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.
Recent articles in Politics
24 November 2025
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.
24 November 2025
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.
24 November 2025
US foreign policy and Sudan: hypocrisy, incoherence and self-interest
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent remarks on Sudan appear empathetic – but they may reveal more about strategic positioning than genuine concern.
24 November 2025
Will AI kill the middle class?
When the creators of a new technology warn that it could destroy the primary engine of global growth of the past half a century, it’s worth paying attention
24 November 2025
David Lindenmayer, Bruce Chapman and John Mitchell: A rare win-win for climate, farming and biodiversity – if policymakers act
Restoring Australia's farm dams could slash emissions, improve water quality, boost livestock productivity, and enhance biodiversity – all at low cost.
24 November 2025
Net Zero and the metaphysics of anxiety in Australia
Net zero is not simply an environmental target. It has become a psychological and cultural anchor in a society that feels increasingly unstable.
24 November 2025
The China shift: Australia's universities in an age of suspicion
Over four decades, Australian universities developed strong teaching and research ties with China. But a wave of fear-driven policies and rising national security pressures has reshaped those relationships. Are we witnessing a retreat from engagement – or the start of a new era?
24 November 2025
Middle power moves: South Korea and the future of global governance
Is South Korea eyeing a new global order? A quiet debate is emerging over Seoul's potential alignment with a rising alternative to Western governance.
24 November 2025
Innovation talk, austerity walk: Australia’s failing science policy
Despite constant rhetoric about innovation, Australia is steadily dismantling its scientific capacity. Public schools, universities and the CSIRO are all under pressure – the result of decades of market-driven policy-making that prioritises short-term cost-cutting over long-term national capability.
23 November 2025
The UN embraces colonialism: the Security Council and the US Gaza plan
The Security Council's backing of the Trump plan for Gaza ignores international law, punishes the Palestinians, and rewards those responsible for genocide.
23 November 2025
Working with PM Fraser - parting words - Part 5 - Malcolm Fraser
John Menadue stayed on as the most senior public servant in the land, after the trauma of the Dismissal. In this five-part series he details what life was like working with PM Fraser. Given his closeness to Whitlam, some of his conclusions are surprising.
23 November 2025
No COP for Australia. No tears from me
Hosting a UN climate summit should be about global cooperation on combating climate change. Australia’s bid for COP31 reveals how far COP has drifted.
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