• Science and Technology

    Another Earth?


    Alan Stevenson |  February 11, 2025


    The search for alien life in our galaxy – and UFOs in our skies – is a constant source of intrigue and discussion, and while the more lurid tales of visitation may be dismissed, the chances of finding life out there appear to be increasing.


  • Infrastructure

    Housing on the election agenda


    Open Forum |  February 11, 2025


    New research from Redbridge for the Community Housing Industry Association and PowerHousing Australia shows an expansion of low cost rental housing will be a vote changing political issue at the upcoming federal election.


  • Society

    High on data


    Open Forum |  February 11, 2025


    As more Australian jurisdictions begin drug checking trials at festivals and in the community, experts are exploring how the data could reach more people to minimise harm.


Latest Story

  • More than a gesture required

    Liam Gillespie     |      February 10, 2025

    Higher penalties for violence and bans on Nazi gestures must be accompanied by broader action to deal with the underlying social, political and cultural conditions that have enabled groups like the NSN to emerge.

  • Are tax breaks broken?

    Kerrie Sadiq     |      February 10, 2025

    Tax breaks for businesses are designed to encourage investment and economic growth, but – apart from filling the nation’s roads with aggressive Ute drivers – do they really work?

  • We three kings

    Eric Storm     |      February 10, 2025

    The United States should be a bulwark against the oppressive authoritarianism and aggressive imperialism of Russia and China but, with the election of Donald Trump, the attitude seems to be ‘if you can’t beat them, join them.’

  • Confronting anti-semitic terrorism in Australia

    Michael Pezzullo     |      February 9, 2025

    The spate of attacks on Jewish people and properties in Australian cities, and the threat of an even more serious terrorist atrocity in the future, demands a firm and coordinated response from the Australian people, as well as its government, police and security services.

  • Misunderstanding the butterfly effect

    Milad Haghani     |      February 9, 2025

    Over the next 50 years, the so-called “butterfly effect” captivated the public imagination. It has appeared in movies, books, motivational and inspirational speeches, and even casual conversation but most of its users misunderstand the point it is making.

  • The joys of literary journeys

    Edwina Preston     |      February 9, 2025

    The best way to travel the world can be with the help of a few good books from the comfort of one’s armchair.

  • On military service

    Tom McDermott     |      February 8, 2025

    Military service has developed a checkered reputation in modern society, but it can still develop the values of humanity, empathy and compassion rather than degrading them.

  • Truth in political advertising

    Yee-Fui Ng     |      February 8, 2025

    Misleading political advertisements in the lead-up to an election campaign are perfectly legal and already being used to shape the outcome of the coming federal election.

  • Exploring Japan’s disaster parks

    Ai Tashiro     |      February 8, 2025

    Japan’s “disaster prevention parks” preserve and pass on memories of earthquakes and other disasters to future generations.

  • All aboard the caravan

    Michelle Grattan     |      February 7, 2025

    The battle to contain antisemitism in Australia has seen some swift changes of political opinion as new laws are passed to punish antisemetic incitement and violence.

  • Go south, young man

    Yuming Guo     |      February 7, 2025

    A Monash University research team has developed the world’s first index of environmental health risks by mapping Australian geographical locations against local environmental risks and associated causes of death.

  • A green light for AI

    Open Forum     |      February 7, 2025

    New Zealand and Flinders University experts have deployed artificial intelligence and 3D laser scanning to accurately map planted pine forests for most of New Zealand’s North Island.