On the marriage equality plebiscite, let's not confuse free speech with a free-for-all
Aug 31, 2016 10:08 am UTC| Insights & Views Law
In recent days some of the proponents of a plebiscite on marriage equality have argued it is important because it will allow people to air their views. The government has suggested that it would be democracy at work....
Climate Change Authority suggests emissions trading but no new climate targets
Aug 31, 2016 09:32 am UTC| Law Nature
An intensity-based emissions trading scheme for the electricity sector, to begin in 2018, is among a toolkit of policies recommended by the Climate Change Authority in a report setting out how Australia can meet its...
Are US antitrust regulators giving Silicon Valley's 'free' apps a free pass?
Aug 30, 2016 09:31 am UTC| Insights & Views Law
Judging by the political winds, Silicon Valley seems headed for a showdown with antitrust regulators. For the first time since 1988, the Democratic Partys platform includes stronger antitrust enforcement, while leading...
Estimating the 'cost' of fuel tax credits is a tricky business
Aug 29, 2016 07:42 am UTC| Insights & Views Law Economy
In calling for an end to fossil fuel subsidies, critics of Australias fuel tax credits system have highlighted its cost to Australian taxpayers and the budget bottom line. The Greens have said that ending fossil fuel...
Dropping the plan to ban junk food ads in prime time was a bad move – we'll regret it
Aug 27, 2016 13:31 pm UTC| Insights & Views Law Business
The governments Childhood Obesity Plan has been met with widespread anger from numerous health organisations. This was not least because it delivered absolutely nothing to regulate food advertising, something Jamie Oliver...
Rio 2016 was just the latest round in the long-running doping arms race
Aug 27, 2016 12:36 pm UTC| Sports Law
Doping was already generating international headlines in the run-up to the Rio 2016 Games, when the Russian athletics team was banned for systemic, state-sanctioned drug-taking. And it became something of a theme for the...
Why is sexual harassment in the AFP systemic? And can the culture be changed?
Aug 26, 2016 08:10 am UTC| Insights & Views Law
A report released this week revealed widespread and entrenched sexual harassment and bullying in the ranks of the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Like similar reviews before it, the extent and severity of sexual...
Johannesburg in a time of darkness: Ivan Vladislavić’s new memoir reminds us of the city’s fragility
Economist Chris Richardson on an ‘ugly’ inflation result and the coming budget
Why Germany ditched nuclear before coal – and why it won’t go back
Labour can afford to be far more ambitious with its economic policies – voters are on board
Sudan: civil war stretches into a second year with no end in sight