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Age writer Stephen Brook.

Before I sign off from CBD, here are the stories behind the stories

As Stephen Brook calls time on his work as CBD columnist, he shares his more memorable encounters with Australia’s bold-faced names.

  • Stephen Brook

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It’s a banana republic moment. We need to see more from Jim Chalmers

We don’t need eloquent oration or a calm plan for the future. Australia needs a call to economic arms.

  • Shane Wright
US President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the Oval Office of the White House.

Aligning ourselves with a pariah nation is a bad look

Labor’s overwhelming election win owed much to our resounding “no” to a party that would show even a hint of copying the MAGA movement.

Hell on Earth: Israel’s bombing campaign has left much of Gaza in ruins.

Israel and its allies must pay the cost of rebuilding Gaza

Countries that provided the weapons and systems that enabled the destruction should foot the bill.

Any treasurer - not just Jim Chalmers - can expect a call from Paul Keating.

Getting frequent calls from Keating – or Costello – is all part of being treasurer

Jim Chalmers has revealed how frequently Paul Keating has talked to him about planned changes to superannuation tax. It’s just part of being a treasurer.

  • Shane Wright
Image shows Peter FitzSimons with Tony Abbott. Photo: @Peter_Fitz on twitter

Tony Abbott on Turnbull, Keating, Costello, Morrison and the misogyny speech

“I was an extremely good opposition leader”. Tony Abbott looks back over his political career.

  • Peter FitzSimons
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Former treasurer Peter Costello unveiled the baby bonus in 2004. New research it increased births by 1300 a month.

The baby bonus worked – at $86,000 for each extra child

New research suggests Peter Costello’s baby bonus encouraged families to have extra children – but, like all babies, they weren’t cheap.

  • Shane Wright
Businessman Joseph Gersh at the Saint Haven club in South Yarra.

Joe Gersh thinks Melbourne is falling behind Sydney. And he knows how to fix it

The first thing that hits is the smell of premium scented air. The exclusive venue is where I sit down to lunch with Joe Gersh, businessman, philanthropist, ex-ABC board member turned virulent critic – a man who upended his life and doesn’t pull any punches.

  • Stephen Brook

Falling fertility rates will hurt the economy. But a new baby boom is not the answer

Australia’s fertility rates have been falling fast and are now at rock bottom. The economic consequences will be far-reaching.

  • Matt Wade
Medicare is showing some wear and tear after 40 years.

We need to exercise common sense before trundling off to a GP

A substantial number of patients who see a GP are suffering a minor ailment or illness that resolves on its own.