How Syria changed the refugee debate
“Those Coalition MPs who argued that too much compassion would test the community’s tolerance of immigration were outnumbered.”
The extraordinary crisis in Europe has thoroughly reshaped the language and terms of the refugee debate in Australia.
News
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Hiding sexual abuse behind prestige at Geelong Grammar
For students of the elite Geelong Grammar School, sexual abuse survived within a subculture of hazing born in the ‘Great Public Schools’ of England.
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Veterans fight for the right to join Kurdish militias
“The only thing the government has done right on this issue is warn about the dangers of joining the fight against Daesh.”
Keen to join the fight against Daesh, a group of former Australian servicemen have enlisted legal help in a bid to wage their own war on the government’s Foreign Fighters bill.
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Timor-Leste’s battle to settle its maritime borders resumes
As Timor-Leste reactivates arbitration over Australian espionage, a Melbourne-raised woman is in the engine room of the nation’s international push to settle its maritime borders.
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Hesta’s Transfield dumping highlights ethical focus
“This is really one of the first times a major fund has taken a decision based on ethics and the wishes of their members. That’s the reason we’re seeing massive push-back.”
Borrowing lessons from fossil fuel divestment, a group of activists and investment funds are using the sharemarket in an attempt to shape refugee policy.
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RAAF to bomb Syria as refugees flood out
Iran deal close; China also loose on Pacific War history; Ugandan president ducks and swerves Sydney rival
Opinion
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Chris Wallace
Joe Hockey’s a dead treasurer walking
“The conclusion has become inescapable that Hockey is either too thick for the job or too arrogant to get any perspective on his poor performance and fix it.”
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Paul Bongiorno
Abbott’s borderline success on Syria refugees
“This issue can never shake its racist and xenophobic undertones. Abbott is to be commended for taking no notice of those in his party room on the extreme right. ”
Letters, Poem & Editorial
Culture
Emily Blunt among the action in crime thriller Sicario
She’s played everything from English aristocrats to Melbourne stalkers. Now Emily Blunt has joined the FBI.
A new exhibition of works by Robert MacPherson at GOMA showcases an artist for whom life, art and work are inextricably bound.
Waanyi author Alexis Wright’s stream of words
A Skype call with award-winning author Alexis Wright about the big issues that inspire her.
Food
Life
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Thync, a mood-managing wearable tech
The latest wearable tech promises to alter our mood at the touch of a button, delivering electrical pulses to the temple.
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Arnhem Land’s Cobourg Peninsula
The Cobourg Peninsula, north-east of Darwin, hosts ancient rock art treasures and the invigorating presence of ever-lurking crocodiles.
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Hoop dreams: Michelle Payne, 29, jockey
Michelle Payne on the hectic, focused life of a champion jockey.
Books
The Quiz
1. Bart Cummings trained how many Melbourne Cup winners? (Bonus points for naming the first and the last.)
2. Which actress shares a name with one of Henry VIII’s wives?
3. Dihydrogen monoxide is more commonly known as…?
4. In which year was the Falklands War fought?
5. How many keys on a concert grand piano?
6. What is Australia’s fourth most populous city?
7. Do red or white blood cells carry oxygen?
8. Who hosted this year’s MTV Video Music Awards ceremony?
9. By what directional name is the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem also known?
10. Last month, which book received the 2015 Ned Kelly Award for best true crime?
Quotes
POLITICS
“I deeply regret my actions on that day. I take great pride in my work and the footage from that day does not reflect who I am as a professional or a person.”
The conservative Canadian candidate regrets urinating into a coffee mug while the subject of a camera trap investigation into home repairs. People who live in glass houses would not do this.
HUNTING
“If I had known this lion had a name and was important to the country or a study obviously I wouldn’t have taken it.”
The dentist who killed Cecil the lion confirms he only hunts no-name and home-brand animals.
FAITH
“May every parish, every religious community, every monastery, every sanctuary of Europe, take in one family.”
The head of the Catholic Church suggests an answer to the Syrian refugee crisis.
TIME
“There’s no demonstrable evidence to support us becoming a western suburb of Sydney.”
The South Australian deputy opposition leader confirms the Liberals will block legislation to align the state’s time zone with the eastern capitals. Extension work on the M7 ceases accordingly.
HUMANITY
“This seems to me to be becoming an opportunistic cycle which is masking the true humanitarian need which is the responsibility of Western nations.”
The senator brings his unique experience of opportunism – be it on gays or halal food or abortion – to bear on the refugee crisis in Europe.
CRIME
“I have had no involvement whatsoever in the disappearance of William Tyrrell.”
The washing machine repairman implicated in the disappearance of toddler William Tyrrell releases a video defending his innocence.
