Thursday, November 20, 2008
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Barack Obama's election was symbolic, certainly, but an election landslide it wasn't. International - Ben-Peter Terpstra - 8 comments
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Strength is the redeeming virtue in adversity, but modern life has encouraged a nation of self-centred, consumption oriented sheep. Education - Kellie Tranter - 1 comment
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Instead of receiving protection and safety, they were detained within Australia’s Pacific Solution before being returned to Afghanistan; a country racked by violence. Law & Liberties - David Corlett - 9 comments
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China can stimulate the economy by diffusing the wealth effect, promoting private ownership and entrepreneurship. International - Zhiwu Chen
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The minutes of the November RBA Board meeting appear to point towards a further outsized reduction in the official cash rate at next month’s meeting. Economics - Saul Eslake - 1 comment
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The idea of relocating Israel to the Kimberley is not so crazy if the cost of the relocation is less than the cost of Israel staying where it is. International - Brian Holden - 21 comments
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Australia’s involvement in East Timor partly succeeded because of Indonesia's reluctance to fight a full scale war. Domestic Politics - Sasha Uzunov - 1 comment
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Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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World wide Anglicanism is in conflict and Sydney is in the midst of it. What that might mean within the diocese is not yet clear. Religion & Spirituality - Bruce Kaye - 8 comments
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A ban on pro-anorexia websites promoting extreme thinness and self starvation is neither practical nor moral. Society - Nina Funnell - 3 comments
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A Swedish goverment report on climate change reveals good news all round - exotic crops and green business opportunites. International - Roger Kalla - 11 comments
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A return to a balanced approach in the Middle East will improve Australia's image in the Arab and Islamic world. Domestic Politics - Antoun Issa - 6 comments
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The world can no longer afford the profligate military consumption of carbon products. Environment - John Tomlinson - 5 comments
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Uncertainty and change make our lives interesting and give us reasons to get out of bed in the morning. Society - Peter Tapsell
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It is with the states that real reform for local government must first happen. Domestic Politics - Scott Prasser - 3 comments
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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The Chinese entreaty to act as a 'bridge' between it and the US is flattering but Australia should politely decline the role. International - John Lee - 3 comments
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The members of the ACT Assembly have one of the hardest government jobs in the country, straddling two tiers of our federal system. Domestic Politics - George Williams - 5 comments
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Brendon Grylls deserves the accolades he and the Nationals are currently basking in, but remember, it is he who is in part responsible for many problems in regional WA. Domestic Politics - Bernie Masters
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An Israeli think tank has publicised its concerns regarding the growth of Hamas both politically and militarily in the past three years. International - Reuben Brand - 4 comments
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Some of the commentary on Indigenous Affairs in this country has become so poisonous that the very object of the game has been forgotten. Indigenous Affairs - Graham Ring - 6 comments
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There are the troubling responses by the public and the media to the multiple, grisly crimes of Graeme Reeves aka 'the butcher of Bega'. Law & Liberties - Sheleyah Courtney - 14 comments
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Monday, November 17, 2008
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Too often SBS is dismissed as a niche broadcaster, relevant only for ethnics, eggheads and, more recently, revheads. Media - Ien Ang and Gay Hawkins - 24 comments
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The Rudd Government's plan for a compulsory amenities fee is the re-introduction of compulsory student unionism in everything but name. Education - Lorraine Finlay - 23 comments
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There are solutions to the problem of objectionable content on the Internet other than centralised censorship. Media - David Jackmanson - 13 comments
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With the next generation of biofuels, where non-food resources dominate, Australia may be well situated to establish a thriving industry. Science & Technology - Robin Batterham - 6 comments
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China is ripping-off African resources and propping up African tyrants to the detriment of the African people. International - Edward Friedman - 3 comments
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Obama’s first two crucial appointments represent a denial of the wishes of his supporters on the principal issues on which they voted. International - John Pilger - 24 comments
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Friday, November 14, 2008
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Free speech is never absolute but there should be vigorous public debate before any shift in freedom of the internet. Law & Liberties - Antony Loewenstein - 34 comments
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Kevin Rudd’s heavy hand of authority could see his 'education revolution' become the de-schooling of Australia. Education - Chris James - 13 comments
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Australia is the land of opportunity, but only for some. We’re lagging behind in gender equality for some of our newest citizens. Society - Christina Ho - 19 comments
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The federal government has granted the Gunns pulp mill an extension until January knowing that Tasmanian permits will end on November 30, 2008. Environment - Peter Henning - 17 comments
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Europe and the US could fine-tune aid programs, working closely with recipients, to achieve multiple goals. International - Gustav Ranis - 3 comments
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Bankers have 'perpetrated a massive fraud on the American people' leading them into believing they could afford to own their own home. Economics - K.C. Boey - 5 comments
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Thursday, November 13, 2008
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Apart from being an inefficient and polluting food source, livestock is the largest driver of deforestation and biodiversity loss. Environment - Geoff Russell - 22 comments
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One moment in a 90-minute bare-knuckle brawl of a single presidential debate can seal the fate of the race. International - Nicholas Wilbur - 4 comments
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As Obama takes US elections by storm, the legacy of Bush is not lost on the Kurds. International - Bashdar Ismaeel - 1 comment
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Having spent eight years bashing the US over its tough handling of Iran, Iraq and changing goals in Afghanistan, the EU must now define its own strategies and ambitions. International - Shada Islam - 1 comment
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Perhaps Internet dating is a response to an entirely separate problem in our society: the imminent atrophying of our imaginations. Feature - Cireena Simcox
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Three years after his landslide election, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's popularity has declined markedly. International - Benedetta Berti
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Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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So, you thought discrimination against people with a disability was a thing of the past? Health - Melinda Tankard Reist - 19 comments
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Politics abhors a vacuum; green ideology has filled the vacuum created when the Left went into hibernation. Political Philosophy - Barry York - 41 comments
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Obama’s ruthlessness is one of his key attributes and one he masks effectively. Following its influence on his presidency should be interesting. International - Brendon O'Connor - 3 comments
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We must never rely on the opinion of any one individual, organisation, think-tank, or political party in developing policy. Domestic Politics - Chris Lewis - 7 comments
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There are victims of the trade of prostitution who rarely get a mention: the partners of the men who use them. Society - Jehane Sharah - 13 comments
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A peace effort in the Middle East has been 15 years in the undoing. International - Sonja Karkar - 39 comments
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Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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The war glorifiers have won the battle for the soul of Remembrance Day. Political Philosophy - John Passant - 62 comments
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The Chinese cheer the Democratic victor with a wary eye on his trade policy. International - Mary Kay Magistad
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Failure to significantly reduce poverty could eventually destabilise world peace and security; dealing with it successfully is in our national interest. International - James Ingram - 14 comments
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Unlike the vast majority of their American cousins who are full of hope, New Zealanders may look back on the Clark administration with nostalgia. International - Cecily McNeill - 6 comments
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What do the humanities have to do with the growing economic difficulties of the world? The Arts - John Armstrong - 3 comments
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There are definitely rewards to be had by following the ubiquitous law of incentives. Law & Liberties - Joel Bevin - 5 comments
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Monday, November 10, 2008
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Secularism is a form of neutral government that listens to all points of view. Militant and some moderate Christians don’t want that. Political Philosophy - Max Wallace - 56 comments
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The world may be looking to Obama but the new president will be preoccupied with challenges at home. International - Bruce Stokes
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It seems there are those who still make a distinction between our troops who served in Gallipoli and those who served in Vietnam. Domestic Politics - Sasha Uzunov - 12 comments
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When the market calms down and the guarantee is lifted in three years why shouldn’t we have somewhere for people to keep their money safe? Economics - Nicholas Gruen - 7 comments
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Unlike business, community organisations can't pass on the increased costs of a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme to 'consumers'. Environment - Kasy Chambers - 2 comments
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Films and television programs about climate change should be made freely available beyond their initial broadcast. Environment - Nalaka Gunawardene - 2 comments
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Friday, November 7, 2008
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Many assume that a 'climate sceptic' rejects man-made global warming. But that isn’t how the term is used by activists and the media. Environment - Jeremy Gilling and John Muscat - 90 comments
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Book burnings and banning extremist groups and individuals rarely solves the problems of racism, anti-Semitism or Islamophobia. Political Philosophy - Alan Matheson - 41 comments
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The 'Days of Whine and Poses' are coming to an end, bringing with it the long, low whine of the babyboomer Cultural Left. Political Philosophy - Malcolm King - 17 comments
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State governments, through incompetence or worse have abrogated the right to sustainably manage the scarce resource of water. Environment - Bruce Haigh - 13 comments
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A Medieval Prayer Book reveals the true genius of antiquity's greatest scientist - Archimedes. Science & Technology - Evaggelos Vallianatos - 10 comments
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When a public servant begins work, they will, like in any other job, come across numerous types of people. Humour & Satire - George Fripley - 2 comments
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Thursday, November 6, 2008
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Australia’s civil partnership registries can and should exist side-by-side with opposite and same-sex marriage, and with legal protections for de facto couples. Law & Liberties - Rodney Croome and Wayne Morgan - 1 comment
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The Oprah of US politics: Oprah and Obama are comfortable about their past and do not let colour determine their place in the world. International - Toni Hassan - 4 comments
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Could China's robust economy be a fragile house of cards built on shaky policies and phantom numbers? International - Arthur Thomas - 11 comments
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Debates around the potential benefits of GM crops for developing countries must be reasoned and evidence-based. Science & Technology - Albert Weale - 32 comments
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It is time for decisive action to improve Australia’s counter-terrorism laws. Law & Liberties - Graeme Innes - 39 comments
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A modest Murri woman working as an engineer provides a role model for young Indigenous girls. Society - Stephen Hagan - 3 comments
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Wednesday, November 5, 2008
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A high immigration intake does not benefit the average Australian. Society - Eric Claus - 35 comments
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If fairness is part of our political narrative how can we test that nebulous concept of a fair go? Domestic Politics - John Töns - 5 comments
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So this man wants a cook, cleaner, housekeeper, travel partner (must pay her own way) and a bed-warmer with an intellect that is not too obvious. Gotcha!!! Feature - Marilyn Parsons - 22 comments
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The most prestigious professorship in science, and indeed of all academia, is now vacant following the announced retirement of Stephen Hawking. Science & Technology - Marko Beljac - 9 comments
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Obama represents the opportunity for change and progress in the quagmire that is the Middle East. International - Damon Jalili - 2 comments
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Regional journals are essential for building science capacity in the developing world. Science & Technology - Wieland Gevers - 1 comment
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Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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The god delusion is pathological. Not only America, but the whole world, has been forced to pay the price. Society - John Perkins - 67 comments
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Is recession coming? Yes for the US; no for Australia, with rate cuts to come. Economics - Henry Thornton - 1 comment
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The return of a sense of scepticism about the innate moral worth of money may be the most valuable outcome of recent events. Economics - Tanveer Ahmed - 8 comments
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The use of nuclear weapons by the major powers as a mode of warfare would spell the end of us all. International - Stephen Cheleda - 2 comments
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While almost the entire Western world is in recession it is not yet openly admitted by our elected representatives. Economics - Selwyn Johnston - 3 comments
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Let the English spoken by those in the vanguard of public awareness be correct, not corrupt. Society - Ian Nance - 10 comments
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Monday, November 3, 2008
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The Northern Territory intervention: having let a few crumbs fall, Kevin Rudd has picked up where Howard left off. Indigenous Affairs - John Pilger - 19 comments
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American presidential elections are global events, followed with greater intensity and concern by many non-Americans more than their own national elections. International - Brendon O'Connor - 6 comments
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Colin Powell's recent endorsement of Barack Obama was because of what was said, and permitted to be said, about Obama's religion. International - Helen Pringle - 12 comments
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It’s the electronic age in political campaigning these days. No doubt we will follow the e-lectioneering trends of the US. Society - Kevin Rennie
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That was fast. In eight days, my mate and his girlfriend 'winked' and were seriously dating. So what constitutes an internet date exactly? Feature - Suzan Broadbent - 10 comments
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A first hand perspective of a McCain rally: 'The crowd ... mostly retired and as culturally diverse as a KKK cross-burning ceremony in post-Civil War Tennessee - was more flaccid than an entire monastery of castrated monks.' International - Nicholas Wilbur - 8 comments
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Friday, October 31, 2008
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Human rights are used both to condemn murder and torture and to give permission for self murder and the murder of the unborn. Law & Liberties - Peter Sellick - 83 comments
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The US now needs a leader with the mass appeal of a JFK, the long-range vision of an FDR, and the unifying skills of a Nelson Mandela. International - Philip Machanick - 58 comments
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Queensland has had a long history of police killings of Aborigines: we need a further Royal Commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody. Law & Liberties - John Tomlinson - 27 comments
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Do these bank deposit guarantees and acts of generosity reflect skilful economic management by our elected government? Economics - Arthur Thomas - 5 comments
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'The Religion Report' provides an insight into questions such as what drives Barack Obama or John McCain and what drove the Bali Bombers. Media - Toni Hassan - 7 comments
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The current financial crisis is merely a blip of history within the ongoing struggle of nations competing for resources and the influence of ideas. Economics - Chris Lewis - 3 comments
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It’s just a couple of days before the presidential election, and I’m worried about what happens afterwards. I’m worried about the media. Humour & Satire - Walt Brasch - 3 comments
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Thursday, October 30, 2008
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After 20 years of Internet access we are comfortable with how it works, which makes this latest resurrection of the online censorship debate somewhat perplexing. Media - Mark Newton - 26 comments
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Green links and personal agendas are hurting the credibility of ANU research. Environment - Mark Poynter - 55 comments
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'The Religion Report' has been liquidated by managers who can’t see beyond the book balance and rate of downloads. Religion & Spirituality - Binoy Kampmark - 19 comments
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Jenny Macklin's response to the Intervention review's report is not only misleading, it's a gross betrayal of trust. Indigenous Affairs - Graham Ring - 19 comments
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A remarkable turnaround: now it seems that increasing pensions is seen as a way to help the economy so it is universally applauded. Economics - Richard Denniss - 7 comments
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Any infusion of money into the housing market is likely to increase prices, simply because the supply of new housing is artificially rationed. Economics - Wendell Cox - 5 comments
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Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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Gifted children bring many special problems with their giftedness: their learning needs are totally different to non-gifted students. Education - Rosie Williams - 5 comments
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The urgency to tackle the financial crisis is in stark contrast to the foot-dragging and broken promises over poverty alleviation, human rights and climate change. Society - Australian NGO Chiefs - 76 comments
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Most mothers make the same choice - to do the best they can in the circumstances in which they find themselves. Society - Monica Dux - 21 comments
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Queensland could be producing all its electricity needs from renewable sources within 15 years. But where is the political will? Environment - Mike Pope - 11 comments
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Should trade unions be entitled to bargain over issues which extend way beyond the workplace? October Feature - Paul Gollan - 3 comments
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Australia has never had a comprehensive national sexual and reproductive health strategy. Health - Jenny Ejlak - 11 comments
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008
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In spite of the current financial crisis, capitalism, with all its excesses and problems, will be with us for some time to come. Economics - Mark S. Lawson - 14 comments
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If a government really wanted to improve the health and safety of Aboriginal women and children then it can’t ignore Aboriginal men. Indigenous Affairs - John Tomlinson - 19 comments
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Outsourcing parental responsibilities to the Nanny State is ultimately self-defeating. Society - Jeremy Sammut - 15 comments
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Public opinion towards the US in the Western world is now much more negative than even at the height of Reagan's global unpopularity. International - Brendon O'Connor - 40 comments
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Marx's ideas on religion have been misunderstood: he was an atheist, but he sought to understand religion. Political Philosophy - Patrick Weiniger - 11 comments
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The intriguing case of freelance cameraman, the late Paul Moran, the ABC and the CIA. Media - Sasha Uzunov - 4 comments
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Monday, October 27, 2008
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We need to fire up the experts to follow the energy trail across the economy to work out where and how much energy is being spent. Science & Technology - John Barker - 16 comments
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Victoria's Abortion Law Reform Bill decriminalises abortion and forces doctors with conscientious objections to refer women to doctors who will do abortions. Law & Liberties - Michael Cook - 43 comments
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Democracy in Indonesia remains highly vulnerable to determined anti-democratic movements. International - Sadanand Dhume - 6 comments
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Women are still anomalous in politics - they tend to get de-sexed or sexed up so everyone can feel less threatened. Society - Sheleyah Courtney - 30 comments
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The denial of access to life-saving vaccines in the name of bio-security raises many moral and human rights issues. Health - Peter Curson - 2 comments
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By limiting the WHO's access to the H5N1 influenza virus Indonesia has a bargaining tool to gain access to patent protected life saving medicines. Health - Charles Lawson - 2 comments
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Friday, October 24, 2008
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Rules intended to protect workers and citizens have been put into legislation but those rules are seldom enforced. October Feature - Des Griffin - 9 comments
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Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull are just playing with bipartisanship. Now they should put it into practice. Domestic Politics - John Warhurst
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The Nationals are bleeding to death and it is hard to know how to stop it. Domestic Politics - Peter Van Onselen - 14 comments
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It's good policy to fight recession first and worry about the cost later. Economics - Nicholas Gruen - 11 comments
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The marathon was borne from the legend of Pheidippides, the Greek soldier who ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens. Sport - Joel Bevin - 4 comments
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Sparing Casanova's feelings might be the polite thing to do, but surely, compromising one's integrity is too great a price. Society - Nina Funnell - 18 comments
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Thursday, October 23, 2008
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While executive salaries are an obscenity, they are a symptom, not the cause, of the financial crisis. Economics - Marcus Strom - 7 comments
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Mr Rudd is looking jelly backed on the matter of the death penalty. His moral conviction has been put to the test and he has buckled. Law & Liberties - Greg Barns - 14 comments
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Ian Carnell, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, plays a crucial role balancing balance security, secrecy and civil liberties. Law & Liberties - Peter Coates - 8 comments
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Will we see President George W. Bush as the recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize or the Nobel prize for Economics in the future? Society - Ivan Simic - 2 comments
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With the benefit of hindsight some places are moving to defluoridate their water while South East Queensland pushes ahead. Health - Anne Matthews-Frederick - 36 comments
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One of our crown jewels was able to be destroyed for almost no gain, because the public at large have become alien to the planet. Environment - Brian Holden - 18 comments
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Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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The government’s economic rescue package is described in terms of Christmas presents. Let me give Kevin Rudd some advice ... Economics - Jill Sutton - 5 comments
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The Rudd Government's $10.4 billion package to boost spending will do little to protect the most vulnerable from hardship. Economics - Ray Cleary - 2 comments
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The tendency to keep children with abusive parents suggests children are the property of their parents. Society - Chris James - 38 comments
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The concept of Original Sin has its roots in paganism not monotheism. The nature of evil is not connected with Original Sin. Religion & Spirituality - David Fisher - 41 comments
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‘Gentle invaders’ revisited: women and the Australian union movement, past and present. October Feature - Angela Barns and Alison Preston - 2 comments
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We should codify the reserve powers of the Governor-General, or at least put limits on the scope of such powers. Law & Liberties - Steven Spadijer - 1 comment
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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There is a wealth of wisdom in the Gospels, if you just ignore the stuff about gods and angels, heaven, hell and demons. Religion & Spirituality - Peter Grimley - 32 comments
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The banking system that served us well for nearly 80 years through economic growth and change has been wrecked. Economics - Keith Kennelly - 6 comments
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Now that the US model has had its comeuppance what type of capitalism should emerge? Economics - Scott MacDonald - 4 comments
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When a public servant begins work, they will, like in any other job, come across numerous types of people. Humour & Satire - George Fripley - 2 comments
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One of Kevin Rudd’s favourite mantras is that he wishes to develop 'evidence based' policy. So let's see the evidence. Domestic Politics - Ross Farrelly - 8 comments
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Advanced IT can play a vital role in helping police better serve the community. Science & Technology - Allen Koehn - 2 comments
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