But the rule seems to be that the bigger and more life-changing the decision, the less it will seem like a decision at all.

Some researchers sensibly suggest that rather than worrying too much about which programs our children are watching, we should concentrate on trying to reduce the total amount of time they spend in front of the screen.

The copycat effects of media violence, similar to those previously attributed to westerns, radio serials and comic books, are easy to exaggerate.

Reading is a huge effort for many people, a bore for others, and, believe it or not, many people prefer watching TV.

It is the misfortune of contemporary leaders, across the whole spectrum of Australian life, that the community's demand for strong leadership is growing in direct proportion to our lack of confidence in ourselves. The end of this century is an unusually difficult time to be a leader in Australia.

Obviously, every child should be given the best possible opportunity to acquire literacy skills.

But the rule seems to be that the bigger and more life-changing the decision, the less it will seem like a decision at all.