The federal opposition reached a new level of dysfunction last week, with the departure of wannabe-leader and vintage gas guzzler enthusiast Andrew Hastie from the shadow cabinet to the backbench, where he can join Jacinta Nampijinpa Price in creating as much trouble for Sussan Ley as they wish, without fear of censure.

In humans, delusional thinking is a mental health issue. In politics, believing in things despite clear evidence to the contrary now seems to be a prerequisite, along with the accompanying feelings of persecution and grandiosity.

It was a very big week for Murray Watt, although he didn't put a word about what is likely to be his most far-reaching decision as environment minister on social media.