Our politicians continue to fail us on immigration policy
Abul Rizvi

Our politicians continue to fail us on immigration policy

As One Nation rises by recycling anti-immigration rhetoric, both major parties are fumbling their response – missing the chance to offer a clear, credible and principled long-term plan.

Recent articles in Politics

Losing the democracy sausage vibe
Marian Sawer

Losing the democracy sausage vibe

The last federal election saw a sharp rise in harassment and aggression at polling places, according to submissions from around the country. From death threats to deception, the once-peaceful ritual of casting a vote is under threat – and Australia needs to act.

Will there be Liberals around to take power in 2034?
Jack Waterford

Will there be Liberals around to take power in 2034?

The Liberal Party’s rejection of net-zero and its lack of compelling leadership or clear policy vision has left it floundering with key voter groups. Without a coherent plan to make a difference, it risks a long spell in opposition.

Axed AG tells how Labor really changes the Constitution
Andrew Fraser

Axed AG tells how Labor really changes the Constitution

Despite Labor’s longstanding appetite for constitutional reform, former Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus now points to a different path: bold, nation-shaping change without the need for a referendum.

Where will the aged care workforce come from?
Anna Howe

Where will the aged care workforce come from?

CEDA’s report on how to fix the aged care worker shortage claims migration is key – but a closer look at the data reveals a very different picture. Before we reach for new visa schemes, we need to focus on the workers already here: most are permanent residents or citizens, and many want more hours. The answers are hiding in plain sight.

The ceasefire that isn’t: 400 violations in 40 days
Refaat Ibrahim

The ceasefire that isn’t: 400 violations in 40 days

Israel has violated the ceasefire in Gaza hundreds of times since October, using vague or unverified justifications to carry out strike in a recurring pattern of escalation and impunity.

AI in journalism and democracy: can we rely on it?
Jake Goldenfein,  Fan Yang,  Daniel Angus

AI in journalism and democracy: can we rely on it?

GenAI tools are reshaping the information environment in ways most audiences never see. From the data that trains them to the labour that maintains them, their inner workings raise urgent questions for journalism and democratic accountability.

Massacres, memory and the Memorial: facing our most deadly war
Noel Turnbull

Massacres, memory and the Memorial: facing our most deadly war

The evidence is overwhelming – Australia’s Frontier Wars were real, deadly, and long, and a landmark new book lays it out in full. So when will the Australian War Memorial fully face the truth?

The wisdom of the elders, the greed of the rich
Julian Cribb

The wisdom of the elders, the greed of the rich

As the planet spirals toward environmental collapse, elders like Attenborough, Earle, Hansen and Suzuki have spent decades warning us – and offering hope. But the billionaires in bunkers aren't listening. They are too busy getting rich off our destruction.

Senate committee on disinformation should look into the Liberals' energy policy: It is full of it
Giles Parkinson

Senate committee on disinformation should look into the Liberals' energy policy: It is full of it

The Liberal Party’s new energy policy recycles discredited claims and fossil fuel talking points, undermining public trust and delaying the essential task of real action.

Juvenile crime is a very complex issue
Francis Sullivan

Juvenile crime is a very complex issue

When governments resort to ‘adult crime, adult time’ sentencing, they are shifting the blame onto children for the failure of adults to come to grips with the necessary policies and programs to tackle youth crime.

Message from the Editor
Catriona Jackson

Message from the Editor

First of all my thanks to those who've already made a donation to our end of year fundraiser. As many of you know we are absolutely independent and fund operations purely through the generosity of the Pearls and Irritations community.

What science tells us about Earth’s changing climate
Aditya Sengupta,  Andrew King

What science tells us about Earth’s changing climate

As leaders leave Brazil and the 2025 UN climate summit draws to a close, it's worth reflecting on what science says about Earth’s climate – what’s changing, why it’s happening, and where we’re heading next.



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