This is the first of three articles discussing how the benefits of technological progress are shared, and thus determine the distribution of income and influence our economic and social structures. This first article focuses on how these benefits have been shared historically. Throughout history the growth in living standards has come from increasing productivity and Continue reading »
Economy
When she introduced the first NDIS legislation to the House of Representatives in 2012 Prime Minister Julia Gillard said it was to replace “A system that metes out support rationed by arbitrary budget allocations, not real human needs”. It was a radical break with other forms of welfare assistance because it put the human rights Continue reading »
Despite challenges, including the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and structural concerns, voices from within the business community underscore a robust economic outlook. Having lived in Beijing, China’s capital, for more than 10 years, it does not surprise me to see people hurry to work with cups of Starbucks coffee. The coffee-drinking culture has Continue reading »
One month ago, three Extinction Rebellion protesters led by Deana ‘Violet’ Coco blocked the Westgate Bridge to deliver a desperate plea to all Australians. ‘Climate Breakdown has Begun.’ ‘Declare a Climate Emergency!’ they urged. Despite 1.15 degrees of warming confirmed in 2022 and the drastic effects of climate change currently affecting global communities, the Federal Continue reading »
A criminal is one who seriously breaks the law. By that measure Albanese, Dutton and most pollies across Australia are criminals together with their supporters. Human laws can be broken and repaired with a gaol term or a fine. Nature’s laws cannot be broken without continuing adverse consequences which cannot be repaired, and which persist Continue reading »
Chris Grey disentangles the myriad alarming claims being made about 'special economic zones' and freeports in order to focus on the real risks
The Conservatives may be hoping that 'something will turn up' to ease the inevitable – but they are also giving Labour time to prepare for power and form a bedrock of support, writes Mike Buckley
I see humanity as at the mouth of a very long, very dark tunnel. And right at the end of that tunnel, there’s a little star that’s hope. And it’s no good sitting at the mouth of the tunnel folding our arms and hoping that the star will come. I travel around the world 300 Continue reading »
The contribution of nuclear power to electricity generation is the lowest for thirty years and its price twice that of renewables. It crackles like a Geiger counter in a uranium mine: in 2023, Emmanuel Macron announced plans for six additional EPR [European Pressurised Reactor] nuclear power plants. Hang on, no, perhaps fourteen in the long Continue reading »
On 12th March, IPAN ACT held a webinar in Canberra entitled AUKUS and Military Escalation – Who pays and who benefits? View the must-watch speeches from Alan Behm, Hugh White, Sue Wareham and Michelle Fahy below. Allan Behm (You can read the text of his speech previously published in Pearls and Irritations here). Prof. Hugh Continue reading »