Ending child illiteracy

Education is a key to putting the world on a pathway that generates more economic activity, equity, and sustainability for all.

A first look at three daughters

A new film by writer and director Azazel Jacobs examines the very different reactions of three estranged daughters to their father’s terminal illness.

The A-Z of XEC

A new variant called XEC may soon become the dominant form of COVID around the world, so what it is and will it matter?

In praise of Hannah Arendt

Lyndsey Stonebridge’s new biography of Hannah Arendt reminds us once again of her brave and principled stand against the spectre of totalitarianism.

Financial reform for development goals

The world is at a crossroads as progress on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals falters. A drastic but necessary overhaul of the credit rating system could help.

Climate disclosure laws will accelerate decarbonisation

New laws requiring larger companies to disclosure a wide range of climate-related information will come into force at the start of 2025, and will be rolled out to smaller firms over time.

The history – and future – of human networks

The latest book from bestselling historian Yuval Noah Harari – Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI – offers a sweeping exploration of the history and future of human networks.

Will AI eat itself?

Artificial intelligence prophets and newsmongers are forecasting the end of the generative AI hype with talk of an impending catastrophic “model collapse” but how realistic are these predictions?

Gambling’s not a game

The gambling industry reaps billions of dollars from Australians every year without any regard for the social harm or individual misery it leaves in its wake.

Playing a full role in the Pacific

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting alongside 18 leaders from across Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia.

Home automation can help the disabled

Home automation for people with disabilities can produce substantial social benefits and represents a sound investment for funding agencies such as the NDIS.

Defeating the dictators

A new book, “Defeating the Dictators: How Democracy Can Prevail in the Age of the Strongman”, by Charles Dunst offers a path for liberal democracies to tackle the rising tide of global authoritarianism.