Mortality
"The danger of Mr Pinochet dying is permanent." — Chile's ambassador to Britain, Pablo Cabrera, on why the former dictator should never stand trial for ordering the murder of thousands of Chileans during his rule.
Remember Longford?
"We just can't understand why they are taking this action." — Chief executive of Yallourn Energy on its workers' industrial action to prevent the company from changing work practices at the plant, including employing fewer staff.
There's only one, fortunately
"I'm not pretending I can be Andrew Peacock." — Michael Thawley, John Howard's foreign policy adviser and new ambassador to the United States.
Or honest
"Not everything you say when you're in opposition is smart." — Prime Menzies John Howard, reminded that the Coalition, in opposition, criticised Paul Keating for appointing one of his staff as ambassador to the US.
Boom
"NSW back to work as jobs boom" — Front-page headline of the December 10 Sydney Morning Herald. The article reported that the number of jobs had declined by 6200 in November.
Spirit of the '90s
"This case is the true spirit of Christmas, the true spirit of the 1990s. It's all about money." — Justice Donald Hill, hearing the Nine Network's Federal Court suit to stop the ABC telecasting New Year's Eve fireworks in Sydney.
Reasonable
"Things such as this happen reasonably frequently ... that's why they have several engines." — A Qantas spokesperson after part of a 747's engine fell off during takeoff from Brisbane.
True love
"As much or more excitement and enthusiasm as I did on that night when I first made love." — Time Warner vice-chairperson and part owner Ted Turner on his feelings about the America Online takeover offer.