• Artificial Intelligence

    Welcome to your friendly local chatbot


    Open Forum |  March 29, 2024


    QUT researchers have homed in on AI-powered chatbots in the local government sector to look at their benefits and risks, what they are used for and why, and how users view them.


  • Transport

    Car wars


    Open Forum |  March 29, 2024


    Medical pressure group Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) have called for the cross bench to reject the watered down and delayed fuel efficiency standard proposed by the Federal Government, and urged it to protect the health of Australians by requiring tougher vehicle fleet standards.


  • Energy

    The hidden costs of coal mines’ unquenchable thirst


    Open Forum |  March 29, 2024


    Investors and shareholders in Australian coal mining could feel the pinch as water-related risks increase amid worsening climate change impacts, tighter regulations and growing community opposition.


Latest Story

  • How democratic are we?

    Bede Harris     |      December 14, 2016

    So long as the electoral system remains unchanged, we are condemned to an eternal alternation in power between Labor and the Coalition. That is not a democracy, it is a duopoly, as Bede Harris points out. So what is to be done?

  • Building homes, building hope

    Adrian Arndt     |      December 13, 2016

    When Tropical Cyclone Winston ravaged over Fiji last year, it left devastating ruin in its wake. Adrian Arndt went to the village of Nailawa to help with the rebuild and found incredible resilience amid the destruction.

  • Early learning key to improve education results in PISA and TIMSS tests

    Samantha Page     |      December 12, 2016

    The latest results of international tests like TIMSS and PISA showed either no change in math and science scores for Australian students while other countries improved, or even displayed a decreased performance of Australian students. Samantha Page, CEO of Early Childhood Australia (ECA), explains why improved access to quality early learning is essential to turn this around.

  • GAP – Year in Review 2016

    Catherine Fritz-Kalish     |      December 11, 2016

    The end of the year is a time to reflect and gives us an opportunity to share with you how the GAP process has delivered to its members and to society as a whole.

  • How to make your New Year sustainable

    Dr Kim Loo     |      December 9, 2016

    As the Australian Government’s climate change policy is struggling for credibility, it is more important than ever that we try to make a difference collectively and as individuals to help minimise global warming. Dr Kim Loo explains how.

  • The world of work is changing – what hopes for ‘productive ageing’?

    Veronica Sheen     |      December 9, 2016

    Age discrimination, tough performance criteria, funding cuts and offshoring of jobs – Veronica Sheen says we need a full understanding of what the ageing workforce is up against in order to improve things.

  • Can Australia win the ‘space race’ to become a global innovation hub?

    Catherine Fritz-Kalish     |      December 6, 2016

    Encouraging innovation by nurturing spaces for creativity and engagement was the theme of Global Access Partners’ 7th Annual Economic Summit. GAP’s Managing Director Catherine Fritz-Kalish introduces the final report from the event.

  • Too many candles on the birthday cake?

    Caroline Howe     |      December 5, 2016

    Australia is ageing. Between 2002 and 2042 the number of Australians over the age of 65 will increase from 2.2m to 6.2m. Dr Caroline Howe has tips to manage an ageing workforce.

  • The impact of population ageing and immigration on the Australian housing market

    George Kudrna     |      December 2, 2016

    As the elderly begins to downsize and spend their housing wealth (increasing housing supply), and a relatively smaller working-age cohort is generating demand, a decline in house prices should ensue.

  • ASDetect: an award-winning smartphone app for early detection of autism

    Nancy Sadka and Josephine Barbaro     |      December 2, 2016

    ASDetect – The inside story was featured on Open Forum in March 2016. The article described the research that underpinned the app, the vision of the academic team behind it and the spirit of generosity that made it happen. The app has gone on to win multiple awards including being named as a Google Impact Challenge Australia 2016 finalist.

  • Should we cancel Christmas?

    Jenny Brockis     |      December 2, 2016

    At such a busy time of year should we be worrying about the Christmas stress? Dr Jenny Brockis shares her thoughts.

  • Activating health through community enterprise

    Russ Grayson     |      November 30, 2016

    What determines healthy ageing and how can we improve the lives of Australia's growing number of people who, willingly or unwillingly, have left working life? Russ Grayson kicks off our Productive Ageing forum with some ideas on how to invest in individual and community self-help.