The case for veganism

Veganism reduces the animal suffering and environmental footprint associated with food production, making it one of the most effective personal actions for protecting the planet, while also boosting personal health.

Grasp the nettle of tax reform

The Albanese government can sit on its landslide win at the last election and enjoy the opposition’s self-destruction or it can finally grasp the nettle of reform to assure Australia’s future, including rebalancing our income tax system.

The precarious lives of older renters

Older Australians living in private rentals face ever greater housing insecurity, with women bearing the heaviest burden according to new Swinburne research.

The language of conflict

When history is written about the Gaza conflict and other modern wars, it will not matter which flag flew over the rubble, but whether humanity can still see itself in what it has done.

Stuck in the middle

There’s lots of concern about Australia’s youth and older people but Australia’s middle-aged are the engine room of the nation and many risk burnout as financial and family pressures take their toll.

The retirement blind spot

Australia’s superannuation system is at risk of disadvantaging vulnerable members, creating a gap between the legislated promise of dignity and the lived reality of retirement.

Goliath’s curse

A new book traces the rise and fall of both ancient to modern civilisations with worrying implications for a world increasingly dominated by aggressive authoritarian states such as Russia, China and – lamentably – the USA.

Accountability and dissent in a just society

Freedom demands that people be able to speak without disproportionate consequences; accountability demands that people be answerable for how their words affect others. Neither principle can be realised without the other.

Bridging generations to build a better future

As Australia navigates demographic pressures, workforce shortages, rising loneliness, and increasing demand for care, one truth is becoming impossible to ignore: our systems have become age-segregated in a way that no longer serves society.

The 1975 crisis, a republic and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The 50th anniversary of Gough Whitlam’s dismissal and the stripping of Prince Andrew’s royal status have reopened the debate about whether Australia’s head of state should remain the monarch of the United Kingdom.

Confronting knife crime

Victoria’s machete ban sends an important signal that violent crime cannot be tolerated, but additional police and legal measures will only restore calm to Melbourne’s streets if paired with deeper and sustained investment in social infrastructure.

Young Australians do it tough

Financial insecurity is affecting most young Australians, according to new research from Monash University, adding to worries about housing affordability, AI replacing jobs, and the environmental crisis.