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Andy Marks

Andy Marks

Andy Marks is a political analyst and social commentator.

Madagascar’s Labord’s chameleon: does it have a challenger for the world’s shortest-lived creature in the Australian political leader?

What Australia’s political chameleons can learn from this Madagascan reptile

It seemed Australia had stopped the turnstile of short-term political leaders, but here we go again.

  • Andy Marks

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The view from the west, the “engine room” of Sydney’s housing growth.

Western Sydney is dead. Long live Sydney

Greater Sydney must embrace all of its parts. Even the Shire.

  • Andy Marks
The four-metre puppet, Fauna, is the star of the show planned for the Paddington Reservoir Gardens.

Other places would be delighted to host Paddington’s puppet show. No strings attached

Sydney’s eastern suburbs received almost a quarter of all federal arts funding over the past decade. If residents don’t want an art event, send it elsewhere.

  • Andy Marks
Chris Minns

Rosehill rejection: Why did ATC members look a gift horse in the mouth?

Horses are unpredictable creatures. And so are the members of the Australian Turf Club.

  • Andy Marks

Are North Sydney and Fairfield on different planets? Yes, to a degree

Fifty years after Gough Whitlam abolished university fees, opening up higher learning to all, educational equity is in retreat.

  • Andy Marks
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King says without changes, the federal government will not be able to start any new infrastructure projects for a decade.

King hit: How infrastructure cuts will hobble NSW’s momentum

Infrastructure is like a game of Jenga. Remove one piece and others become less stable.

  • Andy Marks
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Gene Wilder as Willie Wonka with an “everlasting gobstopper” from the movie Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.

Sydney Metro West is the ‘everlasting gobstopper’ of state politics

As Willy Wonka proved, sometimes what begins with a splutter can abruptly turn, delivering an outcome beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

  • Andy Marks
Premier Chris Minns has not ruled out that the Metro West project could be axed or curtailed.

If Minns halts Metro West, here’s a clue to his thinking

“Plan slow, and build fast.” That’s what the NSW premier told a community forum last week – and it echoed the sage words of my grandfather.

  • Andy Marks
The Castle’s Kerrigan family lived next to which airport?

Councils can’t handle more housing? Tell ’em they’re dreamin’

Like the Kerrigans, we all need a castle. So Sydney mayors - particularly those in harbourside or seaside areas - need to get with the vibe.

  • Andy Marks
A businessman lighting a cigar with a cut-out paper person chain. Capitalism and fairness. Illustration/ artwork for Ross Gittins story by Matt Davidson

It’s reporting season for the banks, but food banks tell the real story

Financial banks are reporting extraordinary profits while food banks have never been busier. What’s the connection? Could it be our misaligned housing market?

  • Andy Marks