Gotcha, or getting tax right?
As the government’s hearing on its tax changes enters its second day, tax reform will be harder to defend if capital tax changes are left standing alone, and Labor should link them directly to bigger income tax cuts for wage and salary earners struggling with the cost of living.
The Albanese government and the lobbying scourge
Declining trust in government is helping fuel One Nation’s rise, and the failure to properly regulate lobbying has left powerful insiders in gambling, defence and fossil fuels with too much influence over public policy.
When the sky falls and the Chinese cars invade (again)
Australia’s media coverage of China too often collapses the distance between capability and intent, turning commercial activity and military assessments into a climate of threat that weakens rather than strengthens strategic judgment.
The Iran deal exposes the futility of Trump’s war
A fragile US-Iran agreement may end a war that failed to topple Tehran or destroy its nuclear capacity, leaving Iran with greater regional leverage, Israel exposed and Washington facing hard questions about what the conflict achieved.
AUKUS and democracy: why both matter
A Commissioner on the Public Inquiry into AUKUS responds to Waleed Aly's view that the inquiry will have no impact.
Stateless people need protection, not removal to Nauru
As the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee prepares to report tomorrow, Australia’s latest Nauru arrangement should be terminated because it deflects obligations to refugees and leaves stateless people facing prolonged legal limbo without durable protection.
Decolonising democracy – part eight
In the final part of this series, John Keane asks whether democracies will have the resolve to stand up to the USA and to find remedies for the maladies of representative democracy.
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The case against the AUKUS submarine project
In a submission to the public inquiry into AUKUS, former foreign minister Gareth Evans argues the submarine project is not in Australia’s national interest, warning that doubts over delivery, excessive cost and loss of sovereign agency demand an urgent Plan B.
Australia cannot fix housing without more density
Housing costs account for much of Australia’s cost-of-living crisis, and affordability will not improve unless governments increase housing supply where people need to live, including through greater urban density.
What the Socceroos teach us about belonging
The Socceroos’ success is more than a sporting story: it is a reminder that the children of migrants and refugees are not outsiders to Australia’s future, but part of the national story itself.
Hanson is winning because politics has stopped listening
Pauline Hanson’s rise cannot be countered by facts, logic or clever campaign tactics alone, because One Nation’s appeal is rooted in disgust, alienation and a belief that mainstream politics no longer listens.
Australian smelting needs an urgent clean energy fix to stop the bailouts
Australia’s smelters will keep needing taxpayer bailouts unless governments create a publicly backed clean energy model that can deliver reliable, affordable power for heavy industry.
Refugee Week should be more than celebration
Each June, Australians gather to celebrate Refugee Week and honour those who have found safety. It must not overlook those who remain trapped in suffering.
Australia fixed one honours gap. Is another being overlooked?
Australia has improved women’s representation in the honours system, but culturally and linguistically diverse communities, particularly CALD women, remain under-recognised despite their central role in social cohesion and community life.
Decolonising democracy – part seven
In the seventh of an eight-part series, John Keane asks if other democracies can decouple themselves from the American empire.
One Nation, science and democracy – the trust deficit in Australia
The rise of anti-establishment politics reflects a deeper loss of confidence in Australia’s economic model, making investment in science, research and innovation central to rebuilding productivity, opportunity and trust.
Australia still needs a real national housing strategy
Labor’s capital gains tax and negative gearing reforms are a major step forward, but Australia still lacks the long-term national housing strategy needed to address social housing, rental security, energy efficiency and supply failures.
A right mess: how mining, media and political interests are combining to influence public debate in Australia
One Nation’s surge has exposed a new alignment of media, mining and political interests on the Australian right, with Gina Rinehart, Lachlan Murdoch and Pauline Hanson now central to how that contest unfolds.
Foreclosing on the future
A draft ruling on how research is funded in the Unites States aims to keep the scientific community on a very short leash.
Belonging without assimilation: lessons from Prophet Muhammad’s life
Social cohesion is not built by erasing difference. As was demonstrated 1,400 years ago in the city of Medina, it is built by creating trust, justice and shared purpose across difference.
Australia’s bookshops are disappearing – government can help
Independent bookshops are closing across Australia as costs rise and discount giants dominate sales, but policy options such as tax relief, GST reform and book pricing regulation could help protect the cultural role they play.
Decolonising democracy – part six
In the sixth of an eight-part series, John Keane discusses the ramifications of the US withdrawal from international organisations on other democracies.
Israel’s defenders should confront what is being done to Palestinians
Australia’s sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers have drawn accusations of antisemitism, but criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians must not be confused with hatred of Jewish people.
Israel's war against Gaza
Media coverage of the war in Gaza since October 2023 has spread a series of lies propagated by Israel and the United States. This publication presents information, analysis, clarification, views and perspectives largely unavailable in mainstream media in Australia and elsewhere.
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David Griffiths — Mordialloc VIC 3195
The AUKUS curse
David griffiths — Mordialloc VIC 3195
Gangster capitalism
Bernard Corden — Spring Hill QLD 4000
AUKUS analysed
Barry Smith — Hobart
Have the experts on top, not on tap!
Les Macdonald — Balmain NSW 2041
Marles
Leigh Bunting — Adelaide
Is saving civilisation too hard?
Geoff Davies — Braidwood NSW
Redefining a ceasefire
David Griffiths — Mordialloc, Victoria 3195
