Students hate the mining tax — the script says so. A student friend of mine was sent an email from the Minerals Council recruiting students to recite scripted comments about how the RSPT will  affect “them” for their TV ad campaign.

Dutton still not sure where he’s running. Seems Peter Dutton would still rather run for any seat but his own. He has a large billboard at a major intersection in Alderley, Brisbane, which is on the border of the seats of Ryan and Brisbane, and several kilometres from the nearest border of his own seat of Dickson.

Boat people truck speeds to the marginals. Forget about the debt truck, that was so, like, last decade. Spotted yesterday, cruising the street of Armadale in the Western Australian electorate of Canning, one of those billboards they tow around behind a ute. Boldly declaring a very large, very black number, and informing the good citizens that this is how many boats our hapless PM has welcomed in during his term (for those who are keeping score, I believe it was 133).

The seat of Canning has been warmed by Liberal Party lightweight Don Randall since about the coming of Howard, but is now coming under threat from Labor heavyweight and former state minister for transport Alannah MacTiernan. Needless to say Armadale is bogan heartland, but I doubt this desperate play to our latent xenophobia will be enough to save the Don.

Macquarie Radio goes back online? Looks like Macquarie Radio Network (2GB, 2CH, PRN, etc) is delving back into some of the online assets they shelved during the start of the GFC. After canning Livenews.com.au, then taking an almighty scythe through their editorial department, it seems they’re finally back supporting at least one of their initiatives, with Streetcorner.com.au hiring.

But why don’t they want you to know it’s them? Gone are all mentions to 2GB, the broad Macquarie Media Network banner on top and even references to its Pyrmont headquarters on the ‘Contact Us’ page, with only a PO Box in Waverley to go with. Every stated email address is generic, like ‘info’ or ‘webmaster’ and the like. The only way you’ll know it’s still run by MRN is to look at ‘Who Is’, which they last renewed in February.

Stop the press — staff go-slow? Melbourne’s Herald Sun has been late the last few mornings, as the staff operating each of the five presses has been cut back from six to five personnel. In a show of solidarity, the operators are making sure that five staff is not enough to keep things running smoothly. It is costing the paper more money every minute that it’s late, as newsagents and delivery drivers still receive full payments plus late fees.

Newspaper free-for-all (it’s back!): Sales and other things related must be a big concern at News Limited, and particularly The Australian. One of my colleagues at work was cold canvassed by The Australian today with a special offer of eight weeks for free if she took up a subscription.