• Artificial Intelligence

    Welcome to your friendly local chatbot


    Open Forum |  March 29, 2024


    QUT researchers have homed in on AI-powered chatbots in the local government sector to look at their benefits and risks, what they are used for and why, and how users view them.


  • Transport

    Car wars


    Open Forum |  March 29, 2024


    Medical pressure group Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) have called for the cross bench to reject the watered down and delayed fuel efficiency standard proposed by the Federal Government, and urged it to protect the health of Australians by requiring tougher vehicle fleet standards.


  • Energy

    The hidden costs of coal mines’ unquenchable thirst


    Open Forum |  March 29, 2024


    Investors and shareholders in Australian coal mining could feel the pinch as water-related risks increase amid worsening climate change impacts, tighter regulations and growing community opposition.


Latest Story

  • How to talk to your children about sexual assault

    Paul Dillon     |      December 13, 2017

    The #metoo campaign is encouraging more and more women to come forward and tell their stories about sexual assault and harassment. Drug education expert Paul Dillon writes that this is a perfect opportunity for parents to discuss the issue of sexual assault with their children.

  • Inter-country adoption – a decade of decline

    Nigel Holden     |      December 12, 2017

    Inter-country adoption has become an increasingly challenging pathway to parenthood for Australians. Fewer adoptions, longer waiting periods, and a greater percentage of children with complex and special needs are now the norm. Adoption advocate Nigel Holden shares his experience of becoming a father through inter-country adoption.

  • Australia sprints into the space race

    Andrew Masterson     |      December 11, 2017

    The announcement of the first Australian space agency was greeted with enthusiasm by many who look forward to the research and economic opportunities it promises, writes Cosmos Magazine’s Andrew Masterson.

  • High-growth firms are driving Australia’s economy

    Emmanuel Njuguna     |      December 8, 2017

    Innovation is a key driver of firm growth, according to new evidence presented in the recently released Australian Innovation System Report.

  • Use it or lose it – the ageing activist

    Alan Stevenson     |      December 8, 2017

    Engaging in community work after retirement, leads to great benefits for both the volunteer and society. After many years working in the computer industry, Alan Stevenson decided to share his knowledge. He explains both the challenges and the rewards he has faced, teaching an ageing population.

  • Good habits for good environment

    Lisa Novoradovskaya     |      December 7, 2017

    Environmental damage will considerably impact generations to come. Lisa Novoradovskaya, PhD student at Curtin University, WA, explains how changing behaviours by promoting proper habits could improve our health and environment.

  • Questioning the NDIS

    Diana Palmer     |      December 6, 2017

    The NDIS will only support around 400,000 people with disability, yet there are 3.96 million people with disability in Australia. Diana Palmer from IDEAS questions what will happen to those remaining – especially when they no longer have access to information about the services they need?

  • Your chance to support AccessAbility Day

    Open Forum     |      December 5, 2017

    Australian businesses can explore the benefits of employing more people with disabilities on an AccessAbility Day from December 4th to 8th.

  • Climate & energy – appeasement does not work

    Ian Dunlop     |      December 4, 2017

    Until climate drives energy policy, there will never be the certainty for investment, reliability, security and affordability. Ian Dunlop, former chair of the Australian Coal Association, discusses the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) and the profound implications of repeating the past.

  • International Day of People with Disability

    Jamie-Lee Dwyer     |      December 3, 2017

    Today is International Day of People with Disability. Open Forum asked young writer Jamie-Lee Dwyer to comment on this year’s theme of ‘transformation towards a sustainable and resilient society for all’.

  • A national day is an inclusive day – it must be positive for everybody

    Dominic O'Sullivan     |      December 1, 2017

    Triple J’s decision to move its annual Hottest 100 countdown from Australia Day has sparked early debate over the significance of our national day. Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan from Charles Sturt University considers the arguments for changing Australia’s national day.

  • Protecting the New Frontier

    Catherine Fritz-Kalish     |      November 30, 2017

    A new GAP taskforce report warns about the vulnerability of Australian businesses to cyber attacks and calls for more research, better education and higher standards to harden Australia against criminal intrusions. GAP managing director Catherine Fritz-Kalish introduces the recommendations.