Decomposing Trees

I wish I could've seen this. Julie Bishop on the backfoot after a grilling by high school students. It was for Talkback Classroom and she apparently did not expect it. She even tried to get away. I really would like to see the transcript. I'm sure it's hilarious.

The icing on the cake was her response to a question about teaching the history of the Howard Government.

I'm not in the business of trying to rewrite history.

Then afterwards they cried foul that it was a setup by the teachers and NSW curriculum board. Maybe they can't admit that young people would ask upfront critical questions. I'd thought they'd be pleased. Isn't that the sign of a good education?

Personally I'm thinking they should replace the staff of The Australian with high school students. They'd get more robust journalism and instead of being a mouthpiece they'd keep keep parliament more accountable and transparent. Wasn't that the supposed purpose of the fourth estate?

UPDATE: Apparently Talkback Classroom may not get continued funding after 2008 because the National Museum of Australia has discontinued its backing. It would be a great shame as it's one of the few opportunities young people actually have to directly question ministers on issues (especially as the Youth Roundtable is a farce).