news
media
religion August 24, 2019
The power and hypocrisy of George Pell’s supporters
As the Victorian Court of Appeal affirms the cardinal’s guilt, he retains dogged support from many in the conservative establishment.
religion August 24, 2019
‘Strategic communication’ and Muslim communities
After last year’s revelations that the Home Affairs Department was behind a clandestine scheme to influence Muslim communities, the British Home Office appears to be using similar tactics.
media August 10, 2019
Murdoch media fuels far-right recruitment
A world-first study by Victorian academics shows inflammatory media reports – on race and Safe Schools – acted as a dog whistle to extremists seeking ‘permission’.
media August 17, 2019
New birth certificate laws spark anti-trans campaign
As the backlash against the inclusion of trans and non-binary Australians continues, medical experts fear media rhetoric may hurt the wellbeing of gender-questioning youth.
rural July 27, 2019
Farm activists face tougher laws
As federal and state governments impose tougher laws to deter animal activists from trespassing on farms, there is growing concern that journalists and whistleblowers will be unable to report on unethical farming practices.
law & crime June 22, 2019
Rosie Batty: the private toll of public grief
This week, Luke Batty would have turned 17. For his mother the years since his death have been marked by public esteem and an intense personal hell.
law & crime June 15, 2019
‘The act is a dog’: whistleblower shields too weak
After last week’s AFP raids, public servants speak out about Mike Pezzullo’s hypocrisy, the government’s culture of secrecy and whistleblower protections.
asia pacific May 11, 2019
Journalist Maria Ressa and the Philippine election
Rappler co-founder Maria Ressa discusses the political situation in the Philippines ahead of the country’s May 13 midterm elections, the first test of Rodrigo Duterte’s continuing hold on popularity.
immigration May 4, 2019
Political engagement on WeChat
As election day approaches, both Labor and the Coalition have taken to the social media platform WeChat to appeal to Chinese-Australian voters – even if it might lead to scrutiny by the Chinese government.
law & crime April 20, 2019
Julian Assange: master of disguise
The arrest of Julian Assange is just another chapter in a story of complications and contradictions.
law & crime April 13, 2019
After the Christchurch massacre, the Coalition and Labor passed a bill prohibiting the sharing of abhorrent material on social media, but experts argue the new law will achieve little.
