Very
courageous, Premier – but the most significant response is the one you
made at the AN Smith Memorial Lecture in Journalism in Melbourne on
Tuesday. Or didn’t. You commented on our report of rumours that you’re
thinking of moving on, but neither confirmed nor denied them.

This speech might look like a suicide note. Perhaps, instead, it’s simply an adieu. A fond farewell – for now.

And
it comes from a premier who’s always taking full responsibility,
cutting off speculation, drawing a line in the sand – while the band
plays on.

Peter Beattie’s been quite happy to dive into
shark-infested waters before. He emerged unscathed. And the excursion
appears to have suited his agenda perfectly.