Politics
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More winning suggestions for Labor to take on board
Our recent 10-point plan for an ALP victory at the next election prompted a reaction that shows many voters desperately want Labor to stand for something. Continue reading »
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Morrison’s mistakes may be the making of a better system of governance
As the nation contemplates life beyond the Coalition, it becomes possible to imagine a retreat from over-powerful government, writes Jack Waterford. Continue reading »
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Dave Sharma, the very model of a Wentworth modern Liberal
Preparing for a tough election battle, federal Liberal MP Dave Sharma massages the truth on the government’s climate action for Wentworth’s voters. Continue reading »
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It’s about opportunity: a lesson on capitalism for the party of capitalism
Morrison’s theme that can-do capitalism beats don’t-do government is nonsense. Labor can respond by exalting government’s role, writes Michael Keating. Continue reading »
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It’s time for Morrison to consider his legacy as electoral wilderness looms
The prime minister may not be able to save his electoral skin, but he can help the Coalition to become a competent opposition, writes Jack Waterford. Continue reading »
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Paying the piper: the lobbyists who need to be rigorously controlled
Australia’s lobbying laws only apply to a small part of the lobbying industry, do not identify who is lobbying who and the sanctions are laughable. Continue reading »
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Sunday environmental round up.
Coal region residents want economic transition. Plastic becoming a significant producer of CO2. Illegal logging and fishing in Myanmar and Mexico. Continue reading »
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One word can sum up our government today: kakistocracy
Kakistocracy is government by the least competent — its hallmarks are ineptitude and corruption. This will ring true for many Australian voters. Continue reading »
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Curing the climate: with ‘can-do’ capitalism, what possibly can go wrong?
Just 100 corporations account for 70 per cent of global carbon emissions. Time their contribution to the climate crisis was given greater prominence. Continue reading »
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The contemptible prosecution of Bernard Collaery is an assault on the rule of law
The Coalition’s vindictive legal campaign reveals its contempt for democratic rights and shows how easily prosecution can slide into persecution. Continue reading »
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The integrity vacuum in our federal politics — and how to fix it
The rejection of ethical and accountability standards that is undermining our political system has left voters cynical: here’s a package of reforms that will restore trust and protect our democracy. Continue reading »
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Our democracy is damaged — only progressive independents can repair it
Voter trust in the major political parties is virtually non-existent — independent candidates can restore the grassroots values that have been abandoned. Continue reading »
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Surge in independent candidates illustrates mistrust of the party system
A report into the state of Australian politics should serve as a wake-up call for the major parties — and anyone who cares about the nation’s future. Continue reading »
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Tackling Jacindamania: Kiwi opposition looks for a better way to fly
Who can break Ardern’s grip on the New Zealand leadership? The National Party hopes a conservative business heavyweight will break its run of failure. Continue reading »
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Our two-party system is corrupt — vote for decency instead
Next year, voters will be able to toss out party politicians and embrace candidates with a record of integrity and commitment to the future. Continue reading »
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For the prime minister, self-delusion now an ingrained tic
Scott Morrison isn’t the only chronic liar in politics. He might not even be the worst. But he’s doing further damage by refusing to admit any error. Continue reading »
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How Scott Morrison is trashing the Liberal brand
Scott Morrison’s personality and style has infected the whole government — the sclerosis and the lack of flexibility on general positions is now built-in. Continue reading »
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The prime minister’s attack on the NSW ICAC is wholly unjustified
The Coalition’s proposal for a national integrity commission shows an arrogant and contemptuous disdain for community demands such a body. Continue reading »
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Andrew Podger- Public servant Angie McKenzie as FOI act delegate has no right to anonymity from Senator Rex Patrick
Senator Rex Patrick may have gone too far in personalising his criticism of Angie McKenzie but, as the delegate making the decision regarding his request for documents under the FOI Act, she has no right to anonymity. Continue reading »
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A 10-point winning strategy for Labor
The Albanese-led Opposition is having trouble cutting through to voters despite the Morrison government’s corruption and waste — here’s a plan to turn things around. Continue reading »
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The Coalition champions small government — except when it doesn’t
The Morrison government’s claims that it opposes state intervention are undercut by its controlling actions across welfare, education and security. Continue reading »
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Sunday environmental round up.
On land and sea, humans need to do a better job protecting the environment … and our rights to enjoy healthy environments. Continue reading »
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United Australia Party is invoking freedom to win votes. So is the prime minister
‘Freedom’ has been a rallying point for those disaffected by Covid restrictions, and Clive Palmer’s UAP is trying to capitalise on it. Continue reading »
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Patronising, populist and ignorant: another Morrison election speech
The prime minister’s recent comments to an Australian-Indian audience displayed either an ignorance of history or a willingness to brush over inconvenient truths. Continue reading »
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When the truth is inconvenient: how lying allows politicians to propser
The truth is becoming increasingly unimportant in our politics and Parliament — and this bodes ill for civilised society and the survival of democracy. Continue reading »
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The small talk about Albanese and small targets is wrong
The notion that the federal Labor leader is running a small-target strategy ahead of next year’s election flies in the face of the facts. Continue reading »
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Australia diplomacy: how to lose friends and influence no one
Australia’s diplomatic missteps and lack of independence in foreign affairs and defence have brought a damaging loss of international trust. Continue reading »
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Voter ID another step on the road to US-style dysfunction
Requiring ID to vote has caused disenfranchisement in the US, and the government’s push for a similar law is aimed at suppressing the Labor vote. Continue reading »
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No island is an island anymore: the flaw in Morrison’s 2050 plan
There’s the emissions reduction modelling, and then there’s the reality. Guess which side the Australian government prefers? Continue reading »
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Jobs and a just transition can deliver climate ambition
After COP26, global social ambition will have to match that for the climate to secure a liveable world for all. Continue reading »
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