The heartbreak behind Australia’s first gay marriage

While Queensland’s first gay wedding was tinged with tragedy as well as triumph, the state is making further changes to the law to accommodate diversity.

Women press for progress around the world

To mark International Women’s Day, and in the wake of the #metoo campaign, a new global study by Ipsos across 27 countries – “Global Misperceptions of Equality and the Need to Press for Progress” – highlights a range of equality issues, with sexual harassment topping the list. 

Mirror, mirror, on the wall…

Max Thomas makes an impassioned plea for rational debate and enlightened leadership to tackle the pressing economic and environmental problems of our time.

Legal parentage and surrogacy – more inconsistency?

Confusion around legal parentage and surrogacy arrangements is continuing to cause conflict between Australian domestic public policy in relation to ‘commercial surrogacy’ and the child’s best interests. UWS law lecturer Dr Cressida Limon explores recent developments.

Changing the culture around alcohol and sexual assault by talking about consent

The issue of consent is not an easy area to deal with from a parenting perspective. Expert in drug and alcohol education Paul Dillon shares his advice on ways parents can clearly explain to their teenagers what constitutes consent.

Paid Parental Leave for foster and kinship parents

A gap in the Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme means that foster and kinship parents are ineligible for payments. Foster carer and PPL advocate Kylie Cutting explains how extending the scheme could leader to better outcomes for vulnerable children.

Opportunity knocks for Australian MSEs in Asia

The rapidly expanding Asian economy offers unprecedented opportunity for Australia’s mid-sized enterprises. Valentin Henrio considers the possibilities.

Our year in review – 2017

Open Forum received some wonderful contributions throughout 2017. Editor Emma Johnson goes through some of the smart, specialised and astute content that keeps Open Forum engaged in a high-quality conversation on the social, political, environmental and cultural issues that matter.

GAP in 2017 – a year in review

2017 has been a year of celebration for Global Access Partners. Managing Director Catherine Fritz-Kalish reviews a GAP year filled with achievement.

How to talk to your children about sexual assault

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.

International Day of People with Disability

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

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.