This week, we finally see religious discrimination debated on the floor of federal parliament. But what do voters actually think about the issues behind the bill?
Australia is a long way from New York and Washington DC, but 9/11 was a seismic event for our country. For one thing, it has reshaped our ideas about criminal responsibility
Some MPs will be be allowed to attend the chamber via video link this week. This is a ‘big leap’ when it comes to improving access to parliament.
Independent MP Cathy McGowan recently introduced a private member’s bill for the introduction of a national integrity commission, adding to pressure on the government.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The proposed integrity commission is an improvement on the patchwork of mechanisms in place now, but does not go nearly far enough to prevent and investigate corruption.
It has been widely assumed that any dual citizenship problems are confined to the federal parliament. But that may need a rethink.
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While all the attention has been on section 44 of the Australian Consitution, some state constitutions may require closer scrutiny as well.
It is inconsistent with Australia’s religious diversity for federal parliament to have official prayers based on one particular religious denomination.
AAP/Lukas Coch