A new directive from the army chief banning death symbols has earned him harsh criticism, but his view is more about respect for the gravity of solders' tasks than political correctness.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
The government is pinning its hopes on making this election all about tax – casting itself as champion of lower tax and Labor as signed up to what Morrison dubs the "high tax club".
The financial oligarchies differ from other kidnappers by being silent about their power over institutions and policies – they don't want to alert anyone to what they have done.
A new book on so-called 'new power' can help us understand transformations in journalism like increased collaboration and use of digital technologies for investigative journalism.
The incoming Chief of the Defence Force, Angus Campbell, will need to focus his attentions on an array of conventional and non-conventional security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
Among all things Anzac, the contribution of women is becoming more complicated and controversial.
At Gallipoli this Anzac Day, thousands of Turkish youth will re-enact a march that stopped the Anzac advance in 1915. The march has taken on new significance in Turkey since an attempted coup in 2016.
Politics podcast: Robert Kelly on the Korean summits.
CC BY27 MB (download)
Professor Robert Kelly is pessimistic about how much the upcoming Korean summits will achieve this Friday.
Malcolm Turnbull may have lost 31 consecutive Newspolls, but the latest result shows a narrowing between the two major parties, and the Coalition's best performance since September 2016.
The end of denuclearisation politics has opened new possibilities for the direction of the Korean Peninsula, but the tensions of 2017 remind us of the possibility of disaster.
Media reporting on women in the military plays an important role in cultural change. Recent research shows Australian newspapers focus on scandal and place responsibility on the women involved.
Recent research found that members of the public have four common explanations for paedophilia or child sexual abuse. But the reality is more complex, with multiple causes often at work.
Michelle Grattan speaks to University of Canberra's Deep Saini about the week in Australian politics.
If states are permitted to determine when force is warranted, outside the existing legal framework, the legitimacy of that framework may be fatally undermined.
Wallaby and Waratahs player Israel Folau's recent comments about gay people are just one example of the homophobia in Australian sport. Recent research suggests the problem is widespread.
A national legal framework for accreditation and authorisation could prevent the growth of fake assistance animal users.
The most morally monstrous actions might work as deterrents but be unacceptable morally even to the most casual conscience.
The online abuse of women by men is underpinned by the same gender norms and power structures as rape and sexual assault.
From Morrison's point of view, McCormack's imagery was totally out of whack with his desired framing. Even within the Nationals there is some criticism of the leader for being inept.
Research and News
Treasurer Scott Morrison will argue that a stronger budget outlook means the increase in the Medicare levy is no longer required.
Up to now, both government and opposition were anxious to stay in step.
Wood's call follows NSW Liberal and former health minister Sussan Ley declaring the trade should cease.
Fifield said that no matter who was the responsible party, the complaints figures were too high. "The current model for protecting consumers needs reform".
Dealing with cannabis is basically a state matter but the Greens propose an Australian Cannabis Agency be set up to bring together state and territory governments, experts and regulators.
Campbell replaces the present chief, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, 58, who will retire from the ADF.
On Friday the Agriculture department announced it had suspended the supply of sheep to a Qatar abattoir after seeing footage provided by Animals Australia.
Under the proposal, homeowners would be able to borrow up to 60% of the value of their property directly from the Reserve Bank.
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Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s political power stemmed from the visceral connection she was able to make between the lives of the oppressed black people and her own.
Cities
In the 1970s, both Kyoto and Melbourne made fateful decisions about their transport networks. Melbourne today enjoys the benefits of trams, while Kyoto lives with the consequences of losing them.
Democracy Futures
The financial oligarchies differ from other kidnappers by being silent about their power over institutions and policies – they don't want to alert anyone to what they have done.
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Social media
Human rights abuses might be embedded in the business model that has evolved for social media companies in their second decade.
Social policy
Despite a public focus on punitive approaches to welfare fraud, the number of social security fraud prosecutions has fallen in recent years.
Federal politics
Tim Storer has one hell of a decision to make shortly after the May budget, when the government plans to bring back its legislation to give tax cuts to big business.
Sport
If the Australian cricketers involved in a ball-tampering scandal manage to return to the game, and do so triumphantly, it is likely they will be forgiven – and some may even forget their role in it.
Housework
Housework is typically thought of as a gendered or economic exchange, but a new study emphasises the role played by the knowledge we gain about our partner over the course of a relationship.
Religion
What would our church and society look like if we were confronted with the reality that the body hung on the cross was brown?
Russia
Australia has joined its allies in expelling Russian diplomats as retaliation for a nerve-agent attack on a former Russian agent and his daughter. But the action is unlikely to trouble Russia.
Asylum seekers
As countries compete to deter asylum seekers, there's a vicious cycle in which governments seek to outdo each other by implementing progressively more restrictive policies.
Sexual harassment
It's important to differentiate between various forms of sexual violence to punish perpetrators appropriately, and to help those affected to label and describe their experiences.
LGBTI rights
The government's review of religious freedom protections must ensure that any additional protection of religious freedom does not further undermine the right to non-discrimination.
#MeToo
#MeToo drew attention to sexual harassment in the workplace. But we are still overlooking other forms of discrimination and the insidious impact of sexual harassment on women's identities.
George Pell
George Pell's current committal hearing engages the principle of 'open justice' and some of its most important exceptions.
History
Peter Dutton’s call for 'civilised nations' to rescue white South African farmers draws explicitly on a long history of equating civilisation with a global white identity.
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Most Read past week
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- The causes of paedophilia and child sexual abuse are more complex than the public believes
- Gallipoli commemorations of Turkish youth tell us much about politics in Turkey
- How misogyny, narcissism and a desperate need for power make men abuse women online
- Poll wrap: Labor’s Newspoll lead narrows federally and in Victoria
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