Total Control (2019) s01e04 Episode Script
Episode 4
1 TOM: Them Canberra mob, any chance they get, they screw us.
- But they sent me.
- Yeah.
But can we trust you? BAUER: This afternoon, I declared my intention to challenge for the leadership of the Coalition.
If it takes Anderson down, you'll go down with her and Bauer will tear up any deal with the community first chance he gets.
Thank God for your bloc, Kevin.
Kevin.
I can't help you unless I see the video.
JONATHAN: I saw her.
She got scared off by the cops.
CHARLIE: Mum's collapsed.
They're saying it's something with her heart.
We've worked so hard for your deal.
- My mum needs me.
- So do I.
MAN: Rachel Anderson was successful on 45 to Damien Bauer on 38.
She retains leadership of the party.
She didn't even need my vote.
It must hurt.
The deal, it's been dropped from the bill.
And they're going to vote tonight.
Charlie.
(SOBS) I'm waiting Still waiting for that sound The sound of you arriving I keep thinking you're Still Coming home - (DOOR OPENS) - WOMAN: Hey, cuz.
Brought you a feed.
But I'm waiting For a sound that will not Come And this feeling - Is pulling me undone - (PHONE VIBRATES) Feels like it's going to last Until the sun falls down Until the sun falls down Until the sun falls down MOTHER: (SOFTLY) I've been waiting for you, my baby.
Ooh Mum? You know, everyone used to say I looked like the Queen.
But I've got better legs than old Liz.
I'm so sorry, Mum.
Nuh.
I'm just cranky I didn't get to score a century.
Got me a telegram from the old girl.
I should have been here.
I should never have left.
You've always had a fire in you.
Ever since you was little.
You'd better make sure you don't burn out.
What am I going to do, Mum? I'll tell you what you're gonna do.
You're gonna clean my oven.
Welcome back.
How are you feeling? I've taken care of everything.
Mum's funeral arrangements.
Thanks.
Hey.
Want me to cook you up some bacon and eggs? - I'm vegan.
- Since when? Since the earth started melting.
- Did you know about this? - That the earth is melting? - No.
That he's a vegan.
- News to me.
- Listen, sis, if you want to talk about - No.
You were right.
That's what you want to hear.
Yeah? No.
If there's one thing you love in this world, it's winning an argument.
I love you, Alex, and I'm worried about you.
We all are.
Just us.
Look, I think Don't you dare tell me what I need, little brother.
I will knock your block off.
OK - That's right, I forgot.
- What? She's not a morning person.
Auntie Jan always said you were the only one who knew how to clean that oven proper way.
REPORTER: (ON TV) Work is set to commence on a multibillion-dollar US military base in central Queensland.
The lucrative tender for the base's construction has been awarded to infrastructure and corrections giant Exebuild.
The base is not without controversy.
Earlier today, PM Anderson hosed down concerns about its purpose in the region.
The defence of national security in our region is my government's highest priority.
- Turn it off now, eh? - Leave it.
official Chinese media have been saying, the construction of this base should not be construed as an act of aggression by any of our regional partners, rather as a measure to maintain strategic balance in the region.
This project is not just critical for national security, it's also the best news the people of Queensland have had for a very long time.
I was watching that.
- Plenty of time for that talk later.
- You mean politics.
After the funeral.
Speaking of which, Mum's waiting for us down at the pub.
The generator broke down at the morgue in Longreach.
They're keeping her in the cold room till tomorrow.
She's gone to a better place now, cuz.
Better than Winton? Can't imagine.
- Senator Alex Irving? - Wrong address.
(PHONE RINGS) I've been trying to reach you for a week.
Yeah.
And I've been trying to figure out whether you're disloyal or incompetent.
I called you as soon as I knew what was happening.
Incompetent it is.
How the hell did this happen, Cosgrove? Look, the Prime Minister had to cut a deal to survive the spill.
- I know that.
Who with? - I don't know.
But you and your community were just collateral.
I expect you want me to pass on your resignation to the party.
No.
I want you to find Jess Clarke for me.
- And how am I supposed to do that? - I don't fucking care.
Use your brain.
Get rid of them.
Don't you want to know who they're from? I know who they're from.
REPORTER: Indigenous groups condemned the Government's changes on the so-called Winton deal which was rushed through the Parliament last week.
One leader describing the government's actions as an act of unmitigated bastardry.
But while the Winton Land Council is still standing by its threat to take this fight to the High Court, lawyers for the government warn any legal challenge is doomed to fail.
What? When did that spring up? While you were sleeping, princess.
Already cleared up land around Brumby's place.
A few locals have scored jobs but it's mostly fly-in fly-out.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) Where are you going? - I've gotta talk to him, Charlie.
- We're here to see Mum.
CHARLIE: (TO BARTENDER) Hi, there.
Beer for me, juice for him.
What's she doing here? We're burying Jan tomorrow.
What about you? What's your excuse? Renovations.
I'm sorry for the disrespect.
But we've gotta do something about it.
What's the plan then? We're gonna take it all the way to the High Court.
I heard the coffers were dry.
- Yeah.
'Cause she fucked us.
- The government fucked you.
And this can't wait till Mum's in the ground? I've been thinking about Iceland.
What? It's where I want to go when I finish school.
What do you know about Iceland? Polar bears are migrating there from the Arctic Circle because of climate change.
Cool.
Go.
Finish school first then you can go.
What about Mum? Your mother can take care of herself.
Believe me.
(SNIFFS) (SOBS) All right.
Time to go.
- Let's just go home, Alex.
- You seen who did this? You bloody tell me.
Who was it? Alex.
Well?! Which one of you mob did this? Too gutless to say it to my face?! Mum, I want to go home.
- Just leave it alone.
- Oh, piss off, Charlie! - (LAUGHTER) - Well? You're all laughing.
But no-one's got the balls to own up to it.
Don't blame them, sis.
- Oh, what the fuck, Charlie? - Alex, don't you start with me.
- You're on their side now? - These people backed you.
They've only had title for 10 years and they trusted you.
All your bloody promises, and you broke them.
Now this mob got nothing and they feel like mugs again.
So don't blame them.
Your beers are getting warm.
You know what your problem is, Alex? - Enlighten me.
- You think you're shit.
Always have.
You let people just walk all over you because you think you deserve it.
PETER: Have you heard from the Senator? No.
I can't get on to her.
It's pretty remote up there.
Another country.
Given the circumstances, it won't come as a surprise to the Prime Minister if the Senator resigns.
- Is that what the party would prefer? - Of course not.
We'd be down a vote in the Senate.
- I'm curious - Careful.
The PM's U-turn on the legislation.
I have to say it came as a bit of a shock.
Casualty of the uprising, I'm afraid.
You know how it goes.
Of course.
Now the dust has settled, the Prime Minister is expected to announce Kevin Cartwright's promotion to Home Affairs.
Loyalty has its price.
Which is why I wanted to see you.
Cartwright's looking for a new chief of staff and I'd like to recommend you for the position.
Interested? - Do I detect hesitation? - Uh, no.
No.
I'd, uh I'd be very interested.
Schedule a meeting.
See if it's a good fit.
I will.
Thank you for this, Peter.
I appreciate it.
I'd say you've more than earned it.
See yourself out.
- Any news? - (SIGHS) Nothing definite.
Though I should warn you, the Senator may not be coming back.
God, who can blame her? The way she's being treated, I'd run a mile.
Guess I'll have to update my CV on LinkedIn then.
Oh, you move fast.
I'm more than happy to help you, Tracey.
I'm fine.
What do we know about Kevin Cartwright? I know that he is getting Home Affairs for services rendered.
And it turns out he needs a new chief of staff.
Really? Who told you that? You've always got your ducks in a row, don't you, Cosgrove? Let's just wait to hear from the Senator, shall we? - MAN: Where have you been? - RACHEL: I was up on Sunday.
That was weeks ago.
- How are you feeling? - Oh, I'm over it.
Nobody here can hold down a decent conversation.
Half of them don't even speak English.
Well, this is as good as it gets, Dad.
All the fancies have got their mums in here.
My eyes are killing me.
It's uh, it's the strokes.
Yeah, I know.
Everybody leaves me.
- No-one leaves you, Dad.
- Your mother did.
Nah, she didn't, Dad.
She died.
Lonely as the wail of a dingo Empty as (SIGHS) You've got a right to be angry.
Mum wasn't angry.
She'd wake up every morning crack of dawn say her prayers make her bed.
Hospital corners.
Just how she learned on the reserve.
She tried to teach me.
Rebels don't do hospital corners.
They belted her when she spoke her own language.
- Hmm.
- They said her mum had died.
It was a lie.
I'd say, "Mum didn't you want to scream? Tear the place apart?" She'd say, "Alexandra you got to watch that temper of yours, girl.
It'll make big trouble one day.
" She was never angry.
I fucking hate 'em all.
Maybe you should have an early night, eh? Avoid this mob.
KEVIN: The word in the corridor says that you're a rising star.
Hmm.
I'm flattered to hear that.
Jonathan, I stonewalled the Senator's amendments.
The PM was never going to get that deal over the line but she just wouldn't take advice.
And every day she insisted on flogging that dead pony, we took a hit in the polls.
I think we both know which way the political wind is blowing.
All right.
So what did you make of her? Honestly.
Honestly, I found Senator Irving to be a highly passionate, - fiercely determined - Dog with a bone.
Yes.
She can be when she believes in something.
Mmm.
You know, in any other profession you have to study for years at university.
But in politics, any single mother on a disability pension can just waltz in.
I think they call that democracy, Kevin.
- How old are you? - 27.
Sights on the front bench? Leadership ambitions, too, I suppose.
No.
In my opinion, the real power lies elsewhere.
- Oh.
Where's that? - Home Affairs.
It's good to know where we stand.
You want to have a go at me, too, Fay? I'm good, thanks.
Go on.
Everyone else has.
I lost my job, Alex, down at the mine.
Yeah.
I heard.
We've got 10 mouths to feed at our place most nights.
So when they offered him the only job that was going, we had to take it.
- Exebuild? - Yeah.
You don't know half of what's going on out there.
- If I could just show you - Leave it.
Right? Here.
Go soak up that grog.
- Here you go, uncle.
- Thanks.
I asked you not to say anything.
- JONATHAN: What do you think? - It's in the bag.
- I don't know.
- No.
He needs you.
The question is, do I need him? Three years with Kevin, then you're ready to run on your terms.
He's the kingmaker now.
- You don't seem happy.
- I'm sorry.
- I'm happy for you.
- But But for Kevin, it's a blood sport.
I haven't exactly emerged feeling great about myself.
That's all I'm going to say.
Well, politics is a blood sport.
The Barefoot Senator found that out the hard way.
You know, the polling showed that she was the only member on our side that the public described as authentic.
(BOTH CHUCKLE) Kevin hated that.
I think I know what they mean.
You like her.
Let's just say she earned my admiration.
It's a high bar.
Very.
How do I do that? Come here, my darling.
Goodnight.
I love you.
Go to bed.
- How can I do this to you - (SINGS ALONG) Right now (TURNS UP THE VOLUME) If you're over there when I need you here My happiness Is slowly creeping back Now you're at home If it ever starts sinking in Must be when you pack up and go My happiness Is slowly creeping back Now you're at home (WHOOPING) Starts sinking in It must be when you pack up and go MARCIE: (BANGS ON DOOR) Come on, tough guy, hurry up! Open the door! GUARD: All right, Maclean.
Suck on (SKATEBOARDERS WHOOP, LAUGH) (LAUGHS) MAN: Come on, Jade! Hey.
Where are you from? The Territory.
You? I'm from Sydney.
Just visiting a couple of friends.
Hang on.
You made it all the way from the Territory with this little bag? You've got some balls, girl.
(SIGHS, SNIFFS) (DIALS) - (CALL FAILURE TONE) - (SIGHS) Fuck ya.
Tom! - Tom! - (DOG BARKS) I know you're in there.
Tom! (QUIETLY) Shame job! You should be with your family! - I need to talk to Tom.
- Well, he's not fucking here.
- Kelly - I got sick kids in there.
- What's he gonna do? - What are you talking about? The military base.
If the Land Council fight this in court, they'll eat us live.
There is no "us", Alex.
(SCREAMS) No-one wants you fucking here! It's not my fault, Kelly.
I suppose it's not your fault you fucked my husband.
You want to see him? You head up to the pub.
'Cause that's where he's fucking living now, 'cause I fucking kicked him out! (KELLY SOBS) You are poison.
You know that? Poison.
You always have been.
You're nothing like your mum.
I reckon she died of shame.
(ALEX SNIFFS) You don't have to do that.
No-one else will.
Maybe I'll reclaim it.
My beautiful boy.
The best mistake I ever made.
Where were you last night? Here.
I saw you go out.
You were with Tom.
- Eddie - The whole town knows.
Tom and I - we've got history.
- I'm mates with his kids, Mum! (PHONE VIBRATES) (SIGHS) What have you got? Cartwright forced the PM's hand and traded his support for a promotion to Home Affairs.
The axing of our negotiated settlement just sweetened the deal.
Why? He's Indigenous Affairs.
I don't know.
Jonathan.
Yes, Senator? I want his head.
Jess Clarke? Yeah.
I'm working on it.
Tracey's called all the shelters.
No luck.
Well, she's probably on the streets.
Try harder.
Hello? (DOOR CLOSES) - Help you? - You are ? - Uh, the onsite manager.
- I was hoping for a name.
Cory.
Cory Gray.
Cory.
Hi.
I'm Senator Alex Irving.
- Senator? - Yeah.
We come in a range of colours.
This isn't an official visit.
I'm in town visiting family and I was hoping to look at the site plans.
Sorry, Senator, I'd need clearance for that.
Do you need clearance for smoking weed at work? Look, I don't wanna get you in trouble.
So why don't you just walk me through it and I'll leave you in peace? Well, the facility is designed to accommodate 5,000 servicemen and women plus an extra 5,000 civilians.
Town won't know what hit it.
There's gonna be a three-kay exclusion zone surrounding the base.
What sort of facilities are we talking about? Fully equipped gyms and pools, training fields, takeaway outlets.
Takeaway? Yeah.
KFC and Subway, so everyone feels at home.
There will be schools for the dependants.
And, of course, the hospital and medical centre.
- Open to locals? - No, base personnel only.
Thanks, Cory.
You've been a great help.
Hi.
Hey.
That's nice.
Elephant.
I got it for my grandfather a few years ago.
They're big and gentle, just like he was.
He died? Gotta remember him somehow, eh? I think I might like a tattoo.
Yeah? I can give you one.
Nothing too flash, though.
Something small, something like that.
If you want to.
Yeah.
Oh.
Sorry.
Have you seen this girl? And have you been here for a while? - Haven't seen her.
- WOMAN: No.
I haven't, really.
- Sorry about that.
- Thank you.
- You can go back to sleep.
- Yeah.
- Working hard? - Any luck? You know how many homeless people there are in Canberra, Jonathan? - Not off the top of my head.
- More than MPs.
I hope you haven't got anything planned for later.
Come on.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry to disturb you.
Have you seen this girl around? No? OK.
Thank you.
What a beautiful baby.
Thank you.
I am sorry.
Thanks.
Fuck off! Pervert.
Bye.
(TATTOO MACHINE BUZZES) You OK? Did you want me to stop? It hurts.
I know.
It's not that.
Just keep going.
(RESUMES TATTOOING) Well, she was here yesterday.
There's a squat in Fyshwick where the kids hang out.
I reckon she might have gone there.
I got an address.
Are you OK? There are There are mums sleeping in their cars with their babies.
No other place to go.
And we call this a civilised country.
Have you got kids? I should probably know that, shouldn't I? Well, when you're climbing the ladder as fast as you are it's hard to distinguish the faces on the way up.
Do you know, after 30 years of working for the public service, Senator Irving is the first genuine politician I've met.
Mmm.
Oh, God.
I've got to go.
My kids will start eating each other for dinner.
(CHUCKLES) Two girls.
Just so you know.
Thank you, Tracey.
Hey.
Hey.
And the other one.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry about Nan.
And for making things worse.
I'm sorry for being a crap mum.
You're not crap.
I should have been there for you and for Nan.
You had to go.
I know that.
So did she.
You forgive me? Yeah.
OK.
Let's go say goodbye.
Yeah? (DANCE MUSIC PLAYS INSIDE) (LOUD MUSIC PLAYS) Fuck off! Listen, sweetheart I told you to piss off! Time to go, mate.
Come on.
Yeah, get off me, man.
That's enough.
- (PHONE RINGS) - Oh.
Senator.
- You find her? - You could say that.
But I lost her again.
I have a way of tracking her down, though.
Right.
- I'll see you Monday.
- Are you coming back to Canberra? - Sen - (HANGS UP) "Yes, Jonathan.
Fabulous work, Jonathan.
" I thought we told you to fuck off.
You know me.
I never do what I'm told.
Is this what you do now? I'm sorry Kelly kicked you out.
I'm sorry I made it worse.
I really am.
- What do you want? - Same as you.
- Payback.
- Bullshit.
You're one of them.
They fucked me too.
At least you got to keep your pride.
They're building a hospital out there for the Americans while our mob are left to die at home.
Like Mum did.
You heard of divide and rule, yeah? It's how Rome conquered the world.
It's what they've been doing to us for over 200 years.
And you know what happened to Rome? It burned to the ground.
And what's your point, Alex? This is bigger than us.
So why don't you do what needs to be done? And I swear on my mum's grave I will make the cunts pay.
Alex, what happened up there in Winton? I wasn't there.
People are angry.
I'm angry.
Many in the country are quite keen to see heads on sticks over this.
Is that what they're getting? You think she's about to cut you loose.
JILLIAN: It's not surprising he's been distracted, what with the new job.
Chief of staff.
Kevin Cartwright.
KEVIN: We may be facing some press questions on the death of Marcie Maclean.
Her cellmate escaped.
- She's a 15-year-old kid.
- And you're a politician.
Everything can be used against you.
We'll arrest you if you don't comply.
I will not comply.
You, me and destiny We're gonna set this night on fire.
- But they sent me.
- Yeah.
But can we trust you? BAUER: This afternoon, I declared my intention to challenge for the leadership of the Coalition.
If it takes Anderson down, you'll go down with her and Bauer will tear up any deal with the community first chance he gets.
Thank God for your bloc, Kevin.
Kevin.
I can't help you unless I see the video.
JONATHAN: I saw her.
She got scared off by the cops.
CHARLIE: Mum's collapsed.
They're saying it's something with her heart.
We've worked so hard for your deal.
- My mum needs me.
- So do I.
MAN: Rachel Anderson was successful on 45 to Damien Bauer on 38.
She retains leadership of the party.
She didn't even need my vote.
It must hurt.
The deal, it's been dropped from the bill.
And they're going to vote tonight.
Charlie.
(SOBS) I'm waiting Still waiting for that sound The sound of you arriving I keep thinking you're Still Coming home - (DOOR OPENS) - WOMAN: Hey, cuz.
Brought you a feed.
But I'm waiting For a sound that will not Come And this feeling - Is pulling me undone - (PHONE VIBRATES) Feels like it's going to last Until the sun falls down Until the sun falls down Until the sun falls down MOTHER: (SOFTLY) I've been waiting for you, my baby.
Ooh Mum? You know, everyone used to say I looked like the Queen.
But I've got better legs than old Liz.
I'm so sorry, Mum.
Nuh.
I'm just cranky I didn't get to score a century.
Got me a telegram from the old girl.
I should have been here.
I should never have left.
You've always had a fire in you.
Ever since you was little.
You'd better make sure you don't burn out.
What am I going to do, Mum? I'll tell you what you're gonna do.
You're gonna clean my oven.
Welcome back.
How are you feeling? I've taken care of everything.
Mum's funeral arrangements.
Thanks.
Hey.
Want me to cook you up some bacon and eggs? - I'm vegan.
- Since when? Since the earth started melting.
- Did you know about this? - That the earth is melting? - No.
That he's a vegan.
- News to me.
- Listen, sis, if you want to talk about - No.
You were right.
That's what you want to hear.
Yeah? No.
If there's one thing you love in this world, it's winning an argument.
I love you, Alex, and I'm worried about you.
We all are.
Just us.
Look, I think Don't you dare tell me what I need, little brother.
I will knock your block off.
OK - That's right, I forgot.
- What? She's not a morning person.
Auntie Jan always said you were the only one who knew how to clean that oven proper way.
REPORTER: (ON TV) Work is set to commence on a multibillion-dollar US military base in central Queensland.
The lucrative tender for the base's construction has been awarded to infrastructure and corrections giant Exebuild.
The base is not without controversy.
Earlier today, PM Anderson hosed down concerns about its purpose in the region.
The defence of national security in our region is my government's highest priority.
- Turn it off now, eh? - Leave it.
official Chinese media have been saying, the construction of this base should not be construed as an act of aggression by any of our regional partners, rather as a measure to maintain strategic balance in the region.
This project is not just critical for national security, it's also the best news the people of Queensland have had for a very long time.
I was watching that.
- Plenty of time for that talk later.
- You mean politics.
After the funeral.
Speaking of which, Mum's waiting for us down at the pub.
The generator broke down at the morgue in Longreach.
They're keeping her in the cold room till tomorrow.
She's gone to a better place now, cuz.
Better than Winton? Can't imagine.
- Senator Alex Irving? - Wrong address.
(PHONE RINGS) I've been trying to reach you for a week.
Yeah.
And I've been trying to figure out whether you're disloyal or incompetent.
I called you as soon as I knew what was happening.
Incompetent it is.
How the hell did this happen, Cosgrove? Look, the Prime Minister had to cut a deal to survive the spill.
- I know that.
Who with? - I don't know.
But you and your community were just collateral.
I expect you want me to pass on your resignation to the party.
No.
I want you to find Jess Clarke for me.
- And how am I supposed to do that? - I don't fucking care.
Use your brain.
Get rid of them.
Don't you want to know who they're from? I know who they're from.
REPORTER: Indigenous groups condemned the Government's changes on the so-called Winton deal which was rushed through the Parliament last week.
One leader describing the government's actions as an act of unmitigated bastardry.
But while the Winton Land Council is still standing by its threat to take this fight to the High Court, lawyers for the government warn any legal challenge is doomed to fail.
What? When did that spring up? While you were sleeping, princess.
Already cleared up land around Brumby's place.
A few locals have scored jobs but it's mostly fly-in fly-out.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION) Where are you going? - I've gotta talk to him, Charlie.
- We're here to see Mum.
CHARLIE: (TO BARTENDER) Hi, there.
Beer for me, juice for him.
What's she doing here? We're burying Jan tomorrow.
What about you? What's your excuse? Renovations.
I'm sorry for the disrespect.
But we've gotta do something about it.
What's the plan then? We're gonna take it all the way to the High Court.
I heard the coffers were dry.
- Yeah.
'Cause she fucked us.
- The government fucked you.
And this can't wait till Mum's in the ground? I've been thinking about Iceland.
What? It's where I want to go when I finish school.
What do you know about Iceland? Polar bears are migrating there from the Arctic Circle because of climate change.
Cool.
Go.
Finish school first then you can go.
What about Mum? Your mother can take care of herself.
Believe me.
(SNIFFS) (SOBS) All right.
Time to go.
- Let's just go home, Alex.
- You seen who did this? You bloody tell me.
Who was it? Alex.
Well?! Which one of you mob did this? Too gutless to say it to my face?! Mum, I want to go home.
- Just leave it alone.
- Oh, piss off, Charlie! - (LAUGHTER) - Well? You're all laughing.
But no-one's got the balls to own up to it.
Don't blame them, sis.
- Oh, what the fuck, Charlie? - Alex, don't you start with me.
- You're on their side now? - These people backed you.
They've only had title for 10 years and they trusted you.
All your bloody promises, and you broke them.
Now this mob got nothing and they feel like mugs again.
So don't blame them.
Your beers are getting warm.
You know what your problem is, Alex? - Enlighten me.
- You think you're shit.
Always have.
You let people just walk all over you because you think you deserve it.
PETER: Have you heard from the Senator? No.
I can't get on to her.
It's pretty remote up there.
Another country.
Given the circumstances, it won't come as a surprise to the Prime Minister if the Senator resigns.
- Is that what the party would prefer? - Of course not.
We'd be down a vote in the Senate.
- I'm curious - Careful.
The PM's U-turn on the legislation.
I have to say it came as a bit of a shock.
Casualty of the uprising, I'm afraid.
You know how it goes.
Of course.
Now the dust has settled, the Prime Minister is expected to announce Kevin Cartwright's promotion to Home Affairs.
Loyalty has its price.
Which is why I wanted to see you.
Cartwright's looking for a new chief of staff and I'd like to recommend you for the position.
Interested? - Do I detect hesitation? - Uh, no.
No.
I'd, uh I'd be very interested.
Schedule a meeting.
See if it's a good fit.
I will.
Thank you for this, Peter.
I appreciate it.
I'd say you've more than earned it.
See yourself out.
- Any news? - (SIGHS) Nothing definite.
Though I should warn you, the Senator may not be coming back.
God, who can blame her? The way she's being treated, I'd run a mile.
Guess I'll have to update my CV on LinkedIn then.
Oh, you move fast.
I'm more than happy to help you, Tracey.
I'm fine.
What do we know about Kevin Cartwright? I know that he is getting Home Affairs for services rendered.
And it turns out he needs a new chief of staff.
Really? Who told you that? You've always got your ducks in a row, don't you, Cosgrove? Let's just wait to hear from the Senator, shall we? - MAN: Where have you been? - RACHEL: I was up on Sunday.
That was weeks ago.
- How are you feeling? - Oh, I'm over it.
Nobody here can hold down a decent conversation.
Half of them don't even speak English.
Well, this is as good as it gets, Dad.
All the fancies have got their mums in here.
My eyes are killing me.
It's uh, it's the strokes.
Yeah, I know.
Everybody leaves me.
- No-one leaves you, Dad.
- Your mother did.
Nah, she didn't, Dad.
She died.
Lonely as the wail of a dingo Empty as (SIGHS) You've got a right to be angry.
Mum wasn't angry.
She'd wake up every morning crack of dawn say her prayers make her bed.
Hospital corners.
Just how she learned on the reserve.
She tried to teach me.
Rebels don't do hospital corners.
They belted her when she spoke her own language.
- Hmm.
- They said her mum had died.
It was a lie.
I'd say, "Mum didn't you want to scream? Tear the place apart?" She'd say, "Alexandra you got to watch that temper of yours, girl.
It'll make big trouble one day.
" She was never angry.
I fucking hate 'em all.
Maybe you should have an early night, eh? Avoid this mob.
KEVIN: The word in the corridor says that you're a rising star.
Hmm.
I'm flattered to hear that.
Jonathan, I stonewalled the Senator's amendments.
The PM was never going to get that deal over the line but she just wouldn't take advice.
And every day she insisted on flogging that dead pony, we took a hit in the polls.
I think we both know which way the political wind is blowing.
All right.
So what did you make of her? Honestly.
Honestly, I found Senator Irving to be a highly passionate, - fiercely determined - Dog with a bone.
Yes.
She can be when she believes in something.
Mmm.
You know, in any other profession you have to study for years at university.
But in politics, any single mother on a disability pension can just waltz in.
I think they call that democracy, Kevin.
- How old are you? - 27.
Sights on the front bench? Leadership ambitions, too, I suppose.
No.
In my opinion, the real power lies elsewhere.
- Oh.
Where's that? - Home Affairs.
It's good to know where we stand.
You want to have a go at me, too, Fay? I'm good, thanks.
Go on.
Everyone else has.
I lost my job, Alex, down at the mine.
Yeah.
I heard.
We've got 10 mouths to feed at our place most nights.
So when they offered him the only job that was going, we had to take it.
- Exebuild? - Yeah.
You don't know half of what's going on out there.
- If I could just show you - Leave it.
Right? Here.
Go soak up that grog.
- Here you go, uncle.
- Thanks.
I asked you not to say anything.
- JONATHAN: What do you think? - It's in the bag.
- I don't know.
- No.
He needs you.
The question is, do I need him? Three years with Kevin, then you're ready to run on your terms.
He's the kingmaker now.
- You don't seem happy.
- I'm sorry.
- I'm happy for you.
- But But for Kevin, it's a blood sport.
I haven't exactly emerged feeling great about myself.
That's all I'm going to say.
Well, politics is a blood sport.
The Barefoot Senator found that out the hard way.
You know, the polling showed that she was the only member on our side that the public described as authentic.
(BOTH CHUCKLE) Kevin hated that.
I think I know what they mean.
You like her.
Let's just say she earned my admiration.
It's a high bar.
Very.
How do I do that? Come here, my darling.
Goodnight.
I love you.
Go to bed.
- How can I do this to you - (SINGS ALONG) Right now (TURNS UP THE VOLUME) If you're over there when I need you here My happiness Is slowly creeping back Now you're at home If it ever starts sinking in Must be when you pack up and go My happiness Is slowly creeping back Now you're at home (WHOOPING) Starts sinking in It must be when you pack up and go MARCIE: (BANGS ON DOOR) Come on, tough guy, hurry up! Open the door! GUARD: All right, Maclean.
Suck on (SKATEBOARDERS WHOOP, LAUGH) (LAUGHS) MAN: Come on, Jade! Hey.
Where are you from? The Territory.
You? I'm from Sydney.
Just visiting a couple of friends.
Hang on.
You made it all the way from the Territory with this little bag? You've got some balls, girl.
(SIGHS, SNIFFS) (DIALS) - (CALL FAILURE TONE) - (SIGHS) Fuck ya.
Tom! - Tom! - (DOG BARKS) I know you're in there.
Tom! (QUIETLY) Shame job! You should be with your family! - I need to talk to Tom.
- Well, he's not fucking here.
- Kelly - I got sick kids in there.
- What's he gonna do? - What are you talking about? The military base.
If the Land Council fight this in court, they'll eat us live.
There is no "us", Alex.
(SCREAMS) No-one wants you fucking here! It's not my fault, Kelly.
I suppose it's not your fault you fucked my husband.
You want to see him? You head up to the pub.
'Cause that's where he's fucking living now, 'cause I fucking kicked him out! (KELLY SOBS) You are poison.
You know that? Poison.
You always have been.
You're nothing like your mum.
I reckon she died of shame.
(ALEX SNIFFS) You don't have to do that.
No-one else will.
Maybe I'll reclaim it.
My beautiful boy.
The best mistake I ever made.
Where were you last night? Here.
I saw you go out.
You were with Tom.
- Eddie - The whole town knows.
Tom and I - we've got history.
- I'm mates with his kids, Mum! (PHONE VIBRATES) (SIGHS) What have you got? Cartwright forced the PM's hand and traded his support for a promotion to Home Affairs.
The axing of our negotiated settlement just sweetened the deal.
Why? He's Indigenous Affairs.
I don't know.
Jonathan.
Yes, Senator? I want his head.
Jess Clarke? Yeah.
I'm working on it.
Tracey's called all the shelters.
No luck.
Well, she's probably on the streets.
Try harder.
Hello? (DOOR CLOSES) - Help you? - You are ? - Uh, the onsite manager.
- I was hoping for a name.
Cory.
Cory Gray.
Cory.
Hi.
I'm Senator Alex Irving.
- Senator? - Yeah.
We come in a range of colours.
This isn't an official visit.
I'm in town visiting family and I was hoping to look at the site plans.
Sorry, Senator, I'd need clearance for that.
Do you need clearance for smoking weed at work? Look, I don't wanna get you in trouble.
So why don't you just walk me through it and I'll leave you in peace? Well, the facility is designed to accommodate 5,000 servicemen and women plus an extra 5,000 civilians.
Town won't know what hit it.
There's gonna be a three-kay exclusion zone surrounding the base.
What sort of facilities are we talking about? Fully equipped gyms and pools, training fields, takeaway outlets.
Takeaway? Yeah.
KFC and Subway, so everyone feels at home.
There will be schools for the dependants.
And, of course, the hospital and medical centre.
- Open to locals? - No, base personnel only.
Thanks, Cory.
You've been a great help.
Hi.
Hey.
That's nice.
Elephant.
I got it for my grandfather a few years ago.
They're big and gentle, just like he was.
He died? Gotta remember him somehow, eh? I think I might like a tattoo.
Yeah? I can give you one.
Nothing too flash, though.
Something small, something like that.
If you want to.
Yeah.
Oh.
Sorry.
Have you seen this girl? And have you been here for a while? - Haven't seen her.
- WOMAN: No.
I haven't, really.
- Sorry about that.
- Thank you.
- You can go back to sleep.
- Yeah.
- Working hard? - Any luck? You know how many homeless people there are in Canberra, Jonathan? - Not off the top of my head.
- More than MPs.
I hope you haven't got anything planned for later.
Come on.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry to disturb you.
Have you seen this girl around? No? OK.
Thank you.
What a beautiful baby.
Thank you.
I am sorry.
Thanks.
Fuck off! Pervert.
Bye.
(TATTOO MACHINE BUZZES) You OK? Did you want me to stop? It hurts.
I know.
It's not that.
Just keep going.
(RESUMES TATTOOING) Well, she was here yesterday.
There's a squat in Fyshwick where the kids hang out.
I reckon she might have gone there.
I got an address.
Are you OK? There are There are mums sleeping in their cars with their babies.
No other place to go.
And we call this a civilised country.
Have you got kids? I should probably know that, shouldn't I? Well, when you're climbing the ladder as fast as you are it's hard to distinguish the faces on the way up.
Do you know, after 30 years of working for the public service, Senator Irving is the first genuine politician I've met.
Mmm.
Oh, God.
I've got to go.
My kids will start eating each other for dinner.
(CHUCKLES) Two girls.
Just so you know.
Thank you, Tracey.
Hey.
Hey.
And the other one.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry about Nan.
And for making things worse.
I'm sorry for being a crap mum.
You're not crap.
I should have been there for you and for Nan.
You had to go.
I know that.
So did she.
You forgive me? Yeah.
OK.
Let's go say goodbye.
Yeah? (DANCE MUSIC PLAYS INSIDE) (LOUD MUSIC PLAYS) Fuck off! Listen, sweetheart I told you to piss off! Time to go, mate.
Come on.
Yeah, get off me, man.
That's enough.
- (PHONE RINGS) - Oh.
Senator.
- You find her? - You could say that.
But I lost her again.
I have a way of tracking her down, though.
Right.
- I'll see you Monday.
- Are you coming back to Canberra? - Sen - (HANGS UP) "Yes, Jonathan.
Fabulous work, Jonathan.
" I thought we told you to fuck off.
You know me.
I never do what I'm told.
Is this what you do now? I'm sorry Kelly kicked you out.
I'm sorry I made it worse.
I really am.
- What do you want? - Same as you.
- Payback.
- Bullshit.
You're one of them.
They fucked me too.
At least you got to keep your pride.
They're building a hospital out there for the Americans while our mob are left to die at home.
Like Mum did.
You heard of divide and rule, yeah? It's how Rome conquered the world.
It's what they've been doing to us for over 200 years.
And you know what happened to Rome? It burned to the ground.
And what's your point, Alex? This is bigger than us.
So why don't you do what needs to be done? And I swear on my mum's grave I will make the cunts pay.
Alex, what happened up there in Winton? I wasn't there.
People are angry.
I'm angry.
Many in the country are quite keen to see heads on sticks over this.
Is that what they're getting? You think she's about to cut you loose.
JILLIAN: It's not surprising he's been distracted, what with the new job.
Chief of staff.
Kevin Cartwright.
KEVIN: We may be facing some press questions on the death of Marcie Maclean.
Her cellmate escaped.
- She's a 15-year-old kid.
- And you're a politician.
Everything can be used against you.
We'll arrest you if you don't comply.
I will not comply.
You, me and destiny We're gonna set this night on fire.