Negative Rat
Chris Downes
In 2022 Tasmania handled its students’ return to school slightly differently from the mainland states, which required students to take rapid antigen tests (RAT) twice a week. Students in the state received up to two RATs a week, but only if they had COVID-19 symptoms. Famous for using the marsupial Tasmanian devil as an icon in his cartoons, Chris Downes introduced a new (mammalian) metaphor: the ‘negative rat’.
You may also be interested in...
1951: Communists and communism referendum
In the 1951 referendum, Australia voted no on banning Communist ideology by the barest of margins.
1946: Social Services referendum
The 1946 referendum led to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme and the beginnings of universal healthcare.
When are elections held in Australia?
Your guide to how often voters go to the polls.
1999: Republic referendum
In 1999 Australia voted no to replacing the Queen as our head of state with a president.
How are votes counted?
The vote tallying process in Australian federal elections explained.
50 years since the dismissal
Everything you need to know about the 1975 dismissal.
