parties, but it’s still mad for democracy."
Taiwan has again voted to re-elect the Democratic Progressive Party, further inflaming cross-strait tensions with Beijing.
This week’s cartoon, by Jenny Coopes…
Jon Kudelka is on leave.
The last inquiry into Australia's supermarket duopoly was in 2008. A competition expert describes it as “pissweak” by a competition expert. Rick Morton on why expectations that the Albanese government's imminent probe will be a lot more thorough:
As the government launches another review of supermarkets’ conduct, the corporate watchdog is expected to announce its first full-scale supermarkets inquiry in 16 years.
“No matter how monstrous or appalling an attack or provocation, genocide is never a permitted response.”
As Penny Wong visits Israel and the West Bank, Anthony Albanese says Australia will not take a position on South Africa’s genocide case in the International Court of Justice.
“I am concerned we have lost sight of the real purpose of education, and specifically university education,” writes John Hewson.
In recent years we have seen the emergence of the era of the tradie. As the importance of university education has drifted, tradies have experienced a significant increase in their economic, social and political importance. This has resulted from a combination of attitudinal and policy shifts. Speci...
Australian composer Ben Frost has spent two decades pushing needles into the red and building a fervent fanbase.
His work scoring the series ‘Fortitude’, 'Dar', 'Raised by Wolves' and ‘1899’ introduced him to a much wider audience.
He talks to former collaborator Andy Hazel about the dissonance:
Best known for his soundtrack to the television series Dark, Melbourne-born composer Ben Frost has built a formidable reputation for his scores, operas and sound art.
Editorial: Albanese identifies the need to reduce inflation and pushes ahead with tax cuts that will increase inflation. He acknowledges the need for cost-of-living relief and then foregoes the tax revenue that would make that relief possible.
Looking at the Albanese government, it is not difficult to picture the figure at the end of the bed. It is the lumpen, wheezing outline of the stage three tax cuts. The prime minister lies in terrified inaction. The movements are obvious but remain somehow impossible.
"The Australian Citizenship Act does not identify or define Australian values — this could mean the compulsory test questions are unlawful," writes Kim Rubenstein.
In 2008, as a member of the independent committee reviewing the Australian citizenship test, I asked if the committee could recommend all people resident in Australia be required to pass the citizenship test.
This week's cryptic crossword…
No. 483, a weekly crossword from The Saturday Paper
There are moments of genuine awe in 'Poor Things', and they arise from the performances of Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo, writes Christos Tsiolkas.
Stone is becoming one of the great chameleon actors — her work here is astonishing.
Emma Stone’s exhilarating performance is not enough to breathe life into Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things.
This week's Saturday Paper quiz...
Click the questions to reveal the answers.
New poetry from John Kinsella:
I don’t visit zoos, but was taken to them as a child. I saw
the lion, the wolf and the leopard. Well, I saw a lion, leopard
and a dingo, which the zoo describes as a “dog-like wolf”.
Poetry Three poems by John Kinsella Snow Fractures and the Question of Who is Speaking I have almost no words for snow. I wonder about the wavelength and imperfections of snow and snowing. I contemplate snow-jobs. The fractures on the outer glass of the double-glazed skylight keep me awake – noisy...
“In my mind, 'Dark' is like a soap opera,” says composer Ben Frost. “It’s 'Neighbours' with time travel."
Best known for his soundtrack to the television series Dark, Melbourne-born composer Ben Frost has built a formidable reputation for his scores, operas and sound art.
"Collecting pipis is one of the most enjoyable group activities you can do that also results in dinner."
The bloody Mary is a drink that took me quite some time to embrace. When positioned as a recovery/morning beverage and served alongside my eggs and self-pity, it looks too much like another lost day to me. But the clamato bloody Mary (aka bloody Caesar) brings a whole other culinary leaning. Its uma...
Julian Assange has one last chance, according to those closest to him. “And if it doesn't go Julian's way, then that's it.”
Supporters of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange say his last hope in avoiding extradition to the United States is to have Britain intervene in his case and prevent his removal.
Editorial: The commitment to stage three tax cuts follows the shape of the Albanese government’s response to climate change. The government insists it needs to reduce emissions and to do so approves new coal and gas projects. Albanese identifies the need to reduce inflation and pushes ahead with tax cuts that will increase inflation.
Looking at the Albanese government, it is not difficult to picture the figure at the end of the bed. It is the lumpen, wheezing outline of the stage three tax cuts. The prime minister lies in terrified inaction. The movements are obvious but remain somehow impossible.
Competition experts on their hopes for the government's inquiry into the supermarket price-setting: “To me, the single most important thing the government could do...is accept the merger law changes being proposed by the ACCC.”
As the government launches another review of supermarkets’ conduct, the corporate watchdog is expected to announce its first full-scale supermarkets inquiry in 16 years.
Peter Dutton is using the Trump playbook, writes Chris Wallace. "First, make febrile statements about your target. Then wait to see what your wingnut followers do to them. Next, bask in the menacing afterglow while claiming it has nothing to do with you."
This past week Trumpism landed in Australian politics. In suburban Brisbane in the early hours of Monday, the words “5 days 26 Jan Aussie Oi Oi Woolies f**k u” were graffitied on a Woolworths Metro store and a lit flare pushed under the door. It followed Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s call o...
The Houthis, who have been involved in a civil war in Yemen that has caused an estimated 377,000 deaths and left 21 million people facing starvation, have attacked about 30 ships since November, saying they are targeting Israel-linked vessels in response to Israel’s war against Hamas.
As Penny Wong visits Israel and the West Bank, Anthony Albanese says Australia will not take a position on South Africa’s genocide case in the International Court of Justice.
How sporting bodies deal with athletes’ domestic violence and sexual assault allegations is unfolding before viewers worldwide, who are currently tuning into the Australian Open in Melbourne. Alexander Zverev, star of the tennis tour, is playing in the tournament while facing domestic violence allegations and an impending trial in Germany.
Sports journalist Ben Rothenberg sheds light on the culture of silence around domestic violence in tennis.
How sporting bodies deal with athletes’ domestic violence and sexual assault allegations is unfolding before viewers worldwide, who are currently tuning into...
Today's front page: "Julian would rather commit su***de than go to the US..." http://satpa.pe/FF6EE8Z
Challenge yourself with this week's cryptic crossword…
No. 482, a weekly crossword from The Saturday Paper
Bella Li reviews the Museum of Contemporary Art's blockbuster exhibition, 'Tacita Dean':"Dean is fascinated by the processes and effects of time, and if she is concerned with making and forms, she is also necessarily concerned with an always looming entropy."
The Museum of Contemporary Art’s Tacita Dean exhibition reveals an artist whose work movingly explores the processes of mortality.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Saturday Paper posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to The Saturday Paper:
Paddy Manning uncovers how a secret friendship with Britain’s controversial PM, Margaret Thatcher, helped Rupert Murdoch become the world’s most powerful media mogul. Listen to episode three of 'Rupert: The last mogul' wherever you get your podcasts.
Listen to episode one of 'Rupert: The Last Mogul' wherever you get your podcasts.
Rupert Murdoch is the media’s most powerful man. His newspapers and television networks can topple leaders and help drive countries to war. In this six-part series from 7am and Schwartz Media, investigative journalist Paddy Manning explores what drove Murdoch from a small newspaper in Adelaide to the first global media mogul. Coming 1 November. Search Rupert: The Last Mogul wherever you get your podcasts.
In Australia, if you’re on welfare your payment can be suspended by a for-profit, private company – even if you’ve done nothing wrong. With tens of thousands of jobseekers being affected by suspensions every week, anti-poverty experts are urging the government to act, warning that vulnerable people are already at risk. Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton, on why private companies have the power to put welfare recipients on a suspension. http://satpa.pe/WbOfLNE
For a limited time, save 50% per cent off digital subscriptions to The Saturday Paper. Simply enter this promo code at checkout: FB-TSP The world is already perilously close to the threshold of 1.5 degrees of warming set in Paris in 2015. In fact, it’s headed for a disastrous 2.7 degrees by the end of the century. The Albanese government came to power promising to lift Australia’s climate aspiration, and the country is now more or less on track to achieve a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Unfortunately, experts say that target isn’t anywhere near enough to secure net zero by 2050. Getting to net zero can be done — more importantly, it must be done to avoid cooking the planet. By geological good luck, Australia is in a unique position to help the world transition more rapidly to green energy sources — while benefiting economically. But it will require political leadership, big spending on infrastructure and the creation of many new jobs in the renewable energy economy. Watch the full video now – http://satpa.pe/HwRihhZ
This second instalment of a two-part series explains how Australia can create a thriving economy based on green energy and manufacturing, while helping the world shift to renewables. Read the full story by Saul Griffith – http://satpa.pe/M8EKy8l
For a limited time, save 50% per cent off digital subscriptions to The Saturday Paper. Simply enter this promo code at checkout: FB-TSP As China has evolved into a global superpower, its activities have changed — they’ve become less benign, and more aggressive. We’ve been encouraged in the recent past to see China as either an enemy or a friend, and its behaviour as bad or good — but our relationship is more nuanced than that, and it’s been badly damaged by a series of misunderstandings. In this new instalment of our The Saturday Paper explains video series, chief political correspondent Karen Middleton looks at the delicate balancing act of Australia’s relationship with China. Watch the full video now – http://satpa.pe/HpmsgtD
For a limited time, save 50% per cent off digital subscriptions to The Saturday Paper. Simply enter this promo code at checkout: FB-TSP Or click here: http://satpa.pe/Y26YVnq
“What the voice can do for us — if we allow it — is add value to our community as a whole.” Watch the full video here: http://satpa.pe/698MJZL
For a limited time, save 50% per cent off digital subscriptions to The Saturday Paper. Simply enter this promo code at checkout: FB-TSP The world is already perilously close to the threshold of 1.5 degrees of warming set in Paris in 2015. In fact, it’s headed for a disastrous 2.7 degrees by the end of the century. The Albanese government came to power promising to lift Australia’s climate aspiration, and the country is now more or less on track to achieve a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Unfortunately, experts say that target isn’t anywhere near enough to secure net zero by 2050. Getting to net zero can be done — more importantly, it must be done to avoid cooking the planet. By geological good luck, Australia is in a unique position to help the world transition more rapidly to green energy sources — while benefiting economically. But it will require political leadership, big spending on infrastructure and the creation of many new jobs in the renewable energy economy. Watch the full video now – http://satpa.pe/ZskifNl
For a limited time, save 50% per cent off digital subscriptions to The Saturday Paper. Simply enter this promo code at checkout: FB-TSP Or visit this link: http://satpa.pe/otUb9KT As China has evolved into a global superpower, its activities have changed — they’ve become less benign, and more aggressive. We’ve been encouraged in the recent past to see China as either an enemy or a friend, and its behaviour as bad or good — but our relationship is more nuanced than that, and it’s been badly damaged by a series of misunderstandings. In this new instalment of our The Saturday Paper explains video series, chief political correspondent Karen Middleton looks at the delicate balancing act of Australia’s relationship with China. Watch the full video now – http://satpa.pe/eOHVbQw
The head of the inquiry into the Lehrmann prosecution is likely to face the ACT Integrity Commission and may also be charged for giving his report to The Australian before the government. Read the full story by Karen Middleton: http://satpa.pe/mSo85Js
“The family's lives depended on the outcome of this election.” Today on 7am, Rebekah Holt on the moment the Nadesalingam family realised they could be on their way back home to Biloela. Listen: https://apple.co/3N4dsiy Read: https://bit.ly/3Gvyx3a 🔑
An ad campaign unveiled by the NSW Government today aims to educate young people about affirmative consent before new laws come into effect next month. Read Saxon Mullins on why all Australian states should have affirmative consent laws: https://bit.ly/3Gp9m2g
“When in God's name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby?” | US President Joe Biden reacts to the deaths of at least 18 children and a teacher in an elementary school shooting in Texas.
“Yesterday they stood up and said, we're going to cut the public service even more. You know what that leads to? Robodebt. It doesn't save money, it costs money...” | Anthony Albanese at #NPC #AusVotes #AusPol
“Labor will deliver a First Nations foreign policy that weaves the voices and practices of the world's oldest continuing culture into the way we talk to the world.” | Penny Wong announces that Labor will appoint a First Nations ambassador if elected. #NPC #AusVotes #AusPol
“When you're given an opportunity to ask one question of your opponent, you ask a question about the 2019 election. I think that speaks volumes about what you're offering the Australian people." | Jim Chalmers responds to Josh Frydenberg at #NPC #AusVotes #AusPol
As Russia pledges to scale back military pressure on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, historian Mark Edele reflects on why Putin's invasion has been a strategic failure. #Ukraine #Putin
Anthony Albanese has criticised a front page article in The Australian that alleged three Labor senators – Penny Wong, Katy Gallagher and Kristina Keneally – engaged in ‘mean girl’ behaviour towards their late colleague Kimberley Kitching. “I find it astonishing that in 2022 I get a question using the term ‘mean girls,’” Albanese said on Wednesday in response to a journalist's question about the Sharri Markson article. “I find that extraordinarily disrespectful to describe strong articulate, principled women like Penny Wong, Katy Gallagher and Kristina Keneally.”
The Finance Minister Simon Birmingham has accused Anthony Albanese and Labor of pork-barrelling in marginal electorates with an election pledge to spend $750 million across dozens of electorates. #AusPol
Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?
The Saturday Paper is a quality weekly newspaper, dedicated to narrative journalism. It offers the biggest names and best writing in news, culture, and analysis, with a particular focus on Australia. The Saturday Paper publishes 48 issues a year.
