Who else was at the opera: KAK and Kamal. Following our tip yesterday, more gossip from the opera set from Saturday’s harbour spectacular, the opening of Opera Australia’s first alfresco production of La Traviata. Another spy reports:

“Also spotted: Simon Crean shaking hands with Kamal (yes, the caramel-voiced Kamal!) en route to the exclusive ‘platinum lounge’, and then having a natter with Bronwyn Bishop on his way back to his seat. ABC reporter Anne Maria Nicholson spent almost the entire interval chatting with celeb chef Tony Bilson. Also seen generally milling were ABC News 24’s Simon Benson, the very great John Bell, KAK herself, the incredible Ita Buttrose, NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian, ministerial colleague Victor Dominello, and two drag queens, who later jumped on stage for the first scene following interval. Very Sydney. Oh, and I forgot! Maxine McKew as well!”

ANU staff nervous about staff cuts. The savage staff cuts announced at Australian National University has plenty of researchers and teaching staff nervous and there’s lots of chatter about where the axe will fall. You’ve been good to us in the past, ANU staff — let us know what you’re being told (or not told) via email or our anonymous form.