Pearls and Irritations is an Australian platform for the exchange of ideas from a progressive, liberal perspective, with an emphasis on peace and justice.

We publish informed analysis and commentary on issues that matter to Australians, with a focus on politics, public policy, foreign policy and world affairs, defence and security, the economy, media, the arts and religion.

Who we are

John Menadue AO

John Menadue AO is the founder and editor-in-chief of Pearls and Irritations. He has had a distinguished career in the private sector and in public service. He was CEO of Qantas, Managing Director of News Limited, and Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet under both Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser. He was also Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Secretary of the Department of Trade. He was Australia’s Ambassador to Japan.

Peter Sainsbury

Peter Sainsbury is a retired public health physician and past president of the Public Health Association of Australia and the Climate and Health Alliance. He contributes to P&I on climate, energy, health and social policy issues.

Our contributors

Our contributors include former prime ministers, politicians, public servants, academics and experts in their fields, as well as new and emerging voices.

Editorial policy

We welcome original articles that are well written and evidence-based. We do not publish opinion pieces that simply repeat what is available in mainstream media.

Articles should be between 800 and 1,200 words.

We do not publish articles that have been published elsewhere, although we occasionally republish with permission articles that we believe deserve wider circulation.

For permission to translate and republish our content, please contact editor@johnmenadue.com.

Republishing our content

Other publications are welcome to reproduce our original articles with a link and acknowledgement to Pearls and Irritations. Changes to our articles cannot be made without our agreement.

Please contact editor@johnmenadue.com.