• Society

    7.8 billion is the loneliest number


    Alan Stevenson |  January 28, 2020


    There are more people on Earth than ever before, most of us living in teeming cities. Yet, despite the devices which theoretically connect us to everyone else, loneliness is a growing problem. The answer lies with us.


  • Defence

    Caught between the sword and shield


    Sam Fairall-Lee |  January 28, 2020


    For the last 50 years, Australian defence policy has wavered between the sword and shield, but as the strategic environment changes, we may have to choose between them once and for all.


  • Health

    First, do no harm


    Open Forum |  January 28, 2020


    Australians are increasingly being diagnosed with cancers that will do them no harm if left undetected or untreated, exposing them to unnecessary surgeries and chemotherapy.


Latest Story

  • Bad apples or a rotten barrel?

    Victoria Roberts     |      January 12, 2020

    There are far too many recent examples of athletes facing abuse in sport. If we don’t change the structure and culture within sport, it will keep happening.

  • Why meta skills matter

    Melis Senova     |      January 11, 2020

    The development of meta-skills will be vital in a society and economy transformed by technological change, and a new ‘Institute for Human Progress’ could help the education system prepare students for an exciting but uncertain future.

  • When truth goes up in flames

    Mark Andrejevic     |      January 11, 2020

    The horrific tragedy of recent and ongoing Australian bushfires has highlighted the connection between threats to the natural environment and the media environment, through which misinformation and disinformation is spreading like, well, wildfire.

  • Exploring food insecurity in indigenous communities

    Open Forum     |      January 11, 2020

    A new study from the University of Queensland will work with local indigenous communities to improve food security among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

  • How to help people dealing with traumatic events

    Meaghan O'Donnell     |      January 10, 2020

    Thousands of people are processing the emotional impact of being caught up in the Australian bushfires. Here are some tips on how you can support a friend or family member who may be struggling.

  • Our polluted path to oblivion

    Warren Brown     |      January 10, 2020

    Warren Brown traces the roots of climate change to the industrial revolution, and appeals for politicians to start prioritising the environment over economic growth.

  • Healthy habits ‘deliver a disease-free decade’

    Open Forum     |      January 10, 2020

    A study of US workers shows how healthy habits in middle age can help you enjoy extra years of disease-free life later on in life.

  • Water decision making: Are politicians performing?

    James Horne     |      January 9, 2020

    Australia’s record on delivering good public policy outcomes in water is laudable. But increasingly, in the face of climate change, we need to improve that performance.

  • When our love of place gets swallowed by bushfires

    Dimity Williams     |      January 9, 2020

    All of us have our ‘happy place’ where we have developed our ‘topophilia’ or love of place. So, when these places are damaged or destroyed by bushfire, the loss felt is profound.

  • Does that word mean what you think it means?

    Muriel Reddy     |      January 9, 2020

    Words change their meaning over time, but it can be hard to keep up, especially when some words evolve to mean the opposite of their original definition.

  • How lifelong learning can help people adapt to workplace change

    Open Forum     |      January 8, 2020

    Benedikte Jensen, First Assistant Secretary of the Department of Employment and Skills, delivered a keynote address at GAP’s 10th Annual Economic Summit which outlined a range of federal measures to support worker retraining.

  • Responsibility shared?

    Warren Brown     |      January 8, 2020

    The recent bushfires have wreaked financial as well as environmental devastation and must be addressed with a firm strategy.  The government should dictate the terms here, not the banks and vested interests.