The critical issue in the May 2025 election is likely to be about the rising costs of living, with competing views about whether the Labor Party is responsible for them and which of the major parties is most likely to address them. There is a rational basis for the widespread feeling that standards of living Continue reading »
politics
Two weeks ago, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel published a report, “More than a human can bear”: Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence since 7 October 2023. Our report finds that Israel has increasingly employed sexual, Continue reading »
Pearls and Irritations editor-in-chief John Menadue talks to Pascal Lottez of Neutrality Studies about Western misconceptions of China and the narrative that has led to a very poor understanding of the biggest power in Asia. Australian Icon EXPOSES Racist White-Man-Media Narrative. Real Threat Is USA | John Menadue Today I’m talking to John Menadue, one Continue reading »
Public commentary on Peter Dutton’s possible referendum on a ministerial discretion to deprive dual nationals of their Australian citizenship has focused on whether or not this is just a thought bubble and whether or not it is politically wise to be holding yet another referendum. The real issue goes much deeper, to the merits of Continue reading »
Why does a government release a highly critical report on the conduct of Woolworths and Coles on the Friday before a budget that will lead straight into an election campaign? Short answer: not for any worthy reason. One worthy reason could have been to show Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers really wanted to do Continue reading »
Since the Trump administration took the reins in the United States and its actions have heralded in a bold new uncertain order, long-term calls for Australia to pull out of AUKUS have been gaining traction. Yet, a recent development in the Northern Territory suggests that, as the US now operates of its accord on this Continue reading »
The Rockliff Government’s financial mess in Tasmania has been well explained by economist Saul Eslake, independent MLC Ruth Forrest, and others paying attention. It is now canvassing the sale of government assets in a desperate attempt to copy the errors of other governments rather than address causes. State governments have an obvious financial constraint governed Continue reading »
Israel has begun the final stage of its genocide. The Palestinians will be forced to choose between death or deportation. There are no other options. This is the last chapter of the genocide. It is the final, blood-soaked push to drive the Palestinians from Gaza. No food. No medicine. No shelter. No clean water. No Continue reading »
DOGE claims it’s not an “agency” that has to comply with FOIA. We don’t buy it — and so far judges haven’t, either.
The post DOGE Keeps Trying to Dodge the Freedom of Information Act. So We’re Suing. appeared first on The Intercept.
The passing of the Early Childhood Education and Care (Three-Day Guarantee) Bill 2025 marks a major shift in Australia’s early childhood education and care system. For the first time, tens of thousands of children who were previously excluded from early learning will have access to at least three days of subsidised care each week (72 Continue reading »