Economic reform depends on public trust – and that trust is being undermined by declining transparency, weak accountability and limited public engagement.
Category: Top 5
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Why the west keeps misreading China’s strategy
Western analysis often assumes China operates like the United States. That misreading obscures a more transactional, less entangled approach to global partnerships.
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Time and geography are on Iran’s side
A ground war in Iran would carry high costs with little strategic return. With oil flows vulnerable and escalation risks growing, the US faces limited options and no clear path to resolution. (more…)
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School funding is undermining equality and cohesion
Australia’s school funding model is widening inequality and weakening public education. Without reform, it risks undermining social cohesion, productivity and democratic stability. (more…)
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Productivity, inequality and the rise of populism
The rise in populism in numerous advanced economies has been driven by cost-of-living pressures. To protect our democracy, we will need faster productivity growth and all wages to rise with productivity. (more…)
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Building beyond ‘No Kings’
Millions have taken to the streets in opposition to Trump. But without clearer demands, broader unity and more sustained action, the movement risks falling short of real change. (more…)
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The fuel crisis won’t save the Coalition. It might finish them
Cost-of-living pressure will not automatically shift votes to the Coalition, as culturally aligned voters begin drifting toward alternatives that project conviction and stability. (more…)
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Catholics lag behind as the first woman appointed to lead the Anglican church
The installation of a female Archbishop of Canterbury highlights the Catholic Church’s continued hesitation on women’s leadership and the need to listen more closely to women’s voices.
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We dug up medics in Gaza. A year later, international law remains buried
Israeli attacks on healthcare workers and infrastructure in Gaza reflect a broader erosion of legal and moral constraints, with consequences extending beyond the conflict.
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Trump’s war without purpose is everyone’s problem
The US-led war on Iran lacks clear objectives or strategy, accelerating the erosion of American credibility while exposing failures in political and media judgement.
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Mickey J: an Australian always, quietly, making a big difference
At a time of diminished political leadership, the legacy of Fred Hollows and Michael Johnson shows what practical, principled internationalism can achieve.
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Iran’s target list: taking the war to multinationals
Major corporations are increasingly entangled in modern warfare, blurring the line between civilian infrastructure and military targets.
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None of the diverse ‘journalists’ writing for this Aussie news site are real
A fully automated news site with no journalists shows how easily AI can mimic credibility – and how exposed Australia is to manipulation. (more…)
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Free speech and antisemitism: drawing the line
In this extract from his submission to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion Gareth Evans argues that it is crucial that protest language claimed to be inherently antisemitic be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account context and intent. (more…)
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Patriotism or politics – the fight over the flag
As populism rises, the Australian flag is being used as a political tool – defining patriotism and drawing lines around national identity. (more…)
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Tuberculosis remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease – Australia’s regional leadership matters
Tuberculosis is preventable and curable, yet remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease. Australia’s regional role is critical to changing that.
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Time for tax reform – and this may be the moment to act
With inequality rising and budget pressures mounting, a rare political window has opened for meaningful tax reform – if the government chooses to act.
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Labor’s 2025 landslide – but Australia remains divided
A new book on the 2025 election reveals Labor’s commanding win – but also a fragmented electorate, a weakened opposition and a volatile political landscape.
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In South Australia One Nation surges and the Liberals slide – but the shake-up has limits
A poor result for the Liberals and a surge for One Nation signal voter anger and fragmentation – but history suggests the insurgency may not last. (more…)
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The lies that fuel war
The Albanese government’s support for the US–Israel war on Iran rests on claims about nuclear threat, humanitarian intent and non-involvement that do not withstand scrutiny.
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Climate denial has deep roots in Coalition politics
From Howard to Abbott, senior Coalition figures have repeatedly dismissed climate science – favouring belief over evidence and weakening public debate.
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The dangerous stories driving war in Iran
From Trump to Putin, the narratives leaders tell themselves shape global conflict – and the war in Iran shows the consequences when belief overrides reality. (more…)
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The wisdom of David Solomon (plus priceless insights, grace and humour)
David Solomon’s ‘Footnotes’ reveals the stories behind Australian politics and journalism – including the moments that never made it into print.
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Another High Court rebuke on immigration laws – and a warning on rushed policymaking
A new High Court ruling has struck down the Albanese government’s restrictions on former immigration detainees – exposing the risks of rushed, politically driven lawmaking. (more…)
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The weaponisation of antisemitism is making Jews less safe
Revulsion at Israel’s actions in Gaza is driving a global rise in antisemitism, while efforts to conflate criticism of Israel with hatred of Jews are deepening the danger. (more…)
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ACT justice system on the brink from chronic underfunding
Legal Aid, prosecutors and the courts are all under pressure, raising concerns about fairness, workload and the effective operation of the ACT justice system. (more…)
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ABC’s National Forum fails its first test on antisemitism
The ABC’s new flagship forum failed to interrogate key claims and perspectives on antisemitism, leaving major gaps in a critical national debate.
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A war without clear objectives is turning against Trump
With no clear objective and mounting economic and political costs, the case for ending the Iran war is becoming overwhelming.
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AUKUS: So many questions, so few answers
The Australian public deserve to understand the implications of the Morrison/Albanese secretive, AUKUS agreement. (more…)
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Mary Kostakidis case heads to court after mediation fails
A failed mediation means a high-profile discrimination complaint over social media posts about Israel will now be decided in court. (more…)