news
health
immigration February 16, 2019
The defeat Morrison hopes will save him
The opposition’s security briefing on the implications of the so-called medivac bill early this week confirmed the one thing Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and his senior colleagues feared: as drafted, it could be a direct incentive for people to...
europe December 15, 2018
Portugal’s medical model of drugs
Drug policy reform in Portugal, from pill testing to decriminalisation, may provide a model for Australia. Lisbon’s ‘dissuasion commissioner’ Nuno Capaz talks about understanding drug use as a medical, rather than a moral, issue.
law & crime October 6, 2018
While the government has made changes to My Health Record requirements, many experts argue that a risk to personal privacy remains.
law & crime December 15, 2018
Fourth AFP officer suicides at work
After a fourth officer’s suicide in just 18 months at Australian Federal Police headquarters, staff hold little hope the organisation will change.
indigenous affairs October 6, 2018
Lobbyists dominate mental health sector
As the suicide rate rises, health experts say millions in government funding is going to unproven programs and the sector is captured by lobbyists.
immigration September 29, 2018
The passing of the fifth anniversary of offshore detention on Manus has seen those incarcerated on the island sink further into mental despair and physical surrender.
law & crime September 22, 2018
Queensland debates abortion law
Next month, Queensland will debate changes to pregnancy termination legislation. While many argue current laws disadvantage poorer women, particularly in rural areas, others are keen to maintain the status quo.
education September 22, 2018
Inaccessible classrooms in NSW schools
Among the thousands of demountable classrooms used in NSW schools, many are inaccessible to parents with disabilities. So why is the Education Department ignoring building codes that require higher standards?
media September 15, 2018
Changing the discourse on suicide
Reflecting on the limits of language around suicide, the author writes of his own experience of depression and the call for a more open discussion of mental health.
immigration September 15, 2018
I am not a ‘death meat’ of Australia
After more than five years on Nauru, Ashkan watches as his partner, Nima, descends into a catatonic state, denied medical treatment by Australia.
indigenous affairs September 8, 2018
Syphilis in northern communities
As an infectious syphilis epidemic continues to ravage northern Australia – now threatening the lives of newborn babies – Indigenous sexual health specialist James Ward is leading a campaign to help remote communities.
