Malcolm Turnbull’s easy confession on Q&A last night that he smoked marijuana when be was younger raises the obvious question - does he, and the other Australian politicians who also admit to having dabbled in this drug, think that he should have been arrested for doing so? If not, then what distinguishes him from others who have been subject to legal sanction for youthfully experimenting with marijuana?

Certainly, Australia’s drug laws are not as draconian as those in the United States - many first time offenders receive cautions if caught in possession of small amounts - but surely something that politicians seem to treat as a rite of passage should not also involve the risk of a career-crippling criminal record?