In commemorating firefighters as heroes, we can fall into the danger of overstating their ability to control fires, absolving ourselves of responsibility.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Politics – Articles, Analysis, Comment
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The introduction of the GST got off to a wobbly start, but has since become accepted as the Australian way of paying for things.
Since the second world war, every generation has worried that children are spoilt, cosseted, or being corrupted by new technologies. But, on many measures, today’s children are doing just fine.
Active supervision of children at public pools is crucial. But with a few creative policy interventions, we can make it easier for solo parents to visit the pool with kids in tow.
The Tariff Board was told that if women could buy music that was cheap they would buy music that was dirty.
The idealisation of Mary as a virgin has created a misguided and deeply damaging relationship between sex and sin within the Christian church.
Giving small gifts to children has become common around the world, though nowhere has Hanukkah reached the level of commercialisation that it has in the US.
British Columbia’s new law requires its parliament to align all laws with the UN declaration on indigenous rights. New Zealand and Australia should watch closely to see what it could mean for them.
I’d hoped to keep my absence nice and private, especially from those quiet Australians fighting fires. Regrettably, despite best efforts, my press office wasn’t able to keep a lid on the story.
Widespread protests have broken out against India’s Citizenship Amendment Act, which sanctions the recasting of India as a Hindu nation where minorities, especially Muslims, are second-class citizens.
In the Trump era, one crisis – even one as grave as impeachment – is simply replaced by another. In more tranquil times such crises may spell the end of a presidency – but not so in the age of Trump.
As British courts this week hear arguments for and against the Wikileaks founder’s extradition to the US, the questions about journalism, the law and freedom of speech it raises are vital ones.
While the long-awaited Thodey Report makes many sensible recommendations, the detail is often missing and the analysis weak. And the government’s response rules out key reforms.
Grattan and Martin on the year that was, in politics and economics
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Michelle Grattan sits down with The Conversation's economic editor Peter Martin for a chat about the year that was, and to answer readers' questions.
At what point does good-natured inebriation become criminally-tinged intoxication?
The draft New Zealand cannabis law proposes a ban on advertising, but includes no reference to marketing via social media, where most alcohol marketing now takes place.
Farmers seeking relief from the drought and firefighters stretched to their limits have turned to crowdfunding for help. But public appeal shouldn’t replace good governance.
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Mathias Cormann and Jim Chalmers on the mid-year budget update
The Conversation, CC BY29.7 MB (download)
The figures indicate a worsening economy, but the government has sought to put a positive spin on the situation, saying the Australian economy is showing resilience.
The tragedy at Whakaari/White Island highlights the need for consent forms to ensure tourists are fully informed when choosing to visit dangerous locations.
The projected surplus has been revised down from A$7.1 billion at budget time to $5 billion for this financial year.
In the societies the Bible was written in, masculinity was the ideal. So it’s astonishing there are moments of gender subversion and gender diversity found in the Bible’s pages.
The election means Britain will Leave the European Union by January 31 under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, which was blocked by the previous parliament.
Johnson is back at No 10- but British voters may be in for a rude shock when they realise his is a much tougher and more conservative agenda than many believe.
A proposal to ensure changes to the machinery of government “are well planned and evaluated” received short shrift.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini and Michelle Grattan on the big issues which have shaped political discourse.