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.

Federal election 2016: Outcome and key players

Australia has voted. With neither of the two major parties having a clear majority, what happens next? Political scientist Dominic O’Sullivan explains.

Great Barrier Reef: Springvale Station purchase

Environment groups and scientists have hailed the Queensland Government’s recent move to buy a cattle station south of Cooktown as a victory for reef conservation. Max Thomas questions whether the purchase serves a well-planned purpose beyond a mere political one.

Mining the Liverpool Plains: No place for politics in proper policy process

Politicians should respect the outcome of a robust policy process that gave Commonwealth approval for the Shenhua mine – even if they don’t like the result, writes James Horne.

Negative gearing changes: the unforeseen consequences

One of the centerpieces of Bill Shorten’s election campaign is proposing changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. President of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales, John Cunningham, argues that executing these changes would be a mistake.

An international voice: My concerns as a young person in today’s world

Is today’s youth really mindless, lazy and technology-dependent? Megan Boehm is a young American student, and here she shares some of the big issues her generation really is concerned about.

Helping to ‘Change the Conversation’ about people seeking asylum to our shores

What can we do to make Australia a more welcoming place for people coming to our shores? Following Refugee Week Ciantal Bigornia explains how the Sydney Alliance Table Talk campaign helps shifting attitudes about asylum seekers.

Australia – a new federation, a new republic, a new hope

Is it time to abolish the States? The political and constitutional barriers are large. David Thorp offers an alternative vision for Australia that he thinks could inspire the majority of voters.

Have your say on big data and privacy

You’ve got until 26 July 2016 to comment on the draft Guide to big data and the Australian Privacy Principles. It’s your chance to have your say on a topic with enormous social and economic impact.