In the circumstances that confront us, the opposition should not have been so desperate to scrape selfish advantage, the government should have been prepared for open discussion and compromise. Both failed, and it seemed the fast unfolding economic and social calamity could go hang while both sides bashed egos and made impassioned self-serving speeches to empty parliamentary chambers.

As the weekend’s desperately sad events tell us, some things are beyond the playground squabbling that dominates most of our public life. The deadly tragedy of these bushfires is one of them, the encroaching economic crisis is another. Both sides of politics should see the connection.

WTF!! Is there no end to this man’s talents and learning?