A ‘blatant attack’ on the government or a voice for abused children?

Australia’s system of mandatory immigration detention keeps getting damning reviews while the Abbott Government keeps using dismissive rhetoric. Nicole Cooper says all this government should be concerned about is the right of the children detained, not political pandering.

Why Australians are getting larger

Australia’s obesity rates are climbing faster than anywhere else in the world. Professor Manny Noakes says people who want to lose weight need to take action in order to prolong their life and decrease the likelihood of developing conditions associated with being overweight.

Personal information is more than you think!

A UK court recently ruled on what constitutes personal information in the landmark case Google v. Vidal-Hall. Malcolm Crompton says why this might be the most important Court judgment on privacy in years.

Indigenous ‘lifestyle choices’ and the LNP’s paternalism

Tony Abbott recently described living in remote Indigenous communities as a lifestyle choice. Jordan Ayres says Australian social policy under the Liberal Party continues its paternalistic approach to the difficulties rural communities are facing.

Australia’s women: the proposed front line soldiers to support Australia’s future

Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey predicts women’s participation in the workforce to be the front line solution to assist Australia’s future economy. Despina Cassimatis says he fails to suggest what impacts this will have on the female population.

Domestic and family violence in the spotlight, for now

Despite more media coverage and public attention, domestic violence is still increasing across the nation. Caitlin Mollenhagen lists some of the social and economic costs of domestic violence that show that this issue should stay at the deserved forefront of discussions.

An inclusive society for all

One of Australia’s greatest resources is the diversity of its population. The Hon Philip Ruddock MP says this demonstrates to the rest of the world that you can have a cohesive and inclusive society for all.

100 years of Anzac

Anzac Day on 25 April is a national day of commemoration. It marks the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed in Gallipoli 1915. Anzac Day commemorations traditionally begin with dawn services around Australia and at important sites across the globe.

Your heritage… pass it on!

Australian Heritage Week runs from 11-19 April. It is a national celebration of Australia’s shared heritage. All communities are encouraged to get involved with planning and hosting a range of activities to showcase local heritage to the rest of the country.

It starts with us

National Youth Week (NYW) from 10-19 April is the largest celebration of young people in Australia. The winners for the 2015 National Youth Awards will be announced on 16 April.

Go Blue for Autism

Every year on 2 April iconic buildings across Australia and around the world turn their lights blue for World Autism Awareness Day. You can use #LIUB to share your experience across social media.

Welfare reform disempowers youth

Reports such as the McClure welfare reform tend to portray young people as welfare dependent. Jessica Brennand says this ignores the roadblocks that parts of Australia's young people are facing and further disempowers them.