Democracy & Accountability
QLD government accused of exploiting summer holiday lull to avoid scrutiny of contentious electoral laws bill
Queensland’s LNP government has been accused of exploiting the summer holiday lull to avoid scrutiny of a contentious bill, which would lift the state’s ban on developer donations to political parties and candidates.
State governments warned against “overreaching” and rushing to legislate “easy solutions” in the wake of Bondi terror attack
The NSW Government is yet to address whether it will extend its temporary ban on public gatherings in designated areas, with police working on contingencies for mass rallies against Australia Day.
Senate inquiry told Labor's proposed gun laws “would have significantly reduced the chances” of the Bondi massacre occurring
Gun Control Australia president Tim Quinn has told a snap Senate inquiry he believes the Albanese government’s proposed gun control legislation “would have significantly reduced the chances” of the Bondi massacre occurring.
Labor’s $100k dash to New York has already been vindicated
In early December, the papers raged at politicians’ use of travel entitlements. The media has a short memory.
Why I withdrew from Adelaide Writers’ Week
Authoritarianism and its brutal brother fascism are rising all around us. They thrive on controlling, squashing and censoring ideas they do not like. I refuse to participate in that.
Lifting ban on political donations by developers could increase corruption risk: QLD corruption watchdog
As Queensland prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games, the state’s Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has warned the Crisafulli government against lifting the ban on political donations by property developers.
New modelling suggests non-government parties would see greatest increase in seat share from expanded parliament
Labor is canvassing support for the addition of more senators and MPs to better reflect the country’s growing population.
Engaging with people you disagree with is part of democracy. Silencing authors is not.
The Australia Institute’s decision to withdraw its involvement in, and sponsorship of, Adelaide Writers’ Week was easy to make but raises difficult questions. As a research-based think tank, we thrive in the cut and thrust of disagreement, and we regularly participate in events, debates, and conversations with people we disagree with.
Engaging with people you disagree with is part of democracy. Silencing authors is not.
The Australia Institute’s decision to withdraw its involvement in, and sponsorship of, Adelaide Writers’ Week was easy to make but raises difficult questions. As a research-based think tank, we thrive in the cut and thrust of disagreement, and we regularly participate in events, debates, and conversations with people we disagree with.