• Environment

    Cod in a log


    Open Forum |  November 17, 2024


    Researchers are trialling the use of artificial ‘cod logs’ to create new nesting habitats for the endangered Mary River cod in Queensland.


  • Pacific

    Goin’ South


    Open Forum |  November 17, 2024


    Modern researchers have found evidence that a Polynesian settlement on the northernmost of the Auckland Islands was inhabited for almost a century between 1250 and 1320 AD.


  • Media

    Musclebound


    Open Forum |  November 17, 2024


    Adolescent boys and young men are increasingly resorting to the dangerous use of anabolic steroids to achieve the muscular build idealised on social media according to a new study by Flinders University reseachers.


Latest Story

  • Uncovering election coverage

    Denis Muller     |      November 16, 2024

    Media coverage in Australia of the US presidential election and of the Voice referendum in October 2023 offer some pointers to what we might expect during next year’s federal election campaign.

  • Power to the person

    Anil Anand     |      November 16, 2024

    The recent US election epitomises a shift in public trust from systems and institutions to successful individuals like Elon Musk and Donald Trump; even though there are fewer or no checks and balances on how they may manipulate circumstances for their own personal benefit. The Trump victory is clearly a Trump victory and not a Republican one.

  • Enter the dragon

    John West     |      November 16, 2024

    Kevin Rudd’s new book, “On Xi Jinping,” offers insightful analysis of the transformation of Chinese politics, economics, and foreign policy under Xi Jinping’s leadership, highlighting the renewed role of ideology in shaping policy.

  • Who will defend Europe?

    John West     |      November 15, 2024

    Keir Giles’ “Who Will Defend Europe?” is a well-written and insightful examination of Europe’s parlous security situation, threatened by Putin’s aggression to the East and Trump’s ill-considered isolationism from the West.

  • Not to be

    Open Forum     |      November 15, 2024

    The famous Infinite Monkey Theorem claims that a chimpanzee randomly pressing keys on a typewriter would eventually type out the complete works of Shakespeare. It’s a very interesting theory – except it isn’t true.

  • Sea from space

    Open Forum     |      November 15, 2024

    Curtin University has joined forces with NASA, University of Miami, San José State University and the National Institute of Standards and Technology on a new-generation satellite mission to study the colour of the ocean from space, providing vital information about ocean health and its role in climate regulation.

  • Will misinformation rules curb freedom of speech?

    Anne Twomey     |      November 14, 2024

    The federal government’s proposed legislation on misinformation and disinformation has passed the House of Representatives but questions remain about its practicality and impact.

  • Introducing Audrey

    Rachel Williamson     |      November 14, 2024

    Would you be better off without your kids? Audrey is a cheeky, darkly humorous film that explores maternal regret

  • Walking the walk on climate talks

    Syed Munir Khasru     |      November 14, 2024

    As COP29 approaches, Australia’s climate policy sits at a critical crossroads, with ambitious goals tempered by ongoing reliance on fossil fuels.

  • All is not well in Australia

    Open Forum     |      November 13, 2024

    The latest Wellbeing Index released by Australian Unity and Deakin University reveals that people’s satisfaction with life in Australia as fallen to its lowest level in the 21st century.

  • Why the ‘lost boys’ love Trump

    Kate Scott     |      November 13, 2024

    Young white working class males in the USA revolted en masse against the ‘woke’ agenda associated with their generation to propel Donald Trump back into the White House.

  • A golden opportunity

    Wesley Morgan     |      November 13, 2024

    Hosting the 2026 UN climate talks would bring Australia huge benefits – economic, political and environmental – but there’s still much work to do.