Pandemic pandemonium

The world’s current troubles pale in the light of previous plagues. A terrible onslaught of bubonic plague in the sixth century, for example, abruptly ended Emperor Justinian’s dream of reunifying the Roman empire and caused massive geopolitical upheaval.

Gambling with sport’s integrity

Those who profit from gambling usually emphasise the fun it may involve. But the potential for corruption of the sport that people love is enormous.

Tackling the stigma around public housing

To destigmatise public housing, fundamental changes in our housing system are needed. Better design, maintenance and stories are helpful, but can only do so much.

The dog’s breakfast of strata pet laws

NSW pet tenancy laws do not reflect the needs of society, with strata by-laws impacting the vulnerable, say UNSW experts.

Why Melbourne’s business restrictions should work

By clamping down on personal interactions, the sweeping new business restrictions in Melbourne should reduce the number of community infections to more manageable numbers within the next few weeks.

The tiny plants that hold deserts together

Miniscule plants growing on desert soils can help drylands retain water and reduce erosion, UNSW researchers have found, but are threatened by over-grazing.  

Give people money

War often precipitates social change, and the current battle against COVID-19 has strengthened calls for a universal basic income to reduce social disparities and revive economic growth.

Look before you leap to a republic

Revived calls for a Republic of Australia ignore the fact that it could prove less functional than our constitutional monarchy, making democratic change all the more difficult to achieve.

Do tougher sentences deter crime?

It’s easy to think that the threat of punishment will simply dissuade someone from doing the wrong thing. But it turns out that deterring would-be criminals by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences is more tale than truth. 

Behavioural economics in uncertain times

The new edition of the Journal of Behavioural Economics and Social Systems explores the potential of Second Track processes to tackle wicked problems by focusing on several specific examples, from mergers and acquisitions, responses to the pandemic and university-industry collaborations to Pacific development, disruptive technologies and workforce transformation.

When childcare meets aged care

While our oldest and youngest generations may seem worlds apart, a new ageing well initiative will bring them together in an innovative intergenerational education and development program.

Is cancel culture stifling open debate?

150 high-profile authors, commentators and scholars have signed an open letter in Harper’s magazine claiming that “open debate and toleration of differences” are under attack.by a new ‘cancel culture’ dominated by dogma, coercion and ideological conformity.