Open Government in Action

26 September to 2 October 2016 is Right to Know Week, brought to you by the Information and Privacy Commission (IPC). Right To Know Day on 28 September is an international annual event to increase awareness of citizen’s rights to access government information and open, transparent government.

Powerless without glory

It has been reported over the weekend that the closure of the Victoria’s Hazelwood plant in the Latrobe Valley may be imminent. Max Thomas is concerned about the future of a region that has been left with gaping holes – not only in the ground, but also in its socio-economic fabric.

Better solutions needed for older workers

The question of pension affordability comes up every so often in the political debate. Russ Grayson addresses some of the issues around raising the retirement age and offers solutions.

Defence industry capability – creating a new boom in Australia

At the recent GAP Summit the Honourable Christopher Pyne MP spoke about his new role as Minister for Defence Industry and how it is impacted by the innovation agenda.

Welcome to the GAP Summit on Spaces of Australia Innovation

Global Access Partners (GAP) is holding its 7th Annual Growth Summit in NSW Parliament House to discuss Spaces of Australian Innovation. Catherine Fritz-Kalish, Co-founder and Managing Director of GAP, delivered the introduction.

Posing the unthinkable: Resettling refugees in Australia

In a recent ABC ‘Lateline’ program, Paris Aristotle of the Victorian Foundation for the Survivors of Torture said he had never anticipated that offshore processing facilities would become long-term warehouses for refugees without genuine resettlement options. Binoy Kampmark says his perspectives have shown a distinct lack of imagination.

Environmental protection and public safety of your home

We all want to live in a home that is safe for ourselves and our families. Safronia Benasic says the Government, in particular the ACT Government, could do more to ensure the health and safety of the community.

A whole of government approach to digital transformation

How can the opportunities of digital be harnessed effectively to drive innovation and productivity in the coming years?  According to Jon Cumming, Chief Digital Officer at the ACT Government, the answer is a whole of government approach underpinned by a transformation of culture.

Youth and feminist activism: questions and challenges

Feminism is back, re-embraced in particular by young women, and is increasingly moving into mainstream popular culture. Akane Kanai says this opens some difficult but fascinating questions that contemporary feminist activists must address.

Australia needs a Royal Commission into the violence, abuse and neglect of people with disabilities

We, as a nation, must review our attitudes and actions that enable and reinforce the abuse, neglect and violence against disabled people. Cheryl McDonnell says we need the power of a Royal Commission to review what has happened in the past, how it happened, and to understand what must be done to ensure the end of the abuse.

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation: The revival of populism in Australian politics

Pauline Hanson has reappeared on the national scene and her party is likely to claim three seats in the Senate. Liam Lander explains why populist movements like hers exist and what impact in government One Nation could have.

The Chilcot inquiry report shows how intelligence and policy maker failure is linked

This week the report following an inquiry led by Sir John Chilcot into the US-led coalition invasion of Iraq in 2003 has been released. Security expert Patrick Walsh talks us through the relevant points and the ultimate ‘slam dunk’ moment of the report.