Treasurer frolics under the budget tree, Crikey heads into lock-up, and Seven reprimands itself

Locked up in Canberra

Every year, journalists and editors descend on Parliament House to participate in the political theatre that is federal budget night. This year Crikey sent along political editor Bernard Keane, federal political reporter Anton Nilsson and deputy editor Jack Callil. Below is Jack’s dispatch, filed ahead of the 1.30pm lock-up. 

A smug aura hangs like a halo as we pass through security to collect our laminated visitor passes, ready to be locked up together for six interminable hours with no phones, wi-fi or much air ventilation — and with terrible snacks to boot.