Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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A Charter of Political Accountability would spare us the repellent sight of independents gorging at the taxpayers’ table while pretending to be on a diet. Domestic Politics - Peter Vallee - 6 comments
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'Top Gear' and the case of The Stig’s identity and gain based damages. Law & Liberties - Katy Barnett
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Why does the AFL have the right to test for use of recreational drugs and mete out punishment for those caught? Sport - Stuart Munckton
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Edward Bernays, the American nephew of Sigmund Freud, is said to have invented modern propaganda. Political Philosophy - John Pilger - 10 comments
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Is there any value in memorising a poem if it is always available on the Internet? Media - Malcolm King - 5 comments
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There is not one point of Christian dogma that is challenged by natural science. They are two different epistemologies. Religion & Spirituality - Peter Sellick - 33 comments
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010
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Rob Oakeshott, perhaps unlike the other musketeers, will make trouble for whichever side of politics he comes to support. Political Philosophy - Helen Pringle - 13 comments
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Even before it is known who will form the next government despair is being felt over Indigenous affairs. Indigenous Affairs - Alan Austin - 24 comments
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School chaplains are in the business of 'recruiting for Jesus', no matter what they may say publicly. Political Philosophy - Meredith Doig - 42 comments
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How the ratings agencies have managed to emerge from the credit crisis unscathed and unregulated is a mystery ... and a sham. Economics - Addison Wiggin - 1 comment
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The Reserve Bank should, but almost certainly will not, tighten monetary policy following its board meeting today. Economics - Henry Thornton - 2 comments
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When it becomes commercially viable, fusion will not only solve nearly all our energy problems but it will also combat CO2 emissions. Science & Technology - Don Allan - 13 comments
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Monday, September 6, 2010
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Turnbull, aka the man who stood for something, is remarkable for being a politician with something reminiscent of conviction. Domestic Politics - Lyn Dickens - 37 comments
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It isn't hard to build consensus when you exclude everyone who might disagree from your 'price on carbon' committee. Domestic Politics - Dan Denning - 29 comments
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The Independents have been handed a poisoned chalice; no matter which way they go they run the risk of this being their last term in government. Domestic Politics - John Töns - 9 comments
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The status of Antarctica as 'the last untouched environment on Earth' may one day be a mere side note in the history books. International - Scott Joblin - 6 comments
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If we grab our opportunities with both hands, we will truly be the nation that makes its own luck. Political Philosophy - Andrew Leigh - 7 comments
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Israeli academe, once considered a bastion of free speech, has become a testing ground for the assault on liberal values. International - Neve Gordon - 16 comments
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The paternalistic lack of respect for the women who wear a burqa, masquerading as 'enlightened ideals', is an abomination. Society - Elizabeth Lakey - 36 comments
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Friday, September 3, 2010
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Having consummated this marriage with the Greens what happens if Gillard fails in her bid to form a minority government? Domestic Politics - Malcolm Colless - 20 comments
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Be a courageous father and love your children deeply. You'll help them hit a home run in sport and in life. Society - Warwick Marsh - 57 comments
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Same s*x adoption. Are children just guinea pigs in this radical social experiment? Society - Bill Muehlenberg - 129 comments
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Telling young people who look up to athletes that sports and drugs don’t mix doesn't work - because it's a lie. Sport - Michael Gard - 7 comments
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Labor has not only discredited Kevin Rudd, but also the diplomatic credibility of the Australian government, particularly in Asia. Domestic Politics - Arthur Thomas - 9 comments
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Every aspect of war, from our involvement as a nation to the rights of conscientious objectors, should be debated in Parliament. Domestic Politics - Kellie Tranter - 37 comments
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Thursday, September 2, 2010
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Voters’ alienation is symptomatic of sick political parties which exhibit a lack of principles and systemic corruption. Domestic Politics - Geoff Davies - 22 comments
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The prospect of a hung Parliament has revealed widespread ignorance about the fundamentals of our democracy. Domestic Politics - Jo Page - 8 comments
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Compared to a nation like Canada, Australia’s diplomatic footprint in Africa is pitifully small. International - Christopher Croke - 2 comments
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If we are serious about preventing child abuse, we need to be more open about female perpetrators. Law & Liberties - Elizabeth Willmott Harrop - 15 comments
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The Arab Gas Pipeline is quietly shaping up to be an important player in regional and even global energy security. International - Mary Stonaker
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Jockeying for the airwaves: the Australian Communications and Media Authority recently held a radio licence auction. Media - Philip Smith
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Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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Seasonal weather forecasting has a dismal track record. Science & Technology - Mark S. Lawson - 15 comments
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The simple logic of Adam Smith's 'invisible hand' has switched on the minds of generations of deep thinkers and economic policy makers. Economics - Gilbert Holmes - 53 comments
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The role of three rural independents in the outcome of the 2010 elections is generating substantial urban media attention. Economics - Ben Rees - 7 comments
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What’s crucial for the ALP now is that the process of reprisal and counter-reprisal not get out of hand. Domestic Politics - Tristan Ewins - 13 comments
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The last few months have been very depressing to those who believe in a humane policy towards asylum seekers. Law & Liberties - Osmond Chiu - 24 comments
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How to ensure you have a functioning and long term government ... Domestic Politics - Ken McKay - 5 comments
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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Let’s hope that the underwhelming election campaign is eclipsed by a government that prizes the opportunity to lead from the front. Domestic Politics - Will Turner - 3 comments
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If government wants to see appropriate climate change legislation passed by Parliament it should start again from scratch. Domestic Politics - John Le Mesurier - 14 comments
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Rather than getting the government we deserve, the August 21 federal election delivered an outcome the two old parties deserved. Domestic Politics - Fred Fuentes - 5 comments
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'Strange Days Indeed: The Golden Age of Paranoia' by Francis Wheen examines the 70s decade of paranoia and conspiracy theories. Society - Simon Caterson - 13 comments
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The family farmer now has few friends with any leverage anywhere in the farmer lobby and political sphere. Law & Liberties - Evan Jones - 2 comments
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Much of the commentary seems to have gone to the heads of the Independents. You'd think they'd each been elected President of Australia. Domestic Politics - Alan Anderson - 15 comments
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Monday, August 30, 2010
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Australians like to think we left xenophobia behind with the days when we couldn't buy bok choy at the supermarket. Society - Bill Collopy - 116 comments
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Who will ever forget that Rudd, uber celebrity PM, could be deposed of as quickly and easily as deleting a Facebook friend? Domestic Politics - Samantha Stevenson - 5 comments
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Hindsight might always be 20/20 vision, but what we think we see isn't always right. Domestic Politics - Graham Young - 13 comments
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Labor’s poor showing owes much to the disappointing performance of the Rudd Labor government. Domestic Politics - Chris Lewis - 2 comments
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Chris Hitchens, in his recently published memoir 'Hitch-22', craves a noble cause. Religion & Spirituality - Mark Christensen - 22 comments
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The Australian Plant Genetic Resource Collections and global food security: where to next? Science & Technology - Tony Gregson - 1 comment
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Friday, August 27, 2010
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The validity of the ALP coup that brought down Kevin Rudd is still very questionable. Domestic Politics - Dilan Thampapillai - 18 comments
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It has been argued that the National Broadband Network could be a key driver of decentralisation. Nation Building - Alan Davies - 18 comments
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Governments increasingly comprise intelligent ideologists without any real life experience. Domestic Politics - Don Allan - 8 comments
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Burqas should be banned only if the women who wear them do so out of a sense of compulsion. Law & Liberties - Mirko Bagaric - 42 comments
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The way Queensland is governed and managed - its governance infrastructure - is in urgent need of a major overhaul. Domestic Politics - Scott Prasser - 8 comments
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Dick Smith deserves credit for raising the population issue but his contribution is to push his own pre-conceived perspective. Society - Andrew Whitby - 34 comments
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Thursday, August 26, 2010
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Media commentary in France reflects puzzlement at Australia's election and its outcome. Domestic Politics - Alan Austin - 22 comments
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On July 26 Wikileaks released thousands of secret US military files on the war in Afghanistan. Law & Liberties - John Pilger - 4 comments
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The global financial crisis could prove to have been a minor hiccup compared to what may be ahead. Economics - John Turner - 33 comments
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During the past five years the media have constantly talked of Iran being under the threat of an imminent war. International - Kourosh Ziabari - 38 comments
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Palestinian President Abbas is clearly conflicted - advocating for a 'two state solution' while heading two organisations that call for the elimination one of them. International - David Singer - 9 comments
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The demand of a loyalty oath in Israel has ominous similarities to the demands made by Mussolini's Italy. International - Neve Gordon - 4 comments
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Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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Senior complainers from both parties seem to think that millions of us conspired to achieve a hung parliament. Domestic Politics - Jennifer Wilson - 17 comments
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Social democracy has long since been abandoned in favour of mealy-mouthed suburban populism. Domestic Politics - George Morgan - 6 comments
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The Greens should take care not to think that 'smug' is a good look. Domestic Politics - Niall Lucy - 8 comments
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Opposition to free trade could hold the key to power for the Greens and Independents. Domestic Politics - Gilbert Holmes - 7 comments
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It is not difficult to work out which party the Independents will support. Domestic Politics - Richard Stanton - 10 comments
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The Greens did not push their cultural diversity agenda for the election. Domestic Politics - Andrew Jakubowicz - 4 comments
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Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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Government need not necessarily be formed by the party with the most seats or highest popular vote. Domestic Politics - George Williams - 16 comments
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This election is a logical consequence of a political shift which predated Kevin07. Domestic Politics - Mark Bahnisch - 14 comments
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Hiding the face in public is incompatible with accountable adult participation in society making the justification for a 'burqa ban' obvious. Law & Liberties - James Mangisi - 80 comments
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It's time we moved forward from our perilous indecision and started to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Environment - Geoff Davies - 47 comments
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Oil and safe drinking water are on parallel courses to depletion - a scarcity that will lead to starvation, disease and warfare. Society - Matthew Wild - 2 comments
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A Chinese General has openly warned the Communist Party that China must embrace democracy or else collapse. What is going on? International - Brian Hennessy - 11 comments
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Monday, August 23, 2010
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The Electoral Act clearly states it is the duty of every elector to vote, and the act of voting requires marking a vote on the ballot paper. Law & Liberties - Helen Pringle - 64 comments
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The cost to fight climate change is vast, meanwhile, man is ignoring the very real environmental destruction inflicted on our ecosystem. Environment - James Fairbairn - 25 comments
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Do we actually care how diamonds are mined, where they come from and if they reach us at the expense of human life? International - Brad Gardner
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On election day it was interesting to observe newspapers to assess the extent that key issues were still on the political radar. Domestic Politics - Chris Lewis - 2 comments
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Three women, not zero, or one, or two, but three now sit on the United States Supreme Court ... August Feature - Zillah Eisenstein - 1 comment
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Where does the role of the psychic lie in policing, if at all? Law & Liberties - Binoy Kampmark - 34 comments
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Friday, August 20, 2010
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An informal vote may well describe some folks’ dress and demeanour on the day ... Political Philosophy - Tim O'Dwyer - 22 comments
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Julia Gillard’s ETS commitment is good news for bureaucracy and consultants. Domestic Politics - Malcolm Colless - 1 comment
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It seems counterintuitive that voters would spurn a more generous Liberal paid parental leave, but there are good reasons why. Domestic Politics - Graham Young - 14 comments
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The Greens presents itself as the leading advocate of environmental issues but its policy on population is an apologetic one. Environment - Michael Lardelli - 44 comments
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The latest exchange of fire between Cardinal Pell and Greens leader, Bob Brown, is a skirmish in a war without any foreseeable end. Political Philosophy - Tim Wallace - 26 comments
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Vote 1 Blank! That’s one way to 'stick it to the man': Mark Latham is to be commended for pointing it out. Political Philosophy - Brett Walker - 16 comments
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The Labor economic war strategists have fired off all their economic ammunition while ignoring the need to retain reserves for the unforseen. Domestic Politics - Arthur Thomas - 7 comments
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For too long housing policy has been limited to quick fix solutions that benefit developers and those already in the market. Society - James Arvanitakis and Lee Rhiannon - 11 comments
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Internet piracy is not seriously considered to be 'wrong': it is considered to be normal behaviour. Science & Technology - Tom Moore - 11 comments
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Back-room political manoeuvres and the he-said she-said nature of leadership contests leave Australians cold. Domestic Politics - Peter Chen
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Neither of the major parties has a policy that addresses cultural diversity as a dimension of policy planning. Society - Andrew Jakubowicz - 57 comments
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Making large corporations open their accounts to public inspection would limit tax fraud and help stop price fixing. Economics - Fred Fuentes
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Thursday, August 19, 2010
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Politics devoid of idealism is reduced to a form of social accounting, management speak and the day to day administration of men and things. Political Philosophy - Timothy Watson - 4 comments
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Limiting population growth would deprive Australia of the spirit of innovation and wealth creation. Society - Greg Barns - 27 comments
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Tony Abbott: can you really trust someone willing to opportunistically disclaim his entrenched values and opinions? Domestic Politics - Kellie Tranter - 62 comments
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Without a bill of rights, Australians must resort to the High Court to protect constitutional rights. Law & Liberties - Claire Bongiorno - 7 comments
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On the issue of same sex marriage, why do Labor leaders stand to the right of the 'evil' Dick Cheney? Law & Liberties - Kevin Boreham - 19 comments
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The mainstream media in Australia supports the two-party system of voting and government whether we like it or not. Domestic Politics - Richard Stanton - 6 comments
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The ins and outs of electoral politics have blinded political parties to a sensible policy solution - a congestion tax for our cities. Domestic Politics - Eleanor Proust - 3 comments
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A diverse leadership team which includes women will produce better decision-making. August Feature - Nareen Young
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With the growing debate about global warming it is useful to delve into our recent past to look for alternative policies. Economics - Ken McKay - 8 comments
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With the Coalition talking about tax reform, what are the implications of the Henry Review proposals on a flat income tax? Economics - Ben Spies-Butcher - 1 comment
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010
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The major components of the Gillard educational policy cake are borrowed from Cactus Liberalism and Cactus Failed-Kleiniana. Education - Mike Williss - 1 comment
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Many members of the public have a mistaken impression of how the Senate balance of power usually operates. Domestic Politics - Andrew Bartlett - 18 comments
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It is time to wrest back some of the power that corporations have acquired at our expense. Society - Josh Fear - 6 comments
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The Greens are a party fundamentally at odds with basic Christian values and concerns. Domestic Politics - Bill Muehlenberg - 71 comments
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We want a well thought out education policy, not cheap, trite headlines and five-second grabs. Education - Jenny Allum - 4 comments
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What kinds of issues might play on voters' minds as they make their decision about how to vote in this election? Domestic Politics - Tristan Ewins - 18 comments
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None of the political parties seem to want to come grips with the issues that face education in Australia. Education - John Töns
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The rhetoric on education is great - but what about the reality? Education - Peter West
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The suffering of the children of Iraq will remain a spectre haunting Britain while Tony Blair remains free to profit. International - John Pilger - 18 comments
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Tuesday, August 17, 2010
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Education markets are not the same as commodity markets. A 'good' school cannot indefinitely increase 'production'. Education - Catherine Doherty - 8 comments
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There has been a lot of hype about the national broadband network but do we really need its speed and capacity now? Science & Technology - Jeff Hosking - 40 comments
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Gillard’s Baccalaureate will probably join Howard’s Certificate on the rocks of Queensland’s educational incompetence. Education - John Ridd - 1 comment
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Weighing up the merits of competing education policies is difficult because there aren’t many. Education - Chris Bonnor - 2 comments
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The ALP is placing the National Broadband Network centre stage in this election, whereas the Coalition sees it as a sideshow. Domestic Politics - Colin Jacobs - 5 comments
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The 2010 election is turning out to be gender, gender everywhere, and not a drop of policy. August Feature - Ruby Murray - 6 comments
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The Liberal's policy on climate change is not likely to achieve the necessary reductions in carbon emissions. Domestic Politics - John Le Mesurier - 7 comments
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The Bushfires Commission exposes the folly of the Greens’ forest lock-up plan. Environment - Mark Poynter - 9 comments
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Recent adjustments to Hong Kong's system of government don't change much. International - Graham Cooke
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Monday, August 16, 2010
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Renewable energy advocates, and the Greens, would have us give up all domestic plane travel, make half our journeys by electric train and forget the two car family ... Environment - Martin Nicholson - 29 comments
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On some policy issues the Greens have a more Christian message than the major parties. Domestic Politics - Frank Brennan - 100 comments
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How to praise our glorious leader, Julia Gillard Domestic Politics - Ben-Peter Terpstra - 6 comments
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Unlike the recipients of real welfare, who are rigorously policed, there is little accountability for the millions handed to private schools. Education - Jane Caro - 44 comments
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Are any productivity improvements, rather than redistribution, paying for the election promises? Economics - Geoff Carmody
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Did Julia Gillard really buy NAPLAN from a US lawyer? Education - Phil Cullen - 8 comments
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And the media played on. As always, we will get the government we deserve. Domestic Politics - Brian Holden - 2 comments
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With this fortuitous Wiki 'leak' the US withdrawal from Afghanistan can be justified with minimal damage to Obama. International - Peter Coates - 2 comments
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Whitebread assumptions of normalcy dominate this election campaign. Domestic Politics - Elenie Poulos
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Friday, August 13, 2010
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Julia Gillard’s gender should be her greatest strength, not a political weakness. August Feature - Kellie Tranter - 39 comments
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It is likely that the Greens will hold the balance of power in the Senate after the election, so what can we expect from them? Domestic Politics - Gary Johns - 14 comments
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Psychology says you vote for the one you like, not the one who's right. Domestic Politics - Chris Golis - 12 comments
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For the first time in human history, natural marriage has to justify itself in democratic countries before the court of public opinion. Society - Allan Carlson - 65 comments
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How far can a doctor go ethically in assisting suicide? Law & Liberties - Philip Nitschke - 15 comments
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Government backflips and an opposition-free Opposition have been the hallmarks of Australia's nuclear policies. Domestic Politics - Bill Williams and Jim Green - 5 comments
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If government was more accountable it would fix climate change, stand-up to billionaires and ditch the US relationship. Domestic Politics - Adam Henry - 17 comments
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Major sporting events leave a legacy of expensive and colossal facilities that are then left to become ghost sites. Sport - Hans Westerbeek - 2 comments
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Thursday, August 12, 2010
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The major political parties are more concerned about getting elected than about planning beyond the next term of government. Nation Building - Eric Claus - 22 comments
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The challenge posed by the climate crisis is enormous and will require every bit of resourcefulness and ingenuity we can muster. Environment - Bob Brown - 52 comments
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Environmental boasts turn words into dollars. Environment - Antony Loewenstein and Lee Rhiannon - 4 comments
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Australian public policy has become increasingly characterised by governments exaggerating problems contrary to evidence. Society - Scott Prasser - 3 comments
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Two recent reports have highlighted how vulnerable Australian cities are to the challenges of sustainability. Environment - Peter McMahon and John Barker - 15 comments
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People who take their faith seriously are genuinely uncertain about how to vote. Domestic Politics - Justin Denholm - 48 comments
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
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Overseas students underwrite our tertiary education sector, but we are not paying our premium Education - Dilan Thampapillai - 22 comments
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Belief, unbelief, disinterest and active hostility all have a place in a country's relationship to god(s) Religion & Spirituality - David Fisher - 28 comments
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The 'Christian vote' ought to be about 'wise' government in the bibilical sense Domestic Politics - Mark Stephens - 23 comments
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For Gillard infertile heterosexuals have better rights than gays. Law & Liberties - Jennifer Wilson - 39 comments
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If you're going to set standards, then make sure you meet standards. Education - Elizabeth Grant and Fiona Mueller - 2 comments
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Replace the GST with a carbon tax. Economics - Gavin Putland - 10 comments
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
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Queensland politicians play favourites with planning decisions. Society - Ross Elliott - 11 comments
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We can't afford Abbott's austerity. Domestic Politics - Tristan Ewins - 13 comments
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The ABC is supposed to be unbiased, but her Internet trail shows she has a lean Media - Graham Young - 34 comments
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There's a sleepover, one of them doesn't leave and it just happens - is a sleepover the best we can do? Society - Amy Vierboom - 29 comments
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Sound public policy, as well as a doctors' skills, will be needed to prevent more environmentally caused health issues in coming decades. Health - Sandra Bayley - 11 comments
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The International Court of Justice has set Kosovo free. What will this mean for other separatist movements? International - Bashdar Ismaeel - 16 comments
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Monday, August 9, 2010
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Introducing a quota for female representation within the Liberal Party would be a step back, not forward. August Feature - Lydia Bevege - 2 comments
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Why did GetUp! wait until now to challenge the Howard legislation which closes electoral rolls one day after an election is called? Law & Liberties - David Flint - 25 comments
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No longer are Black Friday and Ash Wednesday the norms by which fires are judged; the new measure is Black Saturday. Environment - Paul Collins - 13 comments
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There is much discussion in the UK about Australia's use of preferential voting ahead of a referendum there next year. Domestic Politics - Tim Roll-Pickering - 2 comments
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GetUp! and mental health: not only is there a high degree of spin in the rhetoric on mental health but also there is misrepresentation of evidence. Health - Melissa Raven and Jon Jureidini - 30 comments
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It seems that the most brutal battles in politics are fought between members of the same party. Domestic Politics - David Donovan - 21 comments
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