Page 548 – Openforum https://www.openforum.com.au Open Forum offers an independent platform for Australian debate Wed, 27 Mar 2024 21:57:31 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.25 The big chill in Australian-Chinese relations https://www.openforum.com.au/the-big-chill-in-australian-chinese-relations/ Tue, 24 Apr 2018 00:31:43 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13775 A fifth 'ice age' has descended on China–Australia relations — cooling business, frosting diplomacy and chilling strategic perspectives.

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Australian sponges made from waste can soak up oil spills https://www.openforum.com.au/australian-sponges-made-from-waste-can-soak-up-oil-spills/ Tue, 24 Apr 2018 00:31:36 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13768 Australian scientists have developed a reusable sponge-like polymer to efficiently soak up environmentally damaging oil spills in the world’s oceans.

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An artful truth about gender bias: Lessons from the art market https://www.openforum.com.au/an-artful-truth-about-gender-bias-lessons-from-the-art-market/ Sun, 22 Apr 2018 21:06:59 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13749 Is a woman's brush stroke worth less than a man's? Apparently so. Much less. The average price for paintings by female artists is 47.6% lower than the average price for paintings by men. The evidence is consistent with the idea that women’s art sells for less because it is made by women.

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Shining a spotlight into dark corners of government corruption https://www.openforum.com.au/shining-a-light-into-dark-corners-of-weak-governance-and-corruption/ Sun, 22 Apr 2018 21:06:27 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13761 Anti-corruption strategies require broader regulatory and institutional reforms and so the IMF Executive Board has just endorsed a new framework for stepping up engagement on governance and corruption in its member countries.

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Will Australia defend the ‘rules-based order’ in Asia? https://www.openforum.com.au/will-australia-defend-the-rules-based-order-in-asia/ Sun, 22 Apr 2018 21:04:05 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13674 The heated and polarised debate about the consequences of China’s increasing military assertiveness has raised doubts about the future of the ‘rules-based order’ in the region, as invoked by the Turnbull government in numerous speeches and policy statements.

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The limits of modelling – Knowing what we don’t know https://www.openforum.com.au/the-limits-of-modelling-knowing-what-we-dont-know/ Sat, 21 Apr 2018 23:41:56 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13696 Modelling the impact of mine developments on groundwater is critical for protecting ecosystems and agriculture, but it can go astray if we don’t recognise that all models lack certainty.

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Understanding the social consequences of chronic back pain https://www.openforum.com.au/understanding-the-social-consequences-of-chronic-back-pain/ Sat, 21 Apr 2018 23:41:00 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13720 Efforts to help people who suffer from chronic back pain must acknowledge their diminished sense of functional capability and encourage them to accept help from others without damaging their sense of self worth.

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#OurTimeNow: Pacific feminists create new spaces to talk and to be heard https://www.openforum.com.au/ourtimenow-pacific-feminists-creating-new-spaces-to-talk-and-to-be-heard/ Sat, 21 Apr 2018 23:40:10 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13745 Civil organisations and alliances play a crucial role in advocating for a more inclusive approach in policy making around the world. Initiatives such as the Pacific Feminist Forum have made a significant impact by enabling a wide range of voices to be heard.

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Hacking the reef https://www.openforum.com.au/hacking-the-reef/ Sat, 21 Apr 2018 01:12:51 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13741 Queensland’s innovation festival Myriad is hosting a ground-breaking creative think tank today to find solutions to the problem of plastics and other marine debris despoiling the Great Barrier Reef.

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Big questions, bright futures https://www.openforum.com.au/big-questions-bright-futures/ Fri, 20 Apr 2018 23:03:12 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13655 The Chief Scientist reflects on the culture and ethos of science in Australia and what it means to be a scientist in the twenty-first century.

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Is “low carb” beer really better for you? https://www.openforum.com.au/is-low-carb-beer-really-better-for-you/ Fri, 20 Apr 2018 23:02:29 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13725 “Low carb” beer is widely advertised but its implied health claims are smoke and mirrors. Health groups are calling for nutrition info panels on alcohol to help make the public make more informed consumption choices.

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Aid, influence and ‘strategic anxiety’ in the Pacific https://www.openforum.com.au/aid-influence-and-strategic-anxiety-in-the-pacific/ Fri, 20 Apr 2018 23:01:37 +0000 http://www.openforum.com.au/?p=13731 Australia is concerned about China’s increased engagement with the South Pacific. However, while Australia does have a long history of fretting about great-power intrusion into the region, its concerns may also be influenced by alliance considerations.

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