I’M THINKING OF of a long weekend in Margaret River, of a heater for the lounge room. I’m thinking of a new bicycle for Ben. I’m thinking of a visit to my favourite bookshop, dinner and an evening at the theatre, a new pair of boots. I’m having these thoughts because I’ve just been given $600. Fantasising is what you do. But I’m thinking these things also as a way of drowning out that small but persistent discomfort that has been droning away in the background ever since I got the letter. It’s from the Hon. Jenny Macklin (Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) and the Hon. Joe Ludwig (Minister for Human Services).