Thursday, July 2, 2009
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Despite many counter-measures and filters, digital democracy continues to trouble authoritarian regimes. Media - Guobin Yang - 1 comment
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The US should lead an international coalition to pressure Tehran to unclench its fist from around the throats of its own people. International - James Phillips - 3 comments
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Social inclusion covers far more than the multicultural agenda. Political Philosophy - Klaas Woldring - 12 comments
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It is important that the community ensures corporations, no matter how powerful, will be held to universal human rights standards. Law & Liberties - Cam Walker - 5 comments
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It seems that the climate change debate highlights some basic shortcomings in the way we understand the notion of scientific objectivity. June Feature - John Töns - 17 comments
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The NSW Labor Party is used to kowtowing to existing industries like coal mines, aluminium smelters and electricity producers. June Feature - Simon Roz - 1 comment
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Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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While Michael Jackson was still breathing they were happy to hound and ridicule him. Now he’s dead suddenly he’s a saint. Society - Legal Eagle - 14 comments
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It's hard to reconcile the government’s mismanagement of solar energy 'policy' with statements made before the election. Domestic Politics - Bill Parker - 8 comments
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According to the Catholic Church it is perfectly appropriate to jeopardise young people's health to protect their 'moral health'. Health - Nina Funnell - 15 comments
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The ongoing war with the Taliban has nothing to do with freedom and democracy: it is a distraction. International - Reuben Brand - 2 comments
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Native forests must be preserved: they play a critical role in securing a safe climate future. June Feature - Lucy Manne and Amelia Young - 17 comments
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The life of a Mexican, who worked in the US, is worth no more than 23 months in a county jail for his attackers. Law & Liberties - Walt Brasch - 4 comments
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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Despite the freak show element of Michael Jackson's life the substance of his performance talent transcends it all. Society - Tanveer Ahmed - 13 comments
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Everything is controlled in China. There are no wild-cards in the Middle Kingdom, no mavericks and no 'Type A' personalities. International - Brian Hennessy - 3 comments
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Competing reports from both sides of the climate change divide confuse the psyche and public paralysis sets in. Environment - Kellie Tranter - 9 comments
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A recent paper draws conclusions about how to contain the GFC based on the history of epidemics such as yellow fever, cholera and flu. Economics - Henry Thornton - 3 comments
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Today brings the end of free Gardasil vaccinations for women: it is a good time to suspend them altogether. Health - Renate Klein - 2 comments
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The traditional distance between ethics and economics - or between the community sector and business - is artificial. Economics - Kasy Chambers - 19 comments
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Monday, June 29, 2009
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Scientists need to remain open to competing views and avoid being locked into tunnel vision on carbon emissions. June Feature - Peter Schwerdtfeger - 12 comments
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The danger with attempting to over-manage risk is that it becomes the main game and distracts us from the life at hand. Religion & Spirituality - Peter Sellick - 32 comments
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When Miranda Kerr bared all for the animals it generated plenty of free publicity for 'Rolling Stone' magazine. Media - Tim Wallace - 3 comments
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Why would Australia unilaterally tax its exports, and effectively subsidise its imports, for no global carbon emissions reduction? Environment - Geoff Carmody - 3 comments
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Vancouver and Melbourne are victimised by the same sophistry - growth at all costs. Environment - Tim Murray - 18 comments
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The Rudd Government’s revised climate change legislation is an atomic-sized double wedgie. Domestic Politics - Reece Kirwin - 5 comments
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Friday, June 26, 2009
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The Government is paralysed in the face of significant challenges: it is populist, gutless and narcissistic. Domestic Politics - Bruce Haigh - 7 comments
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In the last few decades politicians have sought to undermine the independence of the public service. Domestic Politics - David Flint - 6 comments
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'A busy life filled with a routine of prayer, study, sport and work would suffice to keep us from any temptation.' Religion & Spirituality - Shane Wood - 19 comments
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France continues to place itself at the forefront in the fight against the rise of Islamism in the Western world. Law & Liberties - Kees Bakhuyzen - 58 comments
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The party that claims to speak for the 'indigenous' British population recently won two seats in the European Parliament. Political Philosophy - Zilka Grogan - 33 comments
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The improvement to renewable energy technology continues: the longer the transition takes, the better the outcome. Science & Technology - Martin Nicholson - 19 comments
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
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Skilled workers are among the highest number of casualties of the current economic breakdown. Society - Beth Doherty - 16 comments
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A realistic appraisal of Australia’s liquid fuel security would encourage policies to reduce oil dependency and maintain economic prosperity. Domestic Politics - Cameron Leckie - 6 comments
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The return of thrift: we need to change back to a society of menders, repairers and reusers. Society - Valerie Yule - 9 comments
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A business-as-usual approach and the continuation of our current levels of carbon emissions will ensure our destruction. June Feature - Fiona Armstrong - 36 comments
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There are other battles to win before we fight the 'mummy wars'. Society - Monica Dux - 7 comments
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When it comes to economic growth potential, cultural influence and strategic importance, Latin America is front and centre of Australia’s future. International - Greg Barns
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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The potential of a tech-savvy approach to public diplomacy in Iran is not being realised by the US Government. International - Helle Dale - 21 comments
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Call it soccer or football; there has been a transformation of the game in Australia in recent weeks. Sport - K.C. Boey
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Government's 'contracts for service' provide valuable protection of the government’s public image. Domestic Politics - Rowan Kernebone - 20 comments
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You heard it here first: the Snuggie is about to take hold of Australia! Humour & Satire - Malcolm King - 2 comments
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Why stop at just ranking schools? What about doctors and other service providers ...? Education - Chris Bonnor - 1 comment
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Big name journalists, because of their power and influence, can become accustomed to getting their own way. Media - Sasha Uzunov - 3 comments
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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Most believe climate change is a serious problem but are not committed to making the hard choices needed to deal with it. June Feature - Doug Struck - 6 comments
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It is important that climate change models remain a tool of climate science and not a tool of advocacy. June Feature - Ian Read - 16 comments
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There is good evidence that the Australian public is concerned about climate change and wants decision makers to act. June Feature - Leslie Cannold - 10 comments
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Manufacturing companies are starting to identify niches in the sustainability space. Environment - Leon Gettler - 3 comments
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The ruling elite in Iran have urged calm and tried to maintain control but the crisis threatens to divide the foundation of the Islamic Republic. International - Bashdar Ismaeel
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Whichever way the Iranian protests turn, President Barack Obama’s job is getting tougher. International - Dilip Hiro
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Monday, June 22, 2009
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Perhaps Sol Trujillo hit a raw nerve when he scratched Australia’s racist underbelly. Indigenous Affairs - Stephen Hagan - 18 comments
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Australians owe Senator Fielding a vote of thanks for having the political courage to ask in parliament where the climate empress's clothes have gone. Environment - Bob Carter - 58 comments
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The present scare phenomenon of climate change is a perfect example of mass hysteria over an imaginary problem. Society - Ronald Kitching - 17 comments
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Meddling local councillors use their planning powers and ability to set rates to impose their personal world view on us. Law & Liberties - Richard Allsop - 11 comments
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The Israeli-Palestinian dispute is an endless quagmire: let Julia Gillard and her delegation judge Israel for themselves. International - Manny Waks and Geoffrey Winn
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Obama wows the Arab world by breaking new ground on the Israel-Palestine question. International - Fawaz Gerges - 3 comments
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Friday, June 19, 2009
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Defining a PoMa: PoMas are appalled by consumerism and overconsumption. Their lifestyle isn’t materialistic but it is expensive. Political Philosophy - Don Arthur - 14 comments
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The Heartland Institute responds to Sharon Beder's article 'Fielding’s conversion to sceptic'. Political Philosophy - Joseph Bast - 31 comments
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Reducing carbon dioxide emissions now will be easier, cheaper, and more ethical than dealing with runaway climate destabilisation later. June Feature - David Orr - 12 comments
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The mining boom bonanza barely spread beyond the mining industry but the negative implications of the boom were felt widely. Economics - David Richardson - 10 comments
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Does higher pay buy better politicians? Domestic Politics - Andrew Leigh - 35 comments
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For Indigenous Australians government policy keeps on changing: 'Sometimes we feel like we are part of a game we can’t play.' Indigenous Affairs - Jimmy Pascoe - 17 comments
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
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If our generation can hold back climate change we will have outstripped, and maybe even redeemed, all our forebears. June Feature - Harriet Riley - 15 comments
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Australia remains a successful nation in social welfare terms, despite 25 years of extensive economic reform. Society - Chris Lewis - 9 comments
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Research on recent international events has confirmed that Australia is home to the most spineless foreign ministry anywhere on earth. Domestic Politics - Jake Lynch - 3 comments
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Images of Israeli troops dismantling a few outposts are all part of a well choreographed spectacle being produced for the US. International - Neve Gordon - 2 comments
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An extraordinary novel 'Earth' speculates on how planet Earth and its people will be faring after the 'Helvetian holocaust'. June Feature - Tim O'Dwyer - 4 comments
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Anyone who thinks the prospect of a free and fair election is possible under the Burmese military regime is mistaken. International - David Calleja - 2 comments
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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Paradoxically, Peter Costello leaving the parliament is his country's loss but his party's gain. Domestic Politics - Tony Abbott - 48 comments
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There is little wonder that the self-styled Islamic Republic of Iran has defined itself by its opposition to the US. International - Irfan Yusuf - 3 comments
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Has Senator Steve Fielding the right to demand a rerun of the debate, further delaying measures to prevent climate change? Environment - Sharon Beder - 36 comments
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There are those who believe by taxing carbon dioxide emissions they can stop 'global warming', or 'climate change' as it is now known. June Feature - John McRobert - 9 comments
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The road map to peace has already been charted, and preconditions agreed. The first is that Palestinians cease terror against Israelis. International - Danny Lamm - 5 comments
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Why conservation efforts will not survive mass migration ... June Feature - Tim Murray - 9 comments
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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Taking risks is what the ABC does - or should do. And what a triumph when the risk pays off! Humour & Satire - Jill Greenwell - 11 comments
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Many technological advances have been spurred on by the public policy imperative to reduce carbon emissions. June Feature - Wendell Cox - 3 comments
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Timbercorp and Great Southern: industries that relied upon referrals and investor appeal are now like financial swine flu. Economics - Kane Loxley - 14 comments
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There has been little questioning as to whether we want to return to the conditions which created the global financial crisis. Economics - Ray Cleary - 20 comments
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It is common to hear politicians, business leaders, even media presenters, fall into the error of unthinking speech delivery. Society - Ian Nance - 6 comments
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A sad example of a modern Chinese observation: 'Western people know how to live. Chinese people just live …' International - Brian Hennessy - 4 comments
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Monday, June 15, 2009
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Economic theory seems to be divorced from reality: no one has shown how we can have infinite growth in a finite world. June Feature - John Töns - 38 comments
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In President Barack Obama's Cairo speech the killing of 1,300 people in Gaza merited just 17 words. International - John Pilger - 8 comments
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President Obama’s approach to Jews living in the West Bank is hasty and ill considered. International - David Singer - 19 comments
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A study in a rural town found that young men and women who rejected either alcohol, football or both became socially isolated. Society - Merete Schmidt - 60 comments
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The media often misrepresent the true nature of Islam and Muslims, holding them responsible for the crimes of a minority. Religion & Spirituality - Teuku Zulfikar - 87 comments
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Australia has a near-exemplary record of signing on to human rights treaties. It’s a shame the follow-through has let us down. Law & Liberties - Robyn Seth-Purdie - 9 comments
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Friday, June 12, 2009
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The decision to suspend 'The Chaser' sets a dangerous precedent of silencing comedians whose job it is to satirise society. Humour & Satire - Stuart Munckton - 54 comments
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Reasons to be cheerful: here are some items that should bring a smile to any environmentalist’s lips. June Feature - Richard Heinberg - 32 comments
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If we are to consider an effective, fair formula to cut global emissions then a level playing field based on several criteria is crucial. June Feature - Arthur Thomas - 6 comments
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If Obama wants to stop history repeating itself he is going to have to move international climate negotiations out of this unproductive cycle. June Feature - Christian Downie - 3 comments
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Far away in the Australian political wilderness a policy issue with wide ranging implications has been simmering away. Law & Liberties - Timothy Watson - 16 comments
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Iraq: nowhere else in the world are journalists less free to practice their trade without fear of horrific personal consequences. Media - Gary Gambill - 1 comment
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Thursday, June 11, 2009
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Polite and sometimes not-so-polite racism is the underbelly of conservative politics and conservative attitudes. Society - Bruce Haigh - 64 comments
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We need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in a way that reflects the urgency of climate change. June Feature - Julien Vincent - 18 comments
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Climate models have yet to demonstrate any real success in modelling known climate changes outside the past 100 years or so. June Feature - Mark S. Lawson - 30 comments
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To avoid following the polar bear to extinction, 'homo sapiens' would do well to reject the science fiction espoused by Professor Ian Plimer. June Feature - Mike Pope - 159 comments
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Many are keen to race ahead with nanotechnology despite the 'known unknowns' and lack of appropriate legislation. Science & Technology - Anna Kelsey-Sugg - 3 comments
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President Barack Obama's Cairo speech to US puppets and dictators in the Muslim world was full of sophistry and deceit. International - John Passant - 4 comments
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Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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We need to put all the energy cards on the table to solve climate change fully. June Feature - Barry Brook - 22 comments
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Julia Gillard may have bravely faced down the unions but did she bravely denounce the US for its violence in Afghanistan? Domestic Politics - Marko Beljac - 6 comments
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More than half a century of European Union politics has failed to create a European people or 'demos'. International - Oliver Hartwich
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Errol Flynn was carried to movie superstardom by the best pair of male legs in the history of cinema. The Arts - Simon Caterson - 3 comments
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Debt can help us build assets now that we couldn’t otherwise afford, and repay the costs when the assets bear fruit. Economics - 21 Prominent Australian Economists - 6 comments
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There have been some hopeful shifts towards becoming sustainable and perhaps some of these trends will continue. June Feature - Eric Claus - 7 comments
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009
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The Queen's Birthday Honours process is still primarily the establishment handing down a badge to establishment people. Society - Brian Holden - 15 comments
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While we continue to dawdle on greenhouse mitigation policy we seem blithely unaware there is a gun pointed at our heads. The clathrate gun. June Feature - Julian Cribb - 29 comments
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Sooner or later we have to live sustainably but to do so we may have to fight our basic instincts. June Feature - Eric Claus - 11 comments
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The truth of the matter is that the ACCC has an innate bias against those it regulates. Law & Liberties - Mark Christensen - 5 comments
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The Matthew Johns-Sharks affair is a story about the power of broadcast media, rather than about the morality of footballer culture. Media - Michael Visontay - 7 comments
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Tackling strangulating health care costs has emerged as a key task of the new US administration. Health - David Dapice - 2 comments
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Friday, June 5, 2009
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Come the next referendum there is a critical question for all of us who swear by a Monday off: will we keep our sacred Queen’s Birthday holiday? Society - Tim O'Dwyer - 9 comments
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Current efforts to tax or cap carbon emissions are doomed to failure: the answer lies in making clean energy cheap. June Feature - Ted Nordhaus and Michael Shellenberger - 17 comments
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Aligning workers’ incentives with a firm’s bottom line can induce higher productivity. Economics - Andrew Leigh - 6 comments
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Westerners dealing with Indonesia have been barracking for SBY in the upcoming presidential elections because the alternatives look so scary. International - Duncan Graham - 1 comment
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The Cairns Group is a forum that links decidedly different views of how to regulate international trade in agriculture. International - Sophie Murphy and Adam Wolfenden - 3 comments
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Why is President Obama thinking of restoring the role of the Military Commissions in Guantanamo cases? Law & Liberties - Stephen Keim
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Thursday, June 4, 2009
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Lessons from Tiananmen: a country with a large military force and a vast amount of money can get its way. International - Peter Coates - 10 comments
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