The great poker machine charity con

Gambling operators often trumpet their funding of “good causes”, but research in Victoria suggests the charitable giving claimed by operators to reap tax benefits falls far short of their claims.

Working relationships beat team building exercises

The key to an effective team-building strategy in the workplace is understanding that a team is really a social network built on connections between individuals.

Arvanitakis on American politics: Why bipartisanship is hard

Headlines highlighting President Trump’s erratic behaviour are masking a more worrying decline of faith in democracy and national unity across the free world. What are the factors driving us apart, and what, if anything, can we do about them?

Actions speak louder than words

Helping our young people to become ‘action competent’ will encourage the next generation to become connected and empathetic with each other and push for real change with the powers that be.

Treading softly in power diplomacy

Museums have emerged as new and effective actors of cultural soft power, including institutions in countries like China and Russia whose interests and actions seem diametrically opposed to the West.

Diary of an accidental activist

Denis Altman’s new book, Unrequited Love: Diary of an Accidental Activist, accounts for his time in the US and draws comparisons between the American and Australian political state.

Bringing ancient Rome to life

Filmmakers just love the vivid drama of Ancient Rome. But which screen visions of the ancient superpower do our history experts rate the best?

Advertisers wake up to a ‘woke’ nightmare

Advertisers jump on every bandwagon to peddle other people’s wares, but latching onto the coat-tails of social justice warriors may have brought more grief than extra sales.

Conviction politics: How prisoners shaped Australian democracy

British deportees aren’t often celebrated for their contribution to the nation’s progressive political traditions, but they played a vital part in building the country’s values as well as early infrastructure.

Sco-Mo – The first hundred days

This week marked Scott Morrison’s first 100 days since his surprise re-election as Prime Minister. What are the pros and cons on his report card so far?

How to have good arguments

If we approach all people as having worthwhile ideas, we’ll not only encourage them to present clearer ideas but also make everyone feel valued.

Paternal perceptions

New research is examining the evolution of Australian fatherhood and family responsibilities over the past 100 years.