Latest Opinion

• From major to minor: the rise of the new political party

  

  OPINION | The rise of the minor party in Australian politics should not be seen as an unnecessary aberration, or a trivial moment in the country’s democratic development. Instead, it should be seen as an opportunity to reform a stagnating electoral system.

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• The NDIS: A diamond in the political dirt

  

  OPINION | Like many Australians I have recently found my faith in an inherent level of decency in politics sorely tested. Now, with the historic passing of legislation introducing a National Disability Insurance Scheme being virtually ignored in favor of an orgy of leadership speculation, I find little reason to hope it will ever return.

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• Misuse of Stilnox: do Aussie swimmers have a case to answer?

  

  OPINION | The Stilnox scandal currently engulfing Australian swimming has attracted public attention because of the Men’s Relay team’s ‘door-knocking’ antics. PAUL BLEAKLEY asks, is it just a case of ‘boys being boys’ or does it raise more important questions about the misuse of prescription drugs in our society?

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• Stay classless, Australia

  

  It is hard for an Aussie to live in the UK and not notice the pervasive influence of class, woven into the cultural fabric of English society. Whilst the idea of an Australian classless society may be an ‘egalitarian myth’ , it is, as CATHERINE BURRELL argues, an important part of our shared identity and a worthy ideal.

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• Nation of stereotypes or country of contradictions: UK look at Australia

  

  AUSTRALIA DAY | In the lead up to Australia Day, it seems appropriate to ask questions about the nature of Australian identity and how we are perceived as a nation. A recent article by the BBC’s Sydney correspondent suggests global misconceptions about Australia have rendered us a nation of stereotypes, typecast as laidback, beach-going, sports obsessed fitness fanatics.

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• Mutterings in the ranks: LNP abandon Newman’s ‘mandate for change’

  

  Having swept the LNP to power in the last Queensland state election, it seems Campbell Newman is now finding it difficult to keep rank and file in line as he sets about implementing his ‘mandate for change’.

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• Two princesses, one Gold Coast: Mariah Carey and Zara Phillips

  

  The Gold Coast has seen an influx in star power in recent weeks. Zara Phillips, as ambassador for the Magic Millions carnival’s Racing Women initiative, has gone head to head with princess of pop Mariah Carey for the local affections of the Sunshine Coast.

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• Debate should focus on work incentives, not welfare increases

  

  Federal Families Minister, Jenny Macklin, has caused controversy in Australia by telling reporters she could live on the Newstart allowance of $35 a day, with opponents challenging her to back her claim. PAUL BLEAKLEY ask, is this just a cheap game of political point scoring, or a legitimate criticism of an ‘out of touch’ Minister?

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• Australia a magnet for criminals, drugs and sex says British media

  

  Are we a nation of criminals? A recent report on Australian Crime Commission statistics by the Daily Mail suggests the strong Aussie dollar and high wages have resulted in a influx of drug smugglers and foreign sex workers.

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• Offshore mining: Big business or big risk?

  

  Offshore mining is big business in Australia, however carries certain risks for its owners and employees. PAUL BLEAKLEY examines the increasing role private military companies are playing in providing a level of protection to these companies operations.

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• “Ranga” added to new edition of Australian Oxford Dictionary

  

  The word “ranga” is a term used by Australians to refer to red-haired people, often in an offensive manner. It is now set to be the latest Australian slang term to enter officially recognized lexicon, with its inclusion in the new edition of the Australian Oxford Dictionary.

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• Royal prank call tragedy: Guilt and blame – the ultimate shape-shifters

  

  The object of initial interest, the royal fetus is all but forgotten as the amoeba of public outrage and opinion over the Royal prank call and the subsequent death of a nurse involved, shape-shifts faster than the media that created it.

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• Aussie media commentary in response to hospital prank tragedy

  

  Excerpts of the response of Australian media to the royal hoax phone call following the death of a nurse involved in the prank.

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• The trans-Tasman rivalry: Friendly banter or all-out war?

  

  The moral of the story is clear: New Zealanders do not have to like being called Australian, but that does not make anyone who calls you one a racist.

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• NZ defends “stupid fat Australian” racism court ruling

  

  New Zealanders express support for the UK court ruling that found a woman, Petra Mills, guilty of racially aggravated public disorder after calling her NZ-born neighbour a “stupid fat Australian”.

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• Is being called ‘Australian’ a racist slur? One UK court says yes

  

  A recent case in a UK magistrates court held calling someone a “stupid fat Australian” constituted racial abuse. PAUL BLEAKLEY argues that calling someone ‘Australian’ shouldn’t be considered a racial slur.

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• Does the culture of misogyny still continue in Australian media?

  

  Allegations of a prevalent misogynistic culture in Australian media newsrooms continue to circulate, with UK based former Australian newsreader Jo Pearson confirming her similar experience in the “boys’ club” media world of the 1980s and 1990s. Do these attitudes still continue, and could the answer lie with the BBC?

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• Is ‘the Push’ now a pull? UK nationals flock to Australia

  

  The once steady stream of Aussies to London and the UK, seeking culture, challenge and, in later years, money, seems to be on the verge of reversing fortunes. UK Home Office research released last week shows that a distinct trend in UK professionals pursuing opportunities abroad.

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• A message to all Aussies: take my lead, move to the UK

  

  THE HARD WORD | After two years living abroad in London, it’s time to call it a day. But I’m testament to the fact that anyone can do it, and more importantly everyone should do it.

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• Julian Assange should face his accusers

  

  THE HARD WORD | Blurring Assange’s possible extradition to the US with facing the same legal processes as the rest of us is unhelpful and the ensuing scaremongering has been completely overblown.

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