Dutton has been deeply offended


Peter Dutton has had a rough few weeks. Firstly he was "deeply offended" when he was called a rape apologist. He said so in court, where he was suing Shane Bazzi, an unemployed refugee advocate. Mr Bazzi used Twitter to make his comment. I suspect that many Twitter readers agreed with him, but that is … Continue reading Dutton has been deeply offended →

The state of our democracy


In general, there is still overwhelming support for representative democracy but with a focus on making the representative system of government more representative of the people they serve, and accountable and responsive to their constituents underpinned by integrity politics which are “cleaner”, “collaborative” and “evidence-based”. Mark Evans, Director, Democracy 2025 Terrifying, really. If those qualities … Continue reading The state of our democracy →

Would you like voter suppression with that?


Many Australians are still mightily impressed with the state of our nation, especially when we compare it with our rich and powerful ally, the USA. We have managed to somehow avoid the utter chaos and devastation, which they have endured now, for close to two years, during a once in a century pandemic. Our Government(s) … Continue reading Would you like voter suppression with that? →

Scott puts in a Barry Crocker (shocker) in Glasgow


Scott Morrison has somehow imposed himself on the Australian consciousness like an annoying jingle, or even like that awful and embarrassing uncle who continues to turn up at family gatherings. We can now include Rome and Glasgow amongst the places where he has purported to represent us, so that most of the thinking universe now … Continue reading Scott puts in a Barry Crocker (shocker) in Glasgow →

Australia’s lost decade on everything, including climate


Scott Morrison has had a tough few years. First there was The Great Bush-fire Debacle. He went on holiday in Hawaii. Nothing wrong with that, you might say. Except that he tried to hide the fact that he was away. When he was sprung, he made all sorts of excuses, but in his own special … Continue reading Australia’s lost decade on everything, including climate →

Inequality leads to starving our children


Australia has had a chequered past, when it comes to looking after our most vulnerable. The history of our treatment of the First Australians is dark, and shameful. But in what could be an exercise in 'black humour', we now have a non-discriminatory policy towards all who are poor. This means that we have Government … Continue reading Inequality leads to starving our children →

The Pandemic Diaries-will he or won’t he?


October 12, 2021 The country is on a knife edge. We are all wondering if Scott Morrison will go to Glasgow, or will he not? He is presumably going through a long, dark night of the soul, deciding whether to represent Australia at this, the most important international conference, which just might light the way … Continue reading The Pandemic Diaries-will he or won’t he? →

The Aussie Pandemic Diaries


Date: October 6, 2021 Another week of cynicism, lies, prevarication and obfuscation. We should have a unique page in the thesaurus for the many ways we can label public discourse in Australian public life. Today Dan Tehan arrived in Paris. Yes, slow talking Dan, who is our Trade Minister. He is going to try and … Continue reading The Aussie Pandemic Diaries →

The pre-election checklist


Scott Morrison has been Prime Minister since 24 August 2018. That is now more than three years, during which time the country has struggled to understand his motives, and really to accept him. He has also presumably taken off his training wheels, but he has been unable to grow in the job of Prime Minister. … Continue reading The pre-election checklist →

Another farcical week in Australian politics


The last week has thrown up some thorny political issues. Firstly there was Christian Porter, thinking it was okay to accept bucket loads of cash, from anonymous donors, to pay a personal account. As the previous Minister in charge of drafting the National Integrity Commission bill, one would hope that he would understand what those … Continue reading Another farcical week in Australian politics →