Half a dollar for healthier kids

Fifty cents per child per day is all it would take to improve the nutritional value of food at long daycare centres, according to new research from Edith Cowan University.

Manufacturing an opportunity from COVID-19

The post-COVID world could offer a golden moment to revive manufacturing in Australia’s cities, rather than continue to turn every industrial site into yet more apartments.

What price the arts?

Government proposals to increase the cost of arts and humanities degrees to encourage more students to study STEM and vocational subjects have not found favour with University arts departments.

Is it the end of ‘Big Australia’?

COVID-19 has ended the immigration boom. In Australia, the tide of overseas workers and students that has contributed to 25 years of economic growth has stopped dead in its tracks.

Looking back to glimpse the future

Monash historians and archaeologists take the opportunity to look at precedents for our current situation and find some consolation in our forebears’ pathways to recovery from the pandemic.

Time to kick alcohol adverts into touch

Australian sports are gearing up for action, but while the crowds will be limited, there will certainly be a new avalanche of alcohol adverts at every game and in the media, raising concerns about its effects on young people.

Wearing masks will help society recover

The World Health Organisation has reversed its earlier advice and now encourages everyone to wear a mask while outside. Wearing masks on public transport is now compulsory in many countries, and Australia should follow suit.

The ‘missing middle’ offers a new housing solution

The days of urban McMansions are numbered and a QUT architecture lecturer says the solution to more flexible, affordable housing lies between a large home and a unit – the ‘missing middle’.

Assessing COVID’s impact on pre-schooler mental health

The mental health of Australian pre-schoolers will be assessed in a survey on how they and their families are coping with coronavirus.

Helping fast-growing Pacific towns battle COVID-19

Pacific islands face unique challenges in combating COVID-19, and will need unique solutions to come out of the crisis unscathed.

The world’s not your oyster any more

After months of lockdown, it’s no surprise that people are itching to get out and about, but with border closures still in operation, it’s hard to know what to expect.

Schools should teach media literacy

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of teaching students the difference between real and fake or misleading news say the authors of a new report into news media literacy education.