Tony Ward
Tony Ward is, since 2011, a research fellow in history at the University of Melbourne. Prior to that, he had a varied career in academia, senior executive positions in the state public service, and 17 years as principal of an economic consulting company. Tony has published two books: Sport in Australian National Identity (Routledge, 2010) and Bridging Troubled Waters: Australia and Asylum Seekers (Australian Scholarly Publishing, 2017). He has also published numerous articles in academic journals, ranging across the economics of inequality, sports history, and Australian migration history. In addition, he has written several well-read pieces on The Conversation website, and contributed to several submissions to the government on economic and social impacts of public policies. Tony has a PhD in economic history from Monash University (1984).
Tony's recent articles
21 November 2024
Social media ban targets the wrong age group and the wrong type of media
To reduce social harm, instead of a ban on teens accessing social media, should we consider a ban on over 60 year olds reading and listening to News Corporation outlets?
16 May 2024
Don’t blame social media for violence against women
The recent horrific murders of several women have sparked widespread calls to tackle the scourge of domestic violence. Some commentators have pointed fingers at social media, and internet usage more generally. Pernicious impacts include intolerance of others, especially through ‘echo chambers’ where users reinforce existing prejudices. Suggested remedies include various forms of bans or controls, especially for younger people.
4 February 2024
Damaging social cohesion
We all have a responsibility to build trust, encourage a sense of belonging and a community of welcome and optimism.
22 November 2022
The biggest threat to capitalism? Purveyors of mistrust
If social trust is good for society, and for the economy overall, why is such a decline in trust occurring? The simple answer is because some businesses make money from distrust.
2 October 2021
Australia's dismal trend in corruption levels
During the pandemic, leaders have urged people to make sacrifices for the common good. But if those pleas come from corrupt leaders, they are less effective. Unfortunately, over the last decade, Australia has worsening corruption.