New report settles the score on Perth’s ‘liveability’

A new report assessing Perth’s ‘liveability’ finds that despite the city’s improvements, it still struggles to meet its targets for infrastructure and policy implementation.

Yes, we can…rewrite the Australian constitution

The recent furore over dual citizenship in Parliament raises deeper questions about the relevance of Australia’s archaic constitution to the nation today. Rather than another round of pointless by-elections, a new electoral system is required to refresh and reinvigorate Australia’s toxic politics.

Rebuilding trust in the future of multilateralism

There has been a serious erosion of public trust in political parties and national governments as well as international trade and investment partners. Economies will achieve better results if people’s confidence in policies, institutions and systems can be restored to better health.

It’s time to listen to Australia’s youth

The Mission Australia Youth Survey is Australia’s largest online canvas of young people’s opinions. CEO James Toomey urges young people across Australia to speak up and get involved in the charity’s 17th annual consultation.

Migration continues to reshape Australia

Population growth and distribution affect most areas of public policy and a new Treasury paper examines the benefits that skilled migration brings to Australia, while also accepting its challenges.

Is an Australian Republic a bridge too far?

Half of the respondents in a recent poll said they favoured Australia becoming a republic. However there are still many hurdles in the path of those who wish to make an historic break with the British monarchy.

Why do we ignore Chinese political interference in Australian affairs?

Clive Hamilton castigates the timid academics, publishers and politicians in Australia who shy from acknowledging the extent of Chinese Communist Party interference in Australian affairs.

Your chance to suggest topics for the 2021 census

The Australian Bureau of Statistics wants your help to decide which information to gather in the next Census.

The ‘gay wedding cake’ dilemma

Now that gay marriage has been legalised, how should Australia manage the inevitable clash between gay rights and religious sensibilities? Law lecturer Liam Elphick lays out the battleground.

Cambridge Analytica and the next Australian election

Last week’s revelations about Cambridge Analytica and Facebook are continuing to reverberate around the world. With an Australian federal election due within a year, the impact could hit very close to home.

Productivity Commission calls for customer focused reforms in human services

The Productivity Commission recommends steps to increase competition, contestability and informed user choice to improve human services in six vital areas of community provision.

More people will be homeless unless we change course

The latest census results prove that governments must reassess their approach to an increasing social problem. While drug abuse, domestic violence and other factors are important, structural problems in the housing market are exacerbating the climb in homeless numbers.