Other states' leaders seem to think that Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie's decision to recycle Brisbane's effluent for drinking is politically foolhardy. On the face of it, they're misguided.

Some people will find the thought of drinking recycled effluent off putting. But opposition to the announcement has been muted so far, and the decision makes sense when considering the facts. Greater than 99% of the billions of litres of effluent that's treated and dumped every year is fresh water.

The level of contamination in effluent is far less that the concentration of salts in sea water, making the impurities easier to remove. Much easier and less energy intensive than sea water desalination.

Even John Howard says its a good idea. How can we ignore that recommendation?

We'll just have to wait to see if other states follow suit. My guess is they eventually will, although I wouldn't bet on NSW's Iemma government changing its mind in the coming four weeks.

Michael Mori, David Hicks' defence lawyer, commenting on recent statements from Hicks' tribunal prosecutor, Colonel Davis ...

MICHAEL MORI: Look, this is a regurgitation of the old charges laid against David in 2004. I haven't received any new charges. These recent comments are just a reaction to the growing concern over the treatment of an Australian citizen.

They're resorting to the old tactic of demonising David before trial, and trying to distract from the real issue, which is will David get a fair trial on valid charges?

MICHAEL ROWLAND: And you maintain that he won't?

MICHAEL MORI: No, of course not. And it's not surprising that Colonel Davis would say this and treat David this way and not really want to try his case in court.

Remember, he's part of the system that believes Australian citizens don't deserve the same rights and protections that Americans deserve, and I think that's intolerable.

Major Mori isn't quite correct on that point. What's really intolerable is that the Australian government thinks an Australian citizen doesn't deserve the same rights and protections that Americans receive.