Playing the game of government

The next few years promise to be interesting as governments around the world negotiate the ethical, practical, and ideological issues around the gamification of public services and systems.

Truth, trust and teachers

Trusting quality evidence in the post-pandemic world should start in our schools.

Has the law been a casualty of COVID?

The unprecedented social restrictions – backed by the full force of the law – in Victoria and the rest of Australia raise some tricky questions about the rights of citizens, the power of politicians and the effectiveness of our government system.

Cheer up, it’s been worse before

2020 has been grim, but there have been worse years in history. In this article, experts from science, history and literature take us through just some of the other terrible times people have endured before now.

And the winner is…Television: spectacle and sport in a pandemic

In the historic contest between sport and media, the Covid-19 Trophy went to television. In extra time to a fake soundtrack.

A paradigm shift to tackle social issues

Both the government and not-for-profit (NFP) sectors need a paradigm shift in terms of how they think about addressing key social issues as Australia grapples with COVID-19, according to the Centre for Social Impact (CSI).

Slithering to extinction

At least 11 species of snakes and lizards are likely to become extinct by 2040 unless conservation action is stepped up, with around 20 snakes and lizards also at risk of extinction.

The human predicament – Towards a holistic solution

Reconciling the wisdom of religion, philosophy and science in pursuit of a sustainable future is no easy task, but stripping the illusions we comfort ourselves with can at least help us squarely face the challenges ahead.

Engaging culturally diverse communities during COVID-19

The COVID-19 response in Victoria, Australia needs a stronger focus on working with poorer and culturally and linguistically diverse communities to contain the virus and allow the lifting of lockdowns.

Inequality was rising before COVID-19

The UNSW Social Policy Research Centre and the Australian Council of Social Services have released a new analysis of inequality in Australia pre-COVID-19, providing a baseline to measure the impact of the pandemic on income and wealth inequality.

Plays well with others

Like all countries, Australia doesn’t always live up to its highest ideals. But our sportspeople can help us strive to be our best – and show the better face of Australia to the world.

Beyond the constant growth economy

A conscious policy of global depopulation may be the only way to ensure a sustainable human future, in partnership with a radical retooling of the economy to preserve, rather than consume, the Earth’s resources.