Media war on terror begins in earnest

The Age reports...

Over the next three weeks, the government will spend about $2.2 million telling Australians to be vigilant but not alarmed about the terrorist threat.

As Attorney-General Philip 'no, please just call me Phil' Ruddock explained...

We don't want Australians to panic, because we have a robust democratic life, and the threat from terrorism is still relatively low here.

However, we do urge all Australians to keep an eye out for funny looking, particularly bearded or generally ethnic-looking persons.

If you happen to fit into this category yourself, I am advised that the Australian Government suggests that you report yourself in to your nearest Burger King or contact Andrew Bolt.

When reporters asked whether further fridge magnets would be distributed, Mr Ruddock declined to comment. Sources close to the Minister later confirmed that no fridge magnets would be distributed. In protest to Australia's recent approval of dissident Chinese official Chen Yonglin's asylum application, China, which manufactured the limited-edition magnets, refused to distribute further magnets.

Mr Ruddock's office would neither confirm nor deny that the Government was considering the distribution of 10 million Steve Liebmann anti-terror blow up dolls manufactured by asylum seekers on Nauru.