The author discusses their experience of being called a breeder and wearing a Liberal Party lanyard in a place where they did not receive any special recognition for their sexuality. They mention their opposition to a bill proposed by Banasiak, citing concerns about adding more lines of division to an already divisive anti-discrimination act. The author ends their argument with a Martin Luther King Jr quote about love driving out hate, which they believe the bill deserved.
Moving on to off-field action, the author highlights several events during the State of Origin opener. This includes Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos hanging out with Ampol’s government relations manager Madeleine Treacy-Maclean and troubled Fox Sports host Paul Kent being charged with affray following a street brawl. The return of Paul Kent and his interaction with Queensland Rugby League boss Ben Ikin after the game was noted, showcasing the behind-the-scenes drama of the event.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s absence at the State of Origin game was noted, as he had to deliver a speech at the Australian Council of Trade Unions’ conference in Adelaide. Deputy PM Richard Marles, known to be more of an AFL fan, was spotted at Canberra’s Eastlakes footy club during the game. The author highlights the indifference of Albanese and his colleagues towards the game compared to Marles, and questions whether this attitude will continue when Origin II comes to Melbourne.
The author discusses the annual general meeting of local members of Amnesty International, noting the drastic measures taken to prevent chaos similar to the previous year’s nine-hour affair. Controversial activist Drew Pavlou, known for criticizing Amnesty International’s report on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, withdrew from seeking board election at the last minute. Pavlou’s motions to condemn Hamas and retract the controversial report were defeated, while the leadership’s candidates were elected. The author mentions former Labor MP Belinda Neal’s support for Sophia Tsai and Pavlou’s potential board tilt after his university exams.
Overall, the author provides an overview of various events and interactions related to politics, sports, and activism in the community. They highlight instances of political figures engaging with industry lobbyists, media personalities facing legal issues, and activists advocating for human rights within organizations. The author questions the actions and attitudes of key figures in different contexts, sparking interest and intrigue in the various dynamics at play in these spheres.
