Making sense of the census

After the Australian government’s unprecedented intervention into the national census, the Australian statistical office will need to do significant work rebuilding the nation’s trust.

Fair shares for all?

The idea of taxing personal fortunes has long been discussed to reduce the growing disparity in wealth distribution, but remains unlikely to happen.

Making sense of the madness

The twin resurgence of conspiracy theories and political populism in the west is not a coincidence, as both are fed by the same brand of fear and suspicion.

Listen without prejudice

The result of the Voice referendum shows that taking the time to understand the complexity of people’s worldviews and political opinions – even those you might disagree with – is more important than ever.

100 years of compulsory voting

Australia is one of the few democracies which insists on every voter turning up at the polls – does this keep our democracy healthy or breed complacency among the political class?

Strengthening Australian democracy

The growing threats and challenges to Australia’s democracy are well outlined in a new government report, and now is the time for some action

Countering conspiracy theories

Trying to shut down the conspiracy theories poisoning current political and social discourse with laws and regulation isn’t working so it may be time to try something different.

Evaluating foreign aid

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade should conduct more long-term evaluations of projects to ensure the effectiveness of its foreign aid program.

CFMEU corruption is a problem for Labor

Channel Nine’s revelations of thuggery, kickbacks and the parachuting of senior bikie figures into lucrative union delegate roles on major Victorian construction projects has thrown the Construction Union into crisis.

Early warning alert

Dictators and hostile states from Hitler’s Germany to Putin’s Russia and Xi’s China tend to flag their actions long before the shooting starts, and a new national Centre to issue strategic warnings of all types could help Australia prepare.

Women in diplomacy

Australia has made remarkable strides in gender equality in diplomacy, achieving near parity in its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, globally, women remain underrepresented in diplomacy, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address gender disparities and ensure equal representation worldwide.

PwCorruption

The PwC tax leaks scandal offered us an opportunity to ask hard questions about the shady role of major consulting firms in Government and the corrupt culture of big business that places profits above any sense of priority, but a year after the furore, what has really changed?