Why it is good policy, not bad politics, to ignore bad modelling on negative gearing

Apr 12, 2016 07:31 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Negative gearing and capital gains tax are a looming battleground in the federal election. The debate was heightened last month by the release of modelling by consultants BIS Shrapnel purporting to show that reforms would...

Shifting the field of view: Telling science stories with virtual reality

Apr 12, 2016 06:53 am UTC| Insights & Views Science Technology

Since first donning a Virtual Reality (VR) headset only 8 months ago, my personal relationship with this technology has progressed at lightning speed, way past the awkward getting-to-know-you phase. In the broad scheme of...

Retirees, don't worry about your health deteriorating – leaving work can be good for you

Apr 12, 2016 06:44 am UTC| Insights & Views Health Life

A few years ago, my mother had a bit of a crisis in the lead-up to her retirement. She struggled with her self-worth, perceived value to society and fears of boredom. Shes not alone in her worry. The literature suggests...

Climate Change Series

Burning fossil fuels is responsible for most sea-level rise since 1970

Apr 12, 2016 06:27 am UTC| Insights & Views Law Nature

Global average sea level has risen by about 17 cm between 1900 and 2005. This is a much faster rate than in the previous 3,000 years. The sea level changes for several reasons, including rising temperatures as fossil...

Tasmania's 'smoke-free generation' is undemocratic age discrimination

Apr 12, 2016 05:11 am UTC| Insights & Views Law

Tasmania is considering legislation to create a tobacco-free generation by banning sales to persons born after July 1, 2000. It is a tobacco prohibition law, albeit one whose endgame will play out for future generations...

Ideas for Australia: Consensus versus the culture wars – getting the balance right

Apr 12, 2016 05:05 am UTC| Insights & Views

In recent years, political point scoring and wedge politics have made it hard to have a calm, reasoned political debate on a range of issues from same-sex marriage to refugees or climate change. However, potentially...

Why Australia does not need a royal commission into the banking industry

Apr 12, 2016 04:54 am UTC| Insights & Views

Is a Royal Commission into banking required? I think not. There have been many problematic incidents adversely affecting customers in the banking and financial sector in Australia although whether they are more frequent...