'The comb-over' cartoon by David Pope, Northern Rivers Echo, 2006

This is a cartoon by David Pope showing Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd combing hair over Peter Garrett's bald head. Stamped on Garrett's head are anti-nuclear and 'save the forests' symbols.

The environment was a key political issue in 2007. The failing health of the Murray-Darling river system and continuing drought were major concerns for both sides of politics. The possibility of a 'nuclear' Australia and the climate change debate were also hot topics. Shadow Environment Minister Peter Garrett was in the spotlight with suggestions that his credentials as a 'green' politician were compromised by party policy.

Political cartoons have a long history in Australia, and remain one of the most popular forms of political commentary. Though caricatures and satirical illustrations appeared in some of Australia's earliest newspapers, it was not until the 1830s that they became a frequent and respectable feature of the print media. Publications such as the Melbourne Punch, the Sydney Punch, the Bulletin featured both caricatures and cartoons, and it was through these publications that political cartoons became a popular element of the Australian press.

David Pope is an editorial cartoonist for the Canberra Times. His work has also appeared in the Sun-Herald and as a freelance cartoonist and illustrator for the labour movement and alternative press.