Politics and society

The Australian Parliament building at sunset

Democracy’s bad eggs: Corruption, pork-barrelling, and abuses of power

The active investigations by robust institutions such as anti-corruption commissions will act as checks and balances on governmental power – and are key to a vibrant democracy.

Political slogans: The fine, functional, and forgettable

Any slogan – even the forgettable ones – carry echoes of what makes a slogan good, and Australia’s 2025 iterations hit some basic linguistic notes.

Politics and society

Australia's federal Senate chamber interior

Election 2025: Keep an eye on the Senate

The campaign for the Senate may fly under the radar over the next few weeks, but who is elected to it will have a massive impact on Australian politics.

Politics and society

Women's Day banner with silhouettes of multi-ethnic women's faces in paper cut and copy space

Voices of impact: Celebrating women in academia

As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we spotlight five exceptional Monash University women leading in academia.

Celebrating women

Portrait of young drag queen on LGBTQIA pride parade

To be visible or not – that is the question for trans persons and communities

Rising prejudice and bias, particularly in the United States, fuelled by anti-trans rhetoric, has cowed many people in trans communities into invisibility for fear of persecution.

Politics and society

Exterior of Australia's Parliament House

Australia decides: Cost of living, climate change and healthcare to dominate election campaign

On 3 May, Australians will vote to determine the next national government. With a close race expected, every seat will be crucial in this tightly-contested election.

Politics and society

Young man looking thoughtful while sitting in a session with his female therapist.

The folly of mental health treatment caps

The cap on Medicare subsidised psychology sessions rose to 20 during COVID. But there are better ways to achieve the program’s aims.

Politics and society

Newspaper headlines on cost of living and poverty.

Same old story: Federal budget ignores poverty, fails the unemployed

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ federal budget perpetuates the disregard of policymakers to the plight of those living in poverty.

Medicine and health

Australian currency, microscope and businessman's hand on a desk with wooden blocks that spell out "Federal Budget 2025"

Federal budget 2025: Tax cuts, turbulence, and a looming election

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ fourth budget in three years is a modest one, with some cost-of-living relief, but the shadow of Trump hangs over it.

Politics and society

Women with a face mask on public transport.

Reimagining public transport as a pillar of public health

It encourages physical activity, reduces pollution, and enhances mental wellbeing, so why are people shunning public transport in favour of their cars?

Architecture

Indigenous Australians hands burning gum leaves.

Rethinking Closing the Gap

Despite repeated commitments from governments and institutions, the results remain stagnant, begging the question: Do we need a fundamental shift in how we approach Indigenous success and wellbeing?

Politics and society

Dutton’s dual citizenship striptease

Dutton says his proposed referendum would “keep our country safe”. But as courts can already strip citizenship, why would we need a national vote?

Politics and society

Casino and gambling industry in the Australia concept. Gambling iconography on map of Australia

Has the age of unfettered gambling revenue for casinos ended?

Star has again secured a lifeline and staved off collapse in the near term. But there are bigger questions about the profitability of casinos in Australia in general.

Medicine and health

Is Australian English under threat from the Americans?

Yes, some slang certainly makes its way across the Pacific. But the history between the two versions of the English language is more complex than you might think.

Politics and society

Wildlife selfies: Staying out of the frame

Why an influencer’s wombat video is a symptom of a larger social media problem.

Politics and society

United states and Iran - National flags on Brick wall with nuclear symbol

Tensions rise over US-Iran nuclear talks

While a possible diplomatic route towards a new nuclear agreement may be on the cards, signs also point to Iran accelerating its atomic weapons program.

Politics and society

Storm-felled oak tree on a house, ripping through its roof

How climate change is impacting insurance protection

Growing climate risk means growing costs of natural disasters. As insurance premiums have risen by 300%, these are costs that households simply can’t afford.

Politics and society

A stern Andrew Tate talks into a microphone

The manosphere isn’t just about economic power – it’s about gender power

Andrew Tate's arrival in the US highlights the broader appeal of the manosphere beyond economic hardship, and why it's crucial to confront extremist sexism head-on.

Education

Sad and scared woman burying her head in her arms in front of an open laptop

IWD 2025: Technology-facilitated violence in the Indo-Pacific is under-researched

A study has highlighted high rates of online harassment, cyberstalking, and other forms of abuse in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring the need for gender-responsive policies and further investigation into the impacts on diverse communities.

Politics and society

British PM Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands.

Can the UK Prime Minister make liberal democracies great again?

After the bust-up between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Keir Starmer emerged as a possible peacemaker. But he’ll have his work cut out.

Politics and society

Illustration of three female figures holding environmental icons

IWD 2025: NDCs, SDGs, and the intersection of climate change and gender equality

International Women’s Day 2025 calls for “Accelerated Action” towards gender equality, highlighting the critical link between climate change and gender-responsive policies.

Politics and society

A roadside sign in red, white and blue reading "Welcome to Trumpland"

A shift in global order will mean turbulent times for US allies and their universities

Universities worldwide face the challenges of the current geopolitical landscape, addressing the impact of Trump 2.0, the importance of upholding academic values, and the need for solidarity and transparency within the academic community.

Politics and society

How to get more Australians reading

With recreational reading rates declining, we need to understand why, what motivates people to read, their behaviours, and the barriers.

Politics and society