The Paris aftermath: global manhunts, halting refugees

After the Paris attacks, legitimate asylum seekers to Europe are suspected of taking the seed of criminality with them. Binoy Kampmark fears that liberal Europe, deemed deluded in its compassion, is gradually giving way at the seams.

Inclusion matters

The 3rd of December is International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). It aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being.

Autism, early intervention and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Early intervention can play a vital role in the development and wellbeing of a child with Autism, but what is the cost and who will pay for it? Dr Nancy Sadka has some answers for parents and carers.

Parents, grandparents and concerned adults: Sign the open letter

Climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a major health emergency, especially for our children. Dr Sallie Forrest from Doctors for the Environment Australia asks you to support their call for the Health Minister to attend the Paris climate talks this December and put the health of our children front and centre.

Minister Birmingham, please deliver a fair childcare package

The Federal Government has proposed changes to the funding of childcare. Samatha Page, CEO of Early Childhood Australia (ECA), responds to comments made by the Education Minister Birmingham and says that if the Package and Activity Test remains as proposed many thousands of families will opt out of the system and the children who stand to benefit the most will miss out.

Climate change conference: teamwork or tug-of-war?

We live in a globalised world, and therefore climate change is also a social justice issue. Australian social worker Megan Bonetti, volunteering in India, reports from a developing country having to figure out how to go green on the cheap.

Australia’s apathy could wipe the Great from our Barrier Reef

Scientists claim that if the Carmichael coal mine in Queensland will be built, it will devastate our climate, our Great Barrier Reef and groundwater. Sherryl Caulfield urges us to protest where we can and act now before it’s too late.

Seven things I love about buying nothing

This October is Buy Nothing New Month, a one month challenge to buy nothing new (with the exception of essentials like food, hygiene and medicines). Rachel Smith took the challenge to the next level. Here she explains why.

Social Responsibility, giving and the laws of inheritance in Australia

A large part of the giving that sustains not-for-profit organisations in Australia comes from bequests. David Coleman says this is why estate laws have a large impact on our capacity to implement socially responsible activities. 

We need to protect older people from abuse

Existing laws in Australia don’t effectively protect all older people against abuse. Age and Disability Discrimination Commissioner Susan Ryan calls for a national approach to tackling elder abuse that focuses on human rights. 

The secret to becoming healthier, happier and more productive

You can improve your memory and mental wellbeing without a pill, simply by spending more time in nature. Ben Bambery from Doctors for the Environment Australia says we need to start caring for the environment if we expect it to care for us.

It’s time to close the dairy loophole

Unlike animals sent overseas to be slaughtered for their meat, those exported for breeding purposes are not protected by the Government. Eleanor Nurse from Voiceless says it’s time to end the cruel live export trade in dairy cows.