IMPOSSIBLE to avoid “terrorism”, from gun-toting policemen at Parliament House, US President Obama’s call to arms at the UN and our own Army Chief, Gen David Morrison’s warning of a “long war that lasts for decades”.

Not a happy prospect, particularly when a young Melbournian’s knife attack on two police officers brought the conflict to our doorstep.

The legislation expanding ASIO’s reach into the internet alarmed some privacy advocates, but the Opposition had little choice but to wave it through the Parliament. They are determined not to be “wedged” by PM Tony Abbott as being “soft on terrorism”.

Perhaps Mr Hanson would attract more support for his ideas if only he’d learn to smile occasionally. It’s not the end of the world, Jeremy. It’s Canberra; it’s springtime!

NICE to see Canberra’s own Islamic fashion designer Fatima Tabaja setting up a sales outlet for her colourful hijabs at Belconnen Westfield. Truth is, they frame the face delightfully; it’s only those awful Dalek style coveralls with slits for eyes that offend notions of good fashion taste. Of course, no one’s perfect – as a young Canberra boulevardier I used to sport an ice-cream coloured suit… until the day I was waiting to cross the road and a bloke beside me said: “Guess who’s mum’s got a Whirlpool?”

WHAT a pity the owners of a Mr Fluffy home decided they had to take the matter to the courts when Chief Minister Katy Gallagher is doing her level best to put together a fair deal for all. They claim it’s only “precautionary” but once the legal hyenas gather it will be every man for himself. And guess who’ll get the lion’s share?

AT least disgraced former Speaker Peter Slipper escaped a jail sentence for ripping off his Cabcharge entitlements (and giving Julia Gillard an extra vote in the hung Parliament). His 300 hours of community service will be served in Canberra, according to Attorney-General Simon Corbell; but doing what exactly?

Any suggestions?

THE trial announced this week of new regulations requiring car drivers to allow one to one-and-a-half metres (depending on your speed) when overtaking a cyclist is about as whacky as it gets. Who’s going to measure it? A much better idea would be an expanded citywide network of cycle paths instead of the light rail to Gungahlin.

But since that decision has already been taken, surely the answer is mutual respect and a little old-fashioned courtesy.

ON a happier note wasn’t it great to see how well Canberra scrubbed up in the terrific ABC series “The Code”. The first two episodes were corkers. And from what I hear the local film and TV industry is poised to take off with at least two feature films and another TV series in the offing.

robert@robertmacklin.com