Posted on November 4, 2015November 6, 2017 A journalist in Iraq: Michael Ware’s never ending war John Treadgold Micheal Ware has been called the most courageous Aussie journalist of his generation. He spent more time in Afghanistan and Iraq than almost any other journalist; he also has the other dubious honour of being the only Western journalist to have been captured by Al Qaeda, but then released. He’s got a broad Aussie accent … Continue reading A journalist in Iraq: Michael Ware’s never ending war
Posted on September 27, 2015November 6, 2017 The paradox of Papua New Guinea John Treadgold Papua New Guinea has me so intrigued. I don’t know if it’s the puzzle of the country’s development, whether it’s the eternal lure of the tropics or if it’s just a yearning to discover hidden surf spots? But I’m sure my interest is naïve, I know only what I’ve read or what I’ve picked up … Continue reading The paradox of Papua New Guinea
Posted on September 18, 2015September 27, 2015 Malcolm Turnbull and Australia’s diverging hopes and fears Aaron Jones Malcolm Turnbull is a tremendously intelligent man who has had a diverse and successful career, communicates well and holds progressive views on number of social issues. Malcolm Turnbull was all of these things in November 2009 when shortly before the Liberal Party rolled him for Tony Abbott as Opposition Leader, he received the second lowest … Continue reading Malcolm Turnbull and Australia’s diverging hopes and fears
Posted on September 10, 2015September 27, 2015 Are You A Bigger Bigot Than You Think? Jeremy Hillman Some parade their bigotry with pride while others peddle bigoted views in the darker corners of the digital world. Yet if we explore the deeper meaning of bigotry, an uncomfortable reality emerges – there’s a bigot lurking in all of us. Bigotry is not only displayed through racism, it’s a general intolerance of difference – … Continue reading Are You A Bigger Bigot Than You Think?
Posted on September 1, 2015November 6, 2017 A Solomon Islands perspective John Treadgold Studying at a post-graduate level is as much about debate and discussion as it is about research. I’ve had classes in my Masters degree where every student is from a different country. I’ve heard insights from Iranians into the social impact of trade sanctions, a student from Ghana explained his complex frustrations at the conditionality … Continue reading A Solomon Islands perspective
Posted on August 25, 2015November 13, 2015 Danny’s Story: Peace, Love & The Power of Kindness Jeremy Hillman Local legend Danny Lim is 71 years old and has been delighting Sydney-siders for many years, sharing his quirky messages of peace and happiness with anyone lucky enough to encounter him. Usually wearing a sandwich board and always with his beloved dog Smartie by his side, Danny spends most mornings smiling and bringing us cheer as … Continue reading Danny’s Story: Peace, Love & The Power of Kindness
Posted on August 18, 2015August 25, 2015 Sharks, Plane Crashes and Unfair Dismissal Laws Aaron Jones There a lot of fears in life that are not rational or proportionate to the actual harm they cause. Cockroaches, spiders, clowns, clusters of fungus and, it would seem, Australia’s unfair dismissal laws. The Productivity Commission released its draft report on Australia’s workplace relations system on August 4 and it’s worth a read (if not … Continue reading Sharks, Plane Crashes and Unfair Dismissal Laws
Posted on August 7, 2015August 18, 2015 Islamophobia & The Entrepreneurs of Fear Jeremy Hillman Phobia, or irrational fear, is an unfortunate hallmark of social and political discourse throughout the world; often exploited for gain by those who have a responsibility to do exactly the opposite. Rampant homophobia used to stoke fears that gay people were sexual deviants out to destroy our way of life. Now it’s rampant Islamophobia advancing … Continue reading Islamophobia & The Entrepreneurs of Fear
Posted on August 3, 2015November 6, 2017 I went to Norway and I learned all about peace John Treadgold It had been my first trip to Norway and while I was struck by the similarities between this Scandinavian country and Australia, I was also dismayed by a stark contrast. We were both young countries, we’d both been thrust into the limelight by resource riches, we shared relatively peaceful colonial pasts and we were both … Continue reading I went to Norway and I learned all about peace
