Neither glib lines nor warm thoughts can hide the cynicism of Labor’s North West Shelf decision

‘The language Anthony Albanese used when asked about the North West Shelf decision was striking in its dismissiveness.’ Photograph: Richard Wainwright/AAP

Fans of naked political cynicism have had plenty to cheer of late. Those hoping for something more from their elected leaders – a bit of principle and coherency, say – have had no shortage of reasons to lament what Michael Stipe once called the downhill slide into abysmal.

In Australia, there is cynicism right through the Albanese government’s proposed approval of a 45-year life extension for one of the world’s biggest gas developments.