Guardians of Free Thought: Institutions and the Defence of Liberty in a Mature Democracy
Institutions independent of government that provide perspective in times of crisis are crucial to democracy.
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April 19, 2025
Politics as a Dream Caught by Reality: Cyclical History, Vico’s Philosophy, and the Populist Spiral
Humankind's eternal cycle of striving, failing, and re-imagining is reflected in the political dynamism our world repeats.
April 15, 2025
The Walrus and the Carpenter: An Allegory for Populism’s Deceptive Promises and Devastating Consequences
“The Walrus and the Carpenter”, is a timeless allegory for the dangers of populism.
April 14, 2025
Accountability / Democracy / Discrimination/Racism / Domestic Law / Justice / Racism / Rule of Law / Xenophobia
The Pillars of Democracy: Freedom of Speech and the Rule of Law
Freedom of speech and the rule of law are both necessary for democracy to function and endure.
April 12, 2025
Mirage of Reform: Donor Influence and the Two-Party System in Australian Politics
Independent candidates, who a largely no funded by corporate interests, have greater ability to act in the interests of their constituents.
March 31, 2025
Accountability / Commonwealth Government / Corporate profit / Corporate responsibility / Democracy / Government
Three Years Is Not Enough: Why Labor Should Be Returned as a Minority Government
Electing a minority Labor government at the upcoming election would enable ongoing correction for damage from the Morrison government.
March 29, 2025
Democracy / Government / Human Rights / International Law / Law / Law Enforcement / Rule of Law / United Nations
Lasting Echoes of the War on Terror: Consequences of Normalising Expanded Legislation on Constitutional Values
Legislative instruments expanded since 9/11 represent a vast creep of restrictions on liberty, privacy and due process
March 26, 2025
Humanity at the Crossroads: Navigating Existential Threats in a Fractured World
Authoritarianism and science skeptics are driving the Earth to a climate catastrophe.
March 21, 2025
The Wooden Horse of Wealth: Billionaires and the Subversion of Democracy
The Trojan Horse is a lesson in looking beyond a rival's seemingly generous gift to their underlying motives and past behaviours.
March 18, 2025
Democracy versus freedom of speech: Where tolerance draws the line
At its fundamental roots, democracy requires freedom of speech, but with a necessary tension to limit hate.
March 7, 2025
Accountability / ACT Government / Australian Aborigines / Corruption / Democracy / Discrimination/Racism / First Nations/Indigenous / Former Commissioner / Human Rights / Racism / Rule of Law
Self-interest and the Web of Lies: When Democracy Fails
To place a person above or outside the law is to undermine democracy.
March 3, 2025
Commonwealth Government / Democracy / Discrimination/Racism / First Nations/Indigenous / Government / Human Rights / Political theory / Propaganda
Peter Dutton: The Opposition Leader Playing from the Populist Handbook
Peter Dutton is a populist, drawing from the classic playbook asserting that he is the common man's friend. But does the electorate believe rhetoric?
February 20, 2025
The Impact of Australia’s Political Duopoly on Democracy: A Critical Examination
Concerns that Australia’s political duopoly is eroding democracy necessitate transparency and accountability in governance.
February 19, 2025
The Challenge of Alternative Facts: Psychological and Sociopolitical Dynamics
"Alternative facts" are embedded by unconscious bias and group-identity, but may be addressed via multi-faceted strategies the respect the individual.
February 5, 2025
The Two Faces of Corruption: A Demand for Accountability
Corruption is a systemic issue that transcends political affiliations and demands accountability, no less in the ACT than any other jurisdiction.
February 4, 2025
White Nationalism: Undermining Democracy, Social Unity and Human Rights
White nationalism poses a significant danger to democracy, undermining human rights and destabilising community.
January 30, 2025
The Crumbling Foundations of Trust: Consequences of Misinformation on Democracy
The promotion of conspiracies and misinformation by political leaders and "experts" feeds societal polarisation and undermines democracy.
January 21, 2025
Accountability / Corruption / Culture / Democracy / Government / Political theory / Propaganda / Uncategorized
Populism: Redefining Authenticity, Outrage and Distorting Truth in Politics
Populist leaders eschew virtue signalling, preferring the emotional hook of deceit to connect with the people.
January 11, 2025
Understanding Populism: A Dual Perspective
The rise of populism reveals deep-seated political frustrations, underscoring the need for democratic principles, accountability and integrity.
January 7, 2025
Janus: The politicisation of the public service
Abstract Public service is traditionally conceived as a noble endeavour aimed at the betterment of society, yet a closer examination reveals that it can sometimes prioritise image over genuine public…
December 24, 2024