Peter Whiteford, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
Unemployment and related payments for working-age people were given a welcome boost in last year’s budget. But they remain well below pensions, and far from adequate.
The inquiry into justice responses to sexual violence is taking a holistic approach, which is a welcome step in the right direction. But there’s still elements missing from the terms of reference.
While regulating some AI applications is a step in the right direction, Australians would be better off with more ongoing expert advice and more regulation.
The government has released a review of the employment services system. The scathing indictment has found the current system doesn’t serve the interests of jobseekers or employers.
The Australian government has promised to crack down on companies that aren’t prepared to defend themselves against cyber crime, but their proposed new laws may offer those same businesses a reprieve.
In the 1970s, the Anti-Cancer Council launched a concerted, evidence-based public health campaign to end tobacco advertising – and many of their strategies could be used today on gambling advertising.
The Voice to Parliament is an advisory body, which means neither parliament nor the government is legally required to give effect to its representations.
Two more COVID-19 vaccines may now be on the cards for Australia, should they pass clinical trials. But, as with earlier vaccine deals, there are no guarantees.
In the past decade, the Australian government has commissioned data analytics projects worth more than A$200 million. We have little information about what they involved.
Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne