There’s no getting around it: We need to talk about this irksome word

August 13, 2026 — 9:30am

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Even in an ICAC hearing room, there’s no escape. “I don’t have a recollection around it,” says a witness.

There could be many reasons why someone giving evidence at the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s sensational Operation Rosny inquiry is watching their language. But let’s assume that eloquence isn’t one of them.

Even if the ICAC doesn’t care, eloquence is the hill that writers die on. The growing attachment to one word – on the airwaves, in print, in daily conversations – is equally worthy of investigation, and so early each morning, I’m ready with tablet, dedicated listening app, and radio on, determined not to miss the latest transgressions. The first one doesn’t take long.

“We need to be aware around ...” I correct the speaker aloud and note the offence. Another soon follows: “I have a sense of shame around ...” On it goes, whether it’s lobbying around, concerns around, conflicts........

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