Writer
RichardHil
Dr Richard Hil is Adjunct Professor in the School of Human Services and Social Work at Griffith University, Gold Coast; Adjunct Professor in the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Southern Cross University; former Convenor of the Ngara Institute, member of the Editorial Collective of Social Alternatives and board member of the Justice for Fallujah Project.
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The not so great debate
There’s a scene in Fawlty Towers where Basil is so terrified of the anticipated reaction of his partner, Sybil, that he goes into a full-blown meltdown. “Mr Fawlty, don’t panic”, Polly the waitress intones. “What else is there to do?” Basil screams back. I know how he feels. Continue reading »
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The new reality of climate chaos is upon us
The climate criminals are, of course, seeking to cover their tracks. Continue reading »
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Why I haven’t given up on conspiracy theorists
None of this has come out of the blue. It has coincided with the rise of neoliberal capitalism which, among other things, has encouraged hyper individualism, greater competition, social disconnection, greed and selfishness. Continue reading »
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Can Australian universities come back from the dead?
Academic freedom has been slowly and steadily eroded, with academics turned into service providers and students into consumers. Continue reading »
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An exceptional nation, for routine deception
Emmanuel Macron’s swipe at Scott Morrison shows our allies are fed up with Australian politicians’ routine deception and obfuscation. Continue reading »
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Ageism very much alive in society
Of all the negative isms that fester in daily life, ageism is surely amongst the most prevalent, and unacknowledged. Sure, most people are aware that it’s unacceptable to patronise, put down and denigrate those who are deemed ‘elderly’, ‘old’ or ‘aged’, but somehow these discriminatory practices tend to escape our notice. Continue reading »
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Political and media failure on climate in Australia
The technology roadmap sketched by Morrison and Taylor is a con. It is in fact a statement of support for the fossil fuel industry which is heavily subsidised by and a significant donor to the Liberal and National Parties. Continue reading »
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Our universities are in crisis.They are no longer fit for purpose?
The urgency of transforming university education, and indeed all forms of education, lies in the need to render them relevant to the deep global crises we now face. These crises are reshaping every society on Earth. Continue reading »
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Why the ‘Teflon’ University is coming unstuck
It’s often referred to as the Teflon phenomenon – the capacity to withstand any amount of criticism and proceed as if nothing has changed. Accusations, damning evidence and reports of wrongdoing simply don’t stick. Countless US presidents have been coated with this substance, as have entire Australian administrations, including the current Morrison government. Continue reading »
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A tepid cry for change: Tanya Plibersek’s book “Upturn” and Labor’s prospects
In a world riven by crises, we need new ways of thinking, knowing, and relating. We also need courage. The challenge is huge. There will be no return to a pre-Covid-19 normal, which for many Australians meant poverty, hardship, and marginalization. This book had rich promise but is a missed opportunity. A comprehensive, coherent vision Continue reading »
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A crisis in and of knowledge: an issue of trust
Many of us no longer know what to think or who to believe. This is compounded by the assault on ‘expert opinion’ and doubts over ‘mainstream’ media coverage. Meanwhile, the social disconnection wrought by neoliberalism enables nationalistic ideologies that foster a sense of victimhood. Continue reading »
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Conspiracy Theories – The Big Con
There was a time, I’ll admit, when I thought that so-called conspiracy theories were quixotic, mildly interesting, and largely benign. Not any more. Continue reading »
