Terror plot? What terror plot?

Good thing the 17 men arrested this week in Australia and charged with terrorism-related offenses were from Sydney and Melbourne, because Queensland authorities are otherwise occupied:

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie has demanded the producers of Australian Idol reinstate a Brisbane-based performer whose fans say was a victim of daylight robbery.

Dan England, 21, was booted off the Ten Network's TV talent competition this week in controversy after the introduction of daylight saving meant voting lines closed an hour earlier in Queensland....

Mr. Beattie today vented his own anger, saying England's dumping was unfair because Queenslanders had one hour less to vote.

"Look we were robbed. I mean Dan was robbed," Mr. Beattie told ABC radio.

"I'm asking Channel 10 to wake up to themselves to turn back the clock to Monday and give him a fair go.

"Now if they do, I'm sure that I could find 27 votes within an hour."

It was "well past its time" that a Queenslander won the Australian Idol title, he said....

Mr. Beattie's demand came as anger over daylight saving, and its effect on England's vote, spilled into Queensland's parliament.

While opponents of daylight saving have said it fades the curtains, confuses cows and makes it hard to put babies to sleep, another MP came up with perhaps the best excuse yet -- a lack of daylight saving was robbing Queensland contestants of the chance to win Australian Idol.

"With only 27 votes determining the result, it must be asked: If Queensland had daylight saving, would Dan still be in the race to become the Australian Idol?" Liberal MP Michael Caltabiano told parliament.

"The logic of the answer would suggest yes."

Queenslanders are keenly aware of their priorities.