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.

The GrainCorp deal: Choosing between open for business or grower control

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says that it will be federal Treasurer Joe Hockey’s decision alone if a foreign acquisition of Australia’s largest agribusiness GrainCorp will go ahead. Tim Mazzarol provides background to a contentious issue.

Strata law wars: Why neighbours can now force you from your home unit

The NSW Government is reforming its strata and community scheme laws. Darren Moffatt from Housenet hopes that the new laws will be fair for all lot owners.

Integrity and Transparency of the Ballot crucial in WA Senate Elections

The Australian Electoral Commission was forced to apologise after they lost ballot papers in the West Australian Senate recount. Associate professor in political science Dominic O’Sullivan considers the prospects of new elections.

The Mess of Marriage Equality: The ACT and the Constitution

The High Court will hear a challenge to the ACT’s same-sex marriage laws early next month. Binoy Kampmark describes the constitutional mess the marriage equality legislation in the ACT has become.

Living for the future

The Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts has released the proposed reforms for Strata in NSW.