After twenty-five years in the harsh and unforgiving spotlight of politics, The Wharf Revue has decided to step away from public life. “It’s an opportunity to spend more time with family.” said a spokesperson. “At the end of the day, this is about the need for renewal. We’ll serve one last term to max out the super and then try to pick up some kind of consultancy work or do a series of “Survivor” – look, it’s too early to say but it has been an honour to serve the Australian people.” Many public figures who’ve appeared in the show regularly over the years are lining up for a place in the final hurrah: Keating, Howard, Downer, Costello, Gillard, Abbott, Carr and other throwbacks too numerous to mention. Those who bear the torch of democracy today: Lambie, Hanson, Bandt, Dutton and Albo – a veritable “Who’s that?” of Australian politics. So join this joyous yet bitter-sweet send-off to one of the great national theatrical institutions – but please, no flowers by request.