From the Crikey grapevine, the latest tips and rumours … 

How Abetz saved Christmas. At the beginning of the month, Ms Tips made the rather cruel joke at the expense of Tasmanian Senator and world's oldest 59-year-old Eric Abetz. A tipster has since gotten in touch to prove that Abetz does important, tireless work on behalf of his constituents. They have pointed us toward the questions on notice section of the most recent budget hearings Senate estimates, which shows Abetz has been grilling public servants on what really matters: just how are they wording their Christmas, New Year, Easter and/or (heaven forefend) Ramadan messages to staff?