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July 3, 2009
Is it really possible that Gordon Grech faked that email, and if not him, who? Questions on notice for the government.
Domestic Politics - Jo Page - 6 comments
 
Orangutans now face a new threat - after they have been rehabilitated there is not enough habitat where they can be returned.
Environment - Rhett Butler
 
How the Chinese will make the Mekong more like the Murray
International - Fred Pearce
 
How do you take youth engagement beyond tokenism?
Society - Thom Woodroofe - 4 comments
 
Family preservation at all costs means too many abused, neglected children are placed on a destructive treadmill.
Society - Jeremy Sammut - 4 comments
 
Reflections on the idea of a journey: is the point of travelling to also find out where you came from?
Society - John Pilger
 
Cartoon
Nicholson of "The Australian"
www.nicholsoncartoons.com.au

Featured Topic - June
The prognosis for planet Earth

June Feature - The prognosis for planet EarthIts temperature may have steadied, but what is the prognosis for planet Earth? We take stock of the true state of the planet in the lead-up to Copenhagen 2009.

This feature is sponsored by Greenpeace. ...

Read More

Call for Contributions - July Feature
Piggybank in a poke

Send your submission to the editorSome say the GFC means a new financial paradigm, others expect life to go on much the same. How do we best ensure a functioning, efficient, productive and just banking system?

Please send submissions to the editor.


Eureka Street - compassion justice courage reflection analysis discernment ...
Associates
Henry Thornton

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Ambit Gambit - Our blog
On Line Opinion editor runner-up in 2009 Good Editor Awards

Ambit Gambit Susan Prior, Editor of eJournal On Line Opinion www.onlineopinion.com.au is runner-up in the Sydney Freelance Writers’ Good Editor Awards. Chief Editor and Founder of On Line Opinion, Graham Young congratulated Susan. “In a world where editors are notorious for only...

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Thursday, July 2, 2009

Despite many counter-measures and filters, digital democracy continues to trouble authoritarian regimes.
Media - Guobin Yang - 1 comment
 
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 - 5 comments
 
Social inclusion covers far more than the multicultural agenda.
Political Philosophy - Klaas Woldring - 16 comments
 
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
 
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 - 18 comments
 
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
 

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

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
 
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
 
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
 
The ongoing war with the Taliban has nothing to do with freedom and democracy: it is a distraction.
International - Reuben Brand - 2 comments
 
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
 
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
 

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Despite the freak show element of Michael Jackson's life the substance of his performance talent transcends it all.
Society - Tanveer Ahmed - 13 comments
 
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
 
Competing reports from both sides of the climate change divide confuse the psyche and public paralysis sets in.
Environment - Kellie Tranter - 9 comments
 
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
 
Today brings the end of free Gardasil vaccinations for women: it is a good time to suspend them altogether.
Health - Renate Klein - 2 comments
 
The traditional distance between ethics and economics - or between the community sector and business - is artificial.
Economics - Kasy Chambers - 19 comments
 

Monday, June 29, 2009

Scientists need to remain open to competing views and avoid being locked into tunnel vision on carbon emissions.
June Feature - Peter Schwerdtfeger - 12 comments
 
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 - 35 comments
 
When Miranda Kerr bared all for the animals it generated plenty of free publicity for 'Rolling Stone' magazine.
Media - Tim Wallace - 3 comments
 
Why would Australia unilaterally tax its exports, and effectively subsidise its imports, for no global carbon emissions reduction?
Environment - Geoff Carmody - 4 comments
 
Vancouver and Melbourne are victimised by the same sophistry - growth at all costs.
Environment - Tim Murray - 18 comments
 
The Rudd Government’s revised climate change legislation is an atomic-sized double wedgie.
Domestic Politics - Reece Kirwin - 5 comments
 

Friday, June 26, 2009

The Government is paralysed in the face of significant challenges: it is populist, gutless and narcissistic.
Domestic Politics - Bruce Haigh - 7 comments
 
In the last few decades politicians have sought to undermine the independence of the public service.
Domestic Politics - David Flint - 6 comments
 
'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
 
France continues to place itself at the forefront in the fight against the rise of Islamism in the Western world.
Law & Liberties - Kees Bakhuyzen - 59 comments
 
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
 
The improvement to renewable energy technology continues: the longer the transition takes, the better the outcome.
Science & Technology - Martin Nicholson - 19 comments
 

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Skilled workers are among the highest number of casualties of the current economic breakdown.
Society - Beth Doherty - 16 comments
 
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
 
The return of thrift: we need to change back to a society of menders, repairers and reusers.
Society - Valerie Yule - 9 comments
 
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
 
There are other battles to win before we fight the 'mummy wars'.
Society - Monica Dux - 7 comments
 
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
 

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

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
 
Call it soccer or football; there has been a transformation of the game in Australia in recent weeks.
Sport - K.C. Boey
 
Government's 'contracts for service' provide valuable protection of the government’s public image.
Domestic Politics - Rowan Kernebone - 20 comments
 
You heard it here first: the Snuggie is about to take hold of Australia!
Humour & Satire - Malcolm King - 2 comments
 
Why stop at just ranking schools? What about doctors and other service providers ...?
Education - Chris Bonnor - 2 comments
 
Big name journalists, because of their power and influence, can become accustomed to getting their own way.
Media - Sasha Uzunov - 3 comments
 

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

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
 
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
 
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
 
Manufacturing companies are starting to identify niches in the sustainability space.
Environment - Leon Gettler - 3 comments
 
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
 
Whichever way the Iranian protests turn, President Barack Obama’s job is getting tougher.
International - Dilip Hiro
 

Monday, June 22, 2009

Perhaps Sol Trujillo hit a raw nerve when he scratched Australia’s racist underbelly.
Indigenous Affairs - Stephen Hagan - 18 comments
 
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
 
The present scare phenomenon of climate change is a perfect example of mass hysteria over an imaginary problem.
Society - Ronald Kitching - 17 comments
 
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
 
The Israeli-Palestinian dispute is an endless quagmire: let Julia Gillard and her delegation judge Israel for themselves.
International - Manny Waks and Geoffrey Winn
 
Obama wows the Arab world by breaking new ground on the Israel-Palestine question.
International - Fawaz Gerges - 3 comments
 

Friday, June 19, 2009

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
 
The Heartland Institute responds to Sharon Beder's article 'Fielding’s conversion to sceptic'.
Political Philosophy - Joseph Bast - 31 comments
 
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
 
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
 
Does higher pay buy better politicians?
Domestic Politics - Andrew Leigh - 35 comments
 
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
 

Thursday, June 18, 2009

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
 
Australia remains a successful nation in social welfare terms, despite 25 years of extensive economic reform.
Society - Chris Lewis - 9 comments
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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
 

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Paradoxically, Peter Costello leaving the parliament is his country's loss but his party's gain.
Domestic Politics - Tony Abbott - 48 comments
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
Why conservation efforts will not survive mass migration ...
June Feature - Tim Murray - 9 comments
 

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

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
 
Many technological advances have been spurred on by the public policy imperative to reduce carbon emissions.
June Feature - Wendell Cox - 3 comments
 
Timbercorp and Great Southern: industries that relied upon referrals and investor appeal are now like financial swine flu.
Economics - Kane Loxley - 14 comments
 
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
 
It is common to hear politicians, business leaders, even media presenters, fall into the error of unthinking speech delivery.
Society - Ian Nance - 6 comments
 
A sad example of a modern Chinese observation: 'Western people know how to live. Chinese people just live …'
International - Brian Hennessy - 4 comments
 

Monday, June 15, 2009

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
 
In President Barack Obama's Cairo speech the killing of 1,300 people in Gaza merited just 17 words.
International - John Pilger - 8 comments
 
President Obama’s approach to Jews living in the West Bank is hasty and ill considered.
International - David Singer - 19 comments
 
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
 
The media often misrepresent the true nature of Islam and Muslims, holding them responsible for the crimes of a minority.
Religion & Spirituality - Teuku Zulfikar - 90 comments
 
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
 

Friday, June 12, 2009

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
 
Reasons to be cheerful: here are some items that should bring a smile to any environmentalist’s lips.
June Feature - Richard Heinberg - 32 comments
 
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
 
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
 
Far away in the Australian political wilderness a policy issue with wide ranging implications has been simmering away.
Law & Liberties - Timothy Watson - 16 comments
 
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
 

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Polite and sometimes not-so-polite racism is the underbelly of conservative politics and conservative attitudes.
Society - Bruce Haigh - 65 comments
 
We need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in a way that reflects the urgency of climate change.
June Feature - Julien Vincent - 18 comments
 
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
 
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 - 166 comments
 
Many are keen to race ahead with nanotechnology despite the 'known unknowns' and lack of appropriate legislation.
Science & Technology - Anna Kelsey-Sugg - 3 comments
 
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
 

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

We need to put all the energy cards on the table to solve climate change fully.
June Feature - Barry Brook - 22 comments
 
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
 
More than half a century of European Union politics has failed to create a European people or 'demos'.
International - Oliver Hartwich
 
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
 
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
 
There have been some hopeful shifts towards becoming sustainable and perhaps some of these trends will continue.
June Feature - Eric Claus - 7 comments
 

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The Queen's Birthday Honours process is still primarily the establishment handing down a badge to establishment people.
Society - Brian Holden - 15 comments
 
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
 
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
 
The truth of the matter is that the ACCC has an innate bias against those it regulates.
Law & Liberties - Mark Christensen - 5 comments
 
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
 
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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