Mighty oaks from little acorns grow: The success story of Bio21

The Bio21 Hub was established in 1998 through a collaboration between Melbourne University Science Departments and Research Institutes including the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.  This 20 year relationship has now led to break-through commercialisation of cancer research in partnership with major pharmaceutical companies.

Anywhere v somewhere = nowhere

A growing schism between educated, affluent ‘anywhere’s and the ‘somewhere’s left behind by the rapid pace of change are weakening the West and encourage the ambitions of authoritarian competitors.

Unlocking the superpower of super funds for social good

UNSW Business School Adjunct Professor and prominent social investment backer Michael Traill says super fund capital could be used for the aged care, education and housing sectors.

Don’t forget the footpath – it’s vital public space

In an urban setting like central Footscray, where only 1% of the area is public space, the value of the humble footpath needs to be recognised.

The growing spectre of domestic food insecurity

A million Australians worry about where their next meal is coming from and additional help is required to prevent more people falling off the “food security tightrope”.

Sydney’s hidden housing problem

A new report released by the Sydney Policy Lab has found low income and vulnerable groups are being forced into informal and sometimes illegal housing arrangements, due to a lack of affordable alternatives.

Improving conditions in aged care

A new report has called for urgent reform of the working conditions in the aged care sector, which will address the shocking stories emerging from the aged care royal commission.

It’s high time to reform the drug laws

The decriminalisation of drug possession for personal use would reduce, rather than increase, the social harm caused by drugs and should be discussed at the forthcoming federal election.

Australia’s north needs people and people need a resilient economy

Defence and security will always make Darwin a priority from a national perspective but, as our northernmost capital city, different ideas to make the city more economically resilient need to be supported.

How old ideas about tolerance can help us live more peacefully today

In the wake of the tragic attack in Christchurch, and the wider rise of anti-liberal forces, the answers to today’s urgent questions around tolerance may be found in the past.

Big tech designs its own ethics to avoid scrutiny

The feelgood, high-level data ethics principles espoused by the tech giants do little to control their behaviour. The abuses perpetrated by “big tech” can only be addressed by proper regulation.

Gender equality: it’s everyone’s business

Gender equality is in everyone’s interest as it allows every citizen to fully participate in all spheres of Australian life and contribute to an inclusive and democratic society.