To fix the Federation we must harness the digital revolution

There are longstanding structural conflicts between the federal and state governments. James Horne, visiting Fellow in public policy/water at Australian National University, argues that we need to fundamentally rethink the allocation of roles and responsibilities.

Is Australia ready to thwart the cyber attacks?

There is cause for concern that Australia's change of government has slowed down initiatives to protect businesses and institutions defend against online attacks. Dr Tanveer Zia, a cyber security researcher at Charles Sturt University, calls for the development of an Australian framework.

Time to scrap the charity commission

There have been calls to slash the charity regulator, the ACNC. Helen Rittelmeyer, Policy Analyst at CIS, urges the government to stay firm in abolishing the charity commission and reduce red tape in the not for profit sector.

The future of unions in Australia

Paul Howes, head of the Australian Workers Union, has called for a ‘grand compact’ to reduce conflict between business, unions and government. Ian McAuley says we still need unions, but they and other social and political institutions in our country need reconfiguring.

Heal our past, build our future together: the sixth anniversary of the apology to the Stolen Generations

Six years ago today, the Australian Government apologised for the first time formally for the suffering caused to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Florence Onus is a survivor of the Stolen Generations and invites all Australians on a collective healing journey.

NSA Reforms: Obama leaves door open for further action

US President Obama has released a plan overhauling his government’s surveillance activities. Dr Patrick Walsh, Senior Lecturer of Intelligence and Security Studies at CSU, says that the presidential directive is a small step in the right direction.

The political outlook for 2014

The Government and the Opposition are preparing for the year ahead. Dominic O’Sullivan predicts that the budget is going to be a major talking point in 2014.

Heal our past, build our future together

Six years ago, on the 13^th of February 2008, the Australian Government wrote history: For the first time a formal apology was offered for the trauma and suffering of Australian and Torres Strait Islander children, the Stolen Generations, who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

Help shape EU copyright rules

The EU Commission offers the public a chance to change the path of copyright law. Citizens worldwide are invited to contribute in this public consultation which runs until 5 February 2014.

A shock but not a surprise

Car manufacturer Holden is leaving the Australian market. Simon Cowan argues that structural change is a necessity for Australia, but urges the government to provide a safety net for suffering workers.

Spying on friends

There has been ongoing fallout after the recent revelation of Australia spying on Indonesia’s President, his wife and senior ministers. Dr Patrick Walsh, Senior Lecturer in Intelligence and Security Studies at CSU, argues that spying is one of the prices liberal democratic countries must pay for liberty.

Too good to be true?

US-president Obama has praised Australia for tightening its gun laws. Dr Samara McPhedran argues that the United States should be sceptical of Australia’s approach to gun control.