Marches, demonstrations, civic unrest, attacks by law enforcement and the military on protesting civilians: The parallels between the summer of 1932 and what is happening currently are striking.
A law to fast-track development consents is being fast-tracked itself. Before it’s too late, politicians should insist on greater protection against long-term environmental damage.
After a disastrous performance during the summer’s bushfires, Morrison has been a stronger leader on the global health crisis. But another great challenge – the economic one – is still ahead.
New Zealand’s 2020 budget must not only provide economic hope, it must balance the very different ideologies and aspirations of two earlier historic budgets.
Grattan institute estimates suggest that up to 26% of the workforce – 3.4 million Australians – are likely be thrown out of work as a direct result of the shutdown.
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.
Some economists are predicting joblessness to surpass the record level experienced at the height of the Great Depression as 22 million people file for unemployment benefits.
The ‘tough guy’ is a cultural archetype that political leaders have long adopted. But during crises, Americans tend to look for a different kind of hero.
In 1931, the NSW government passed landmark legislation reducing rents by 22.5% and banning evictions indefinitely. The reforms, however, were short-lived and many people ended up in tent cities.
On March 12, 1933, President Roosevelt addressed the nation from the Oval Office during a time of great crisis. That ‘fireside chat’ proved broadcasting’s power as nothing before or since.