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

Is it possible that literacy standards are falling because young Australians are growing up in a culture in which they can be entertained and informed, and in which they can communicate effectively, without having to master any but the most rudimentary literacy skills?

Polls are no substitute for leadership because, at its very essence, leadership is about giving people what they don't already have - a sense of vision, inspiration, or even an adequate grasp of a particular subject.

Although we love the idea of choice - our culture almost worships it - we seek refuge in the familiar and the comfortable.

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

No one welcomes chaos, but why crave stability and predictability?

The yearning for strong leadership is more about strength of purpose - clarity of vision - than about merely 'getting tough'.