Commercialising university research: a good but costly move

The federal government is seeking to restructure the way university research funding is allocated to foster more applied outcomes. Tim Mazzarol explains why strengthening the relationship between universities and industry makes sense.

Australia’s national security legislation: Where are we going?

The government has announced a review of the national anti-terrorism legislation, including changes to mandatory data retention. Intelligence and security expert Dr Patrick Walsh explains the proposed changes and puts them into a global context.

Why Australia needs a cyclists party

The Australian Cyclists Party has recently been approved to be a registered Federal party. Its President and Founder Omar Khalifa says we need to rethink our priorities if we want to improve traffic congestion, our health and the environment.

Needles in haystacks: intelligence gathering, subjects and citizens

Two American whistleblowers are currently in Australia to give talks on reclaiming one’s citizenry once it's lost. Binoy Kampmark says there is an obsession with controlling every facet of information as a means of protecting a state’s security.

It’s about what is wrong and what is right

Politicians from both major parties keep using asylum seekers to score political points. Alycia Gawthorne from GetUp says that instead of operating on our most base human emotions, fear of the unknown, our actions should reflect our nation’s true values of mateship and a fair go.

Disability pension cuts misguided

An Interim report of the McClure welfare review proposes moving thousands of people off the Disability Support Pension if they have some capacity to work. Marie Sheahan says tackling discrimination of disabled people in the workforce should be prioritised over pension cuts.

New legislation a threat for activists and media

Ag-gag is the term used for a variety of anti-whistleblower laws in the US. Emmanuel Giuffre from the animal protection institute Voiceless says that proposed law reforms across Australia are an attack on freedom of information and free speech.

BOTPA – ‘Because Of The Privacy Act’ – rears its thoughtless head again

The rate of growth in privacy laws around the world is accelerating. Malcolm Crompton says that privacy legislation itself isn’t the problem, but rather the response to it by business.

Open letter to Parliamentarians: Dying without pain and with dignity

Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive topic that affects the whole of society. Hani Montan asks all members of states and federal Parliaments to reveal how they stand on this issue.

Should the Queen be the last Australian monarch?

Whether or not Australia should become a republic is an ongoing question. Simon Longstaff, Chair of the Intelligence Squared Debates, says now is a good time to discuss the options.

It’s time for our day, Australia

Many Australians are disillusioned with politics and their leaders. David Morris says we need to improve our system of government, have an objective head of state and free ourselves from the colonial thinking of the past.

Join the debate

IQ2 will host a live debate at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on the 24th June on the motion “The Queen should be the last Australian monarch”.