Holidays with George

Summer delights ... George Brandis' postcard from Florence ... First leg of the AG's European holiday tour ... Bad news from Australia gets things off to a poor start 

Here I am in Florence - a magical city with lots of nude men, in marble. Human Rights Commissioner Wilson has agreed to join me on my Christmas-New Year sojourn through some of the toughest spots in Europe. 

We'll be sharing, to save expenses. 

News has reached us at the Grand Amore Hotel & Spa that Jamie Briggs and Mal Brough have fallen on their swords. Brave fellows both. 

Jamie did something inappropriate with a woman and in my book that is good enough reason to leave the frontbench. On the other hand, Mal did something inappropriate with James Ashby and has stood aside in the hope that he doesn't infect the rest of us. 

Tim thought wistfully, for a moment, that there should be an opening of a safe seat. 

In the interests of proper disclosure, I should add Mal gave me for Christmas a Versace beach towel (blue and cream with silver tassels). No problems there as it is the DPP who will bring the charges. 

But enough on the home-front. The Human Rights Commissioner has just phoned down to room service for some crostini with truffle paste (Malcolm, wish you were here), two bistecca alla fiorentina, some cantucci con vin santo and a couple of Aperol spritzes. 

That should see us through till supper. We were offered a private tour of the Pitti Palace but, honestly, I ask you, why would I leave the comfort of the hotel room when as far as I'm concerned Tim is enough of a Botticelli angel? 

Soon, it's Paris where, no doubt, there'll be plenty of vive la difference to report. 

In tearing haste, 

Senator The Hon. George (George) Brandis QC