Society & Inequality
Oxfam: Australian billionaires pocket $600,000 a day as inequality deepens
A major report by Oxfam released today has found that the average Australian billionaire increased their wealth by almost $600,000 a day over the past year, or more than $10.5 billion altogether.
In our age of AI and constant crisis, real-life community is powerful and precious
So much is deeply wrong with the world right now, but when it comes to the sphere of life that is within my own influence – my home, my heart and my place within my community – I am the happiest I have ever been.
What are the proposed gun control reforms and how did we get here?
The Albanese Government’s omnibus ‘Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill’ includes the most significant reforms to Australia’s gun control laws since 1996.
Albanese wants universal childcare. How about paying mothers directly?
Anthony Albanese wants universal childcare to be his legacy. But, amidst the growing childcare crisis, many have questioned whether the sector is ready.
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.
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.
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.
Five lessons for the world from Australia’s battle with tech giants
Big technology companies, including Facebook, Google and Elon Musk’s X, have proven difficult for national governments to control. The Internet has been treated as a “Wild West” beyond government authority.
