Tuesday, May 21, 2013
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We all imagine a life plan, but what about the end of life? It seems remarkable that for such a vital question, we leave it to strangers to decide. Health - Andrew Laming - 4 comments
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A reality TV show in Palestine provides the only opportunity the population have to truly state their opinion. International - David Singer - 6 comments
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The support that fast and reliable internet will provide our teachers (particularly in rural areas) will be of huge benefit to our schools. Science & Technology - Andrew Leigh - 7 comments
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And why has Carr adopted such a serendipitous attitude to Sri Lanka? It’s called ‘boats’, as in ‘asylum seekers’. International - Bruce Haigh - 12 comments
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A phonetic alphabet with 24 characters can make a multilingual world easier to traverse. Education - Jaber Jabbour - 3 comments
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Monday, May 20, 2013
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Why aren't the mainstream media analysing the errors in Tony Abbott's budget positioning? Domestic Politics - Alan Austin - 88 comments
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Comedian Aamer Rahman probably took things too far by referring to Delta as 'stupid and racist'. Society - Dilan Thampapillai - 11 comments
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The Asian Century is inescapable if America is as corrupt as some prominent US writers claim. Australia needs to be ready. International - Reg Little - 15 comments
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Flood mitigation needs a change of philosophy and practice, and the involvement of other professionals as well as engineers. Environment - Chas Keys
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A skewering in a Pakistani eatery illustrates tensions in South East Asia. International - Tanveer Ahmed
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The term is used as a derogatory label to characterise any discussion about core national values as the deliberate exploitation of prejudices. Society - Bill Calcutt - 7 comments
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Friday, May 17, 2013
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New research shows that humans have been transforming the earth and its ecosystems for millenniums - far longer than previously believed. Environment - Fred Pearce - 15 comments
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In Syria, nothing is clear. There is still no definitive proof, one way or the other, that it was the regime or the opposition that used chemical weapons. International - Gorana Grgic - 5 comments
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No longer are we hearing glowing accounts of how investing in new technologies will lead to a 'green-jobs' revolution. Environment - Don Aitkin - 55 comments
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Vader's reputation, and even his personal appearance may be have been distorted out of all recognition by historians and Hollywood. Humour & Satire - Mark S. Lawson - 11 comments
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Thursday, May 16, 2013
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With the right combination of ambition and ability, success is open to Australians from any background, while Australia's dynamic meritocracy is one of the most socially mobile in the industrialised world. Economics - Benjamin Herscovitch - 29 comments
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The sense that she might actually be flesh and blood is simply beside the point – her career choice, as it were, was to mimic life rather than live it. Society - Binoy Kampmark - 8 comments
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Can any emotion be noble if it is has a role in our personal pursuit of happiness? Environment - Brian Holden - 7 comments
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The Salvation Army has been marginalised by a ruthless and fearful government. Law & Liberties - Bruce Haigh - 37 comments
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There is a huge body of international research that shows every dollar invested in quality child care pays a dividend of $7 to $20 that doesn't have to be spent later in welfare, jails and hospitals. Education - Susan Irvine - 20 comments
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Mikhail Gorbachev, Prince Albert of Monaco and Barbra Streisand will all go, so why won't Stephen Hawking? International - David Singer - 23 comments
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Prime Minister Julia Gillard, gushes over China, her Pollyanna approach refusing to look beyond the smiling faces, diplomatic handshakes and banquets in the Great Hall of the People. International - Graham Cooke
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When a large portion of the population believes that catastrophe is a good thing, rather than a bad thing, the influence is toxic. Religion & Spirituality - David Swanson - 40 comments
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Currently we are witnessing the emergence of a new SARS-like coronavirus which seems to have been spreading throughout some Middle East Countries over the last year. Health - Peter Curson - 1 comment
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Ideological oppression is not restricted to religion. It demands a conformity which causes people to participate in atrocities and/or idiocies. Political Philosophy - David Fisher - 15 comments
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013
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Why you should care about September's referendum. Domestic Politics - Don Aitkin - 23 comments
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How will Australians respond to the Australian Republican Movement's (ARM) recent plans? Domestic Politics - Chris Golis - 27 comments
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Australia seems to have learnt nothing about Asia over the past half century. International - Reg Little - 18 comments
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Just about everything with the word “public” in front of it is under attack. Economics - Marko Beljac - 11 comments
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Monday, May 13, 2013
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David Ettridge is now suing Abbott for an apology and more than $1.5 million in damages, alleging his campaign was unlawful. Domestic Politics - Alan Austin - 100 comments
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Loudly and proudly dismissing Barker as cheap and nefarious protects political interests, in this case gender equality, from cold, hard reality. Media - Mark Christensen - 31 comments
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Perhaps it is time, however, to ask whether the Reserve Bank – like the Fed – could do better when it comes to acting consistently with the rule of law. Economics - Sukrit Sabhlok - 43 comments
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Scientists are currently mired in a bogus safety culture that stifles innovation, acts as a brake on economic growth and actually makes the world a more hazardous place. Health - Wade Allison - 16 comments
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PNG has not only had to suppress inflation through a return to decent fiscal policy but, like in Thatcher's Britain, deal with the overbearing political influence of trade unions. International - Sean Jacobs
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Saturday, May 11, 2013
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In most modern countries, voting behaviour is determined by three 'P's: party, policy, personality. In Pakistan voting behaviour is largely determined by personality of the candidate and his or her party. International - Riaz Hassan - 1 comment
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Friday, May 10, 2013
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A lesson that endures is that when the rich and powerful own the means of popular enlightenment and dress it up as a 'free press' the opposite is usually true. Media - John Pilger - 20 comments
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But maybe Gore's enthusiasm was a bit misplaced. In September, less than two years later, Australians seem likely, according to the polls, to hand the Gillard Labor government a stinging landslide defeat. Environment - John Muscat - 31 comments
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But the Medicare assessment refers to anxiety disorder in a blanket fashion, thereby diagnostically enveloping us all in a medical shroud. Health - Lyn Bender - 2 comments
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As the Boomers struggle with super and jobs, a generational war chest is needed for their kids. Society - Malcolm King - 10 comments
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I think many people would be amazed at just how much 'churn' (flow, or turnover) there is, even in areas that, on the surface, appear to have stable populations. Nation Building - Paul Collits - 1 comment
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Thursday, May 9, 2013
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At UNSW Christians are fair game, but Jews and Muslims have game keepers. Law & Liberties - Alex Perrottet - 26 comments
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Because of runaway grade inflation, the average grade in college is now an 'A'. About 43 percent of all college grades are 'A's. Education - Walt Brasch - 7 comments
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To hear Obama administration officials talk about the Syrian civil war, you'd think it all hinges on the fate of one man. International - Gary Gambill - 5 comments
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In our time the self-proclaimed artist has joined celebrity. The Arts - Peter Sellick - 23 comments
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It takes someone with a particular psychological profile to kill people. Political Philosophy - Robert Burrowes - 6 comments
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Wednesday, May 8, 2013
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Same sex couples didn't want it then, so why now? Society - Brendan O'Reilly - 38 comments
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Just how expensive could renewable energy be, and why exclude nuclear? Economics - Martin Nicholson - 40 comments
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Does Google recognise the 'state' of Palestine, and if it does, what significance does it have? International - David Singer - 40 comments
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Will new technology, like Google glasses, make us more socially introverted, and less likely to notice what happens in our own locality? Society - Mal Fletcher
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Tuesday, May 7, 2013
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The government 'won', but holds only 46 per cent of the popular vote, could this lead to a Malaysian 'spring'? International - Wai Kiong Chan and Shona Leppanen-Gibson
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The most important events for Malaysia aren't those of the election, but its aftermath. International - Murray Hunter
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The bank faces an acute dilemma, however, due to its failure to acknowledge (or perhaps failure to accept) that monetary policy cannot serve two masters. Economics - Henry Thornton - 8 comments
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Israel currently faces a Catch 22 in Syria, benefiting enemies whichever way it turns. International - Marika Sosnowski - 7 comments
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It is tragic that the NCC, so perceptive in analysing the ideology of Marxism and the Greens, is failing to do the same with Islam. Religion & Spirituality - Greg Byrne - 22 comments
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Monday, May 6, 2013
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The Government cannot stop the boats and the Opposition's plan won't do it either. But charging a fee will. Law & Liberties - David Leyonhjelm - 130 comments
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Palmer’s small target, big brand politics is set to take Coalition votes. Domestic Politics - James English - 22 comments
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Alcohol problems always belong to someone else, even though they affect us all. Health - Raffaele Piccolo - 9 comments
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David Irvine, ASIO director-general, has warned that hundreds of Australians involved in the Syrian uprising could become 'severely radicalised' through exposure to 'extremist, al-Qaeda-type doctrines'. International - Benjamin Herscovitch - 16 comments
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We talk of Big Things, but so many little things cause a great difference. Education - Valerie Yule
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Punishing individuals seems to be a universal way of tackling corruption. As long as the highly centralized system remains in China though, corruption is unavoidable. International - Xue Wang - 3 comments
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Friday, May 3, 2013
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This has left a feeling of ‘unfinished business’ for many Malaysian voters and there has been keen anticipation and interest in the upcoming election throughout the five year electoral cycle. International - Wai Kiong Chan and Shona Leppanen-Gibson - 1 comment
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The number of long term Newstart recipients, those who have received unemployment benefits for more than 12 months, is increasing at a higher rate than the number of short term job seekers. Economics - Molly Johnson - 24 comments
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How did the world's best Treasurer get into this pickle? Alas, there are no really good answers to this question. Economics - Don Aitkin - 14 comments
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Contrary to the belief in some quarters, Australia does not have to choose between the US and China. International - Graham Cooke - 20 comments
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The propensity to bypass Cabinet has been repeated by Ms Gillard. Hence the disastrous decision about media regulation. Political Philosophy - Kevin Andrews - 7 comments
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
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Social and economic conservatives don't necessarily see eye to eye on the rights of the unborn child. Law & Liberties - Babette Francis - 10 comments
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If ethics is so confused that its teachers have no moral compass, why should we be surprised a large company seeks to cash in on the controversy it knows it will generate by advertising in this manner? Law & Liberties - Lyle Shelton - 33 comments
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Data.gov.au is a growing catalogue of data sets that public servants have been asked to contribute to. The Australian Federal budget data may eventually find it's way onto such a site. Science & Technology - Rosie Williams - 5 comments
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Two themes are commonplace in Australian defence debate, these being a supposed absence of strategy and the magnitude of defence budgeting. International - Brian Dirou - 7 comments
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For all of the first 15 years after Federation in 1901, Australians elected Minority Governments. Nevertheless, the Parliament passed much essential legislation. Political Philosophy - Everald Compton - 10 comments
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013
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I am writing this as a long-term health advocate supportive of women's right to abortion, but I want women to be able to access a safe service, not a second-rate, unpredictable and dangerous drug cocktail. Health - Renate Klein - 8 comments
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'Greatest happiness' arguments can lead to immoral decisions which an individual can justify to themself. Sport - Simon Smart - 4 comments
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Women are underrepresented in the mainstream media - and when they write, it's often informed by lived experience Media - Sarah Burnside - 5 comments
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Intergenerational tension looms as Government's older worker policy whithers on the vine. Economics - Malcolm King - 3 comments
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'Rotto' is not the past. On 28 March, Richard Harding, formerly Inspector of Custodial Services, declared Western Australia a 'State of Imprisonment'. Law & Liberties - John Pilger - 3 comments
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The Palestinian Arabs are up in arms at the news that the original 1917 Balfour Declaration will be released by the British Library for display in Israel alongside Israel's Declaration of Independence. International - David Singer - 1 comment
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Tuesday, April 30, 2013
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It is difficult to argue with the proposition that we have an increasing problem with political discourse. Domestic Politics - James Page - 3 comments
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Australia's Prime Minister has just delivered a speech similar to that of most of her counterparts across the globe. Though with notably brighter news. Economics - Alan Austin - 172 comments
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A Melbourne doctor has blown the whistle on parents who demanded an abortion - because they didn't want a girl. Law & Liberties - Bill Muehlenberg - 79 comments
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For Julian Assange, the the 'economic blockade' has been nothing less than a censorship device threatening press freedom. International - Binoy Kampmark - 1 comment
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It may come as a surprise to some, but most people in the world know little about Australia. Nation Building - David Morris - 6 comments
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Super will fail because it cannot deliver on its promise. Economics - Mike Gilligan - 4 comments
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Monday, April 29, 2013
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Plainly Anzac Day is more important to us all than Australia Day, if attendances at Dawn services are anything to go by. Society - Don Aitkin - 9 comments
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Ms Bressington chose to couple her conspiracy theories about vaccination with our national day of commemoration for those who fought on the battlefields and in the trenches. Health - Chrys Stevenson - 6 comments
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A review of Raising the Stakes. Gambling with the future of universities by Peter Coaldrake and Lawrence Stedman Education - John Harrison - 12 comments
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Margaret Thatcher's funeral was a propaganda stunt, fit for a dictator: an absurd show of militarism, as if a coup had taken place. International - John Pilger - 5 comments
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Over the last month the media has led the world to believe that North Korea, the United States and South Korea are standing 'eye ball to eye ball' on the brink of war. International - Murray Hunter - 2 comments
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Friday, April 26, 2013
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Comparing Core Skills Tests with OP and gender suggests that Queensland boys are being shafted. Education - John Ridd - 36 comments
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Because it's racist or short-sighted to care about what is happening in America and not what is happening in Iraq, we actually shouldn't care about any of it? Society - Brendan Lawley - 11 comments
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Gay marriage may be legislated but that won't be enough to legitimise it Law & Liberties - Mark Christensen - 68 comments
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Perhaps we should cater to another societal group in a similar way, and establish White Fear Day. Society - Matt Elsbury - 14 comments
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Antibiotic resistance should be ranked with terrorism as one of the major threats to society. Health - Julian Cribb - 9 comments
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013
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On Anzac Day let's commemorate the donkey while we think of Simpson. Society - Lyn Bender - 8 comments
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Originally, we had reason for optimism. Winning at Augusta National shouldn’t be too difficult for an Australian. Sport - Michael Viljoen
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Assuming that you are in the majority, then you have abandoned the religion of your childhood. Religion & Spirituality - Brian Holden - 27 comments
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Many more deaths occur in the US due to gun ownership than terrorism, but all the resources are directed at terrorists. Law & Liberties - Bill Calcutt - 11 comments
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Tuesday, April 23, 2013
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The moment Rolf Harris' name made it to the press, his reputation was vaporised by speculation and condemnation. Law & Liberties - Binoy Kampmark - 21 comments
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Are politicians our country's last set of amateurs? Domestic Politics - Keith Suter - 9 comments
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Should obesity get the same shock-labelling treatment as smoking? Health - Emily McAuliffe - 8 comments
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Almost alone among 25 OECD countries Australia has no national strategic oil reserve. Economics - Julian Cribb - 15 comments
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Now they are a claiming to be a country Abbas and the Palestinians must start to act like one. International - David Singer - 12 comments
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Creating the world of tomorrow with the power of future thinking. Education - Murray Hunter - 5 comments
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