Years 5-7 typically include the transition from primary to secondary but the reading slowdown can't just be blamed on this, because numeracy progress has improved. So what's going on with reading?
Charges against Yang appear to relate to his work as a writer and blogger in which he has been sharply critical of the Chinese regime.
Facebook
Yang's detainment is set to further complicate Australia's relationship with China.
Two universities are conducting internal reviews of research collaborations linked to the suppression and surveillance of the Uyghur minority in western China.
Tracey Nearmy/AAP
China’s aggressive program of acquiring technology from abroad should be a cause of concern for Australian universities. Yet, our system of vetting research collaborations is clearly broken.
For bachelor degrees, the pass rates between international and domestic students are similar. But a more complex picture emerges in the postgraduate space.
from shutterstock.com
International and domestic students have similar pass rates at the undergraduate level, but this shouldn't be our only concern.
Australia could be breaching its international legal obligations if it is not fairly assessing asylum seekers who apply for protection at customs.
BRENDAN ESPOSITO/AAP
Australia's immigration department doesn't keep a record of the number of people applying for asylum at airports. This means there is no oversight over the treatment of those seeking protection.
Roundup is the most common weed killer used worldwide.
from shutterstock.com
A US court recently ruled the weed killer Roundup contributed to a former gardener's cancer. Juries don't decide science. The weight of evidence shows Roundup has little association with cancer.
Most aged-care residents don’t feel like they are loved or belong in their facility.
from shutterstock.com
Older people living in residential aged care often have few friends, no meaningful interactions and feel socially isolated. Most people are depressed and some may no longer wish to live.
The rules make it hard to make reasonable money providing a reasonable service.
Shutterstock
Australia's aged care sector is in trouble. Our experts have previously explored the complex aspects of the system, exposing where the problems are, and have been for some time.
Specialists making their fees publicly available is one way to rein in rogue practices.
from shutterstock.com
Australia is the only country in the OECD that allows specialists complete freedom to set their own fees. This puts patients at risk – but the government can help protect them.
The sugar industry has a lot of influence over health policy.
from shutterstock.com
Australia needs a sugar tax, as part of a broader national nutrition policy, to combat the obesity crisis. And the sugar industry is getting in the way.
The sugar industry has employed various tactics to influence health policy in its favour.
from shutterstock.com
Tonight, Four Corners looks at the tactics Big Sugar has used to influence health policy. Here's our pick of five analysis pieces that will get you informed on the issue before the program airs.
A Fairfax/ATO investigation suggests the tax office has broken the trust of taxpayers.
www.shutterstock.com
A Four Corners/Fairfax investigation shows the need for an advisory board to make sure that tax officers are accountable as part of the Taxpayers' charter.
NBN delivery is variable across different states, but also within the same local council areas.
from www.shutterstock.com
This week’s ABC Four Corners episode investigated contamination at defence force sites and surrounding aquifers with chemicals called perfluoroalkyl acids or PFAAs. Around 18 sites are reported to be affected…
What may be deemed in the public interest today may not be so in a decade’s time.
shutterstock
Despite arguments that it is too loose, ambiguous and easy to hide behind, the 'public interest' is an integral part of the discourse, law, regulation and governance of modern democracies.
Irrigation pumps along the Barwon River in New South Wales.
AAP Image/Dean Lewins
The system that allocates water use in Australia's largest river basin relies on a shared commitment by states to uphold the rules. New allegations of water theft threaten to break that trust.
Retirement village contracts are too complex for even some financial advisers.
AAP/ Paul Miller
While retirement villages aren't regulated like an insurance company, their contracts are essentially insurance policies. This puts the risk on retirees.