Civility politics is being weaponised to shut down genuine debate while allowing misinformation and powerful vested interests to maintain their influence, argues the Australia Institute’s chief political analyst Amy Remeikis. At a launch for her new book, Screw Nice, the Canberra-based journalist said the demand for people to be ‘nice’ has led to ‘civility’ being prioritised over actual substance.
New polling has revealed that Australian voters across the political spectrum overwhelmingly believe governments have an obligation to protect koala habitat. The polling, commissioned by The Australia Institute, found 82 per cent of Australians believe governments have an obligation to protect koala habitats.
As governments around the world grapple with growing voter disillusionment and distrust, Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has called for more free votes in Parliament, arguing politicians should be able to put their constituents ahead of party loyalty.
The NDIS provides reasonable and necessary supports to people with disability so that they can live everyday life – to get out of bed, go to work, eat, breathe and be part of our communities. These proposed cuts are neither reasonable nor necessary.
A new working paper released today has found the Federal Parliament should disallow a controversial new method for making carbon credits. The paper, by University College London Associate Professor Fergus Green, examines the New South Wales Government's proposal to sell carbon credits in return for creating the Great Koala National Park.
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With demand for electric vehicles surging, Australians are being urged not to let culture wars over “woke” EVs and “big dumb utes” dictate their choice of car. Australia has recorded its strongest quarter yet in electric vehicle sales, with the latest figures showing sales of new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) more than doubling, and hybrid sales reaching a record high in the three months to June 30.
Australia’s youth mental health crisis is usually discussed as a healthcare problem (psychologists, psychiatrists, headspace centres). But an Australia Institute report released today suggests we should also look further upstream.
The NSW parliament has released the final report of its inquiry into the modern slavery risks that temporary migrant workers in the state are facing. Its findings make clear that there is modern slavery in Australia.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has urged the Albanese government to pause its plan to cut more than $30 billion from the NDIS, arguing it’s “dismissing genuine concerns” about process, accountability and the impact on participants and their families.
Australia’s political class is being played by the world’s best negotiators, with prominent economist Dr Richard Denniss arguing the global gas industry has weaponised the nation’s insecurities and fear of missing out.
Some of Australia’s former fire and emergency chiefs have issued a dire warning as wildfires burn across Europe, North America, and Africa, urging the Albanese government to stop approving fossil fuel projects to rapidly reduce emissions.
Australia Institute co-CEO Richard Denniss believes Angus Taylor’s days as Opposition Leader are numbered and the man rumoured to replace him could be open minded enough to pull the trigger on a 25 per cent gas export tax.
It isn’t always easy to keep up with what’s happening in the US. “Shorter America” is a series where Dr Emma Shortis loops you in on what’s going on in America and shares news and analysis that you can trust.
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Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has delivered a scathing critique of the AUKUS security pact, arguing anyone who believes the US will hand over its nuclear-powered submarines is living in a “political fantasy land”.
The government has in effect chosen to protect the profits of mining and gas companies over delivering proper support to some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Australians.
Parties often encourage or compel their elected MPs (and sometimes their political staff) to pay a contribution to the party out of their parliamentary salary. It’s called “the tithe” or a “levy”. These levies are often exempt from donation caps, giving the major political parties an uncapped stream of revenue while new entrants have to raise money through small donations.
It isn’t always easy to keep up with what’s happening in the US. “Shorter America” is a series where Dr Emma Shortis loops you in on what’s going on in America and shares news and analysis that you can trust.
