It has been another huge week in news, with coronavirus spikes in Melbourne, an investigation into former High Court judge Dyson Heydon, and a Labor plan for an energy policy framework.
While much attention was on the US this week, there was also an official acknowledgment that Australia is in recession, and a controversial HomeBuilder program to boost the economy.
Labor’s Jim Cairns was a vital leader against the war, typified by the May 1970 demonstrations. No politician since has played such a strong campaigning role.
It is almost impossible for asylum seekers held in detention to practise social distancing. For their protection, and that of the wider community, the government must take action now.
Rather than the absence of ideology, Liberals may be reverting to earlier forms of social liberalism that emphasise the common interests between labour and capital.
Given the market is not coping and the need for government to intervene is more apparent than ever, one might think the time for social democracy has come again. The reality, though, is not so simple.
The usual pretence that right-wing commentators are on the side of their audience falls away in times of crisis. They are on the side of business - particularly their own.
It is important government continue – and be able to be properly scrutinised – during this time of crisis, and the Australian Constitution allows it to be done electronically.
New Zealand will spend NZ$12.1 billion – or 4% of its GDP – to support businesses, increase benefits for seniors and low-income families, pay people in self-isolation, and boost health care capacity.
We’ve had books, films, plays, theme parks, bars and endless paraphernalia. But after more than 20 years of Harry Potter mania, its commercial spell might finally be waning.
Parliament’s first week for 2020 was a hectic one, with the fallout from the ‘sports rorts’ affair requiring a Cabinet reshuffle, and Adam Bandt being elected the new leader of The Greens.
Given the summer we have had, media acquiescence in climate change denial, and failure to follow the weight of scientific evidence, looks like culpability.
Millions of Australians far from the bushfires’ direct path have been affected by smoke haze. Here’s everything we know about the effects of bushfire smoke on our health.
The final parliamentary week for the year finished on a strange note with Angus Taylor’s dispute with an American writer. On the policy front, the medevac repeal went through and cuts to the public service were announced.
This may turn out to be a major threat to Australian security, but it is important that the political class – including the media – not overreact to the “China threat”.
Houses built more than 20 years ago are likely to be more vulnerable to bushfires than newer builds. But there are some simple and inexpensive ways to reduce your risk.