The Australian Government has recently announced proposed changes to the country’s Medicare system. The proposed changes aim to create a more efficient and equitable system for the delivery and funding of Australia’s health care services. Let's take a closer look at these proposed changes. The proposed changes to Medicare are intended to make the system … Continue reading The proposed changes to Medicare: are they enough?
Category: Australian Politics
Australian Law and Politics
Voice to Parliament: the dirty tricks of the no-campaigners
Constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament would give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people agency to help inform decisions that impact their lives. Yet there are those that are against this purely on principle, rather than on any facts or details of the proposed Voice. Why is this so? First, let's look at what … Continue reading Voice to Parliament: the dirty tricks of the no-campaigners
China have just made our housing crisis worse
More than 40,000 Chinese university students could arrive in Australia in the next few weeks as a result of a Chinese government ban on online studying. The ban affects all students located in China who are studying university courses online through an Australian university. China have decreed that they will no longer recognise these online … Continue reading China have just made our housing crisis worse
We need a Centrelink Royal Commission
The Australian government established Centrelink with the primary purpose of providing aid to individuals who are in need of it. Unfortunately, Australian residents don't believe the agency has performed effectively, which is why a Royal Commission is needed to intervene and restore order. But why is a Royal Commission necessary, and what will its objectives … Continue reading We need a Centrelink Royal Commission
Centrelink are still using income averaging
Income averaging was found to be illegal by the Federal Court in the Robodebt Test Case of Amato vs Commonwealth (2019), yet Centrelink still use this methodology when calculating income for certain windfalls. These windfalls include lottery wins, inheritances, gifts, bequests, insurance payments, bursaries, scholarships and anything else Centrelink decide is income, if they are … Continue reading Centrelink are still using income averaging
Robodebt architect now has NDIS recipients in his sights
Jason Ryman, the architect of Centrelink's infamous Robodebt scheme, was seconded to the NDIA with the task of using a similar scheme to target recipients of NDIS funding. The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) is the agency charged with overseeing the running of the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme). The secondment was made by former … Continue reading Robodebt architect now has NDIS recipients in his sights
Centrelink staff need to learn some manners
One thing that was consistent during the Robodebt Royal Commission was Centrelink's victims reporting that staff had been rude and aggressive. Sadly, this has not changed. Witnesses at the Royal Commission recounted that staff had yelled at them, mocked them, refused to listen to any defence and generally treated them with contempt. Witnesses recalled being … Continue reading Centrelink staff need to learn some manners
Dominic Perrottet and the Nazi uniform: he doesn’t know what he did was wrong
Dominic Perrottet has failed to apologise to everybody that he offended by wearing a Nazi uniform, showing he doesn't really understand what he did was wrong and why. To be fair, a 21 year old probably wouldn't understand the significance of the Nazi uniform, and he shouldn't be judged on what he did as a … Continue reading Dominic Perrottet and the Nazi uniform: he doesn’t know what he did was wrong
Why retrospective law can be applied to the NACC
With the passing of legislation for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), it is worth reflecting on the history of retrospective law in Australia, and how the courts have found it to be legal. It is possible in Australia to break laws that have not yet been created, but there are instances where many would believe … Continue reading Why retrospective law can be applied to the NACC
Corporate welfare cheats: the real bludgers in Australian society
While Australia's poor and marginalised are portrayed as "welfare cheats" by the LNP and right wing, the real welfare cheats are pocketing billions at the expense of the Australian taxpayer. These are the large corporations, particularly their CEOs and executives, who receive handouts from the government that they don't really need and are not really … Continue reading Corporate welfare cheats: the real bludgers in Australian society
It is social security, not welfare
In the pre-Centrelink days, the unemployed, disabled, aged, marginalised and students were treated with some respect by the Australian government. Those days are long gone. Up until 1997, Australia had the Department of Social Security, which administered social security payments. This is how they were referred to by both the government and the department. Then … Continue reading It is social security, not welfare
Centrelink are in the firing line, and it’s about time
My recent article The aged pension is not welfare has now been read by nearly 40,000 people in just two days, and I have received emails from over 100 people having problems with Centrelink. The response has been overwhelming. I have responded to many of these emails, and will respond to all of them over … Continue reading Centrelink are in the firing line, and it’s about time
The aged pension is not welfare
The aged pension is an entitlement and Centrelink should not be treating it as welfare. All Australians should be entitled to it as a reward for a lifetime of contribution to Australia. While it is true that some contribute more than others, we live in one of the most democratic countries in the world, and … Continue reading The aged pension is not welfare
How Centrelink are causing domestic abuse in Australian families
Centrelink are a major contributor to domestic abuse in Australian families because of their antiquated laws, and it is time the Australian government stepped in and stopped it. Under Centrelink law, if one partner in a relationship is working, the other partner is not entitled to any income support, or gets a drastically decreased amount. … Continue reading How Centrelink are causing domestic abuse in Australian families
Centrelink legislation is in drastic need of reform
The Social Security Act and Social Security (Administration) Act each contain over 1,000 sections, most of which are designed to deny people payments, and many of which are in contradiction to other legislation.Lottery wins, insurance payments and inheritances, when paid in more than one payment, are not classified as income by the Australian Taxation office, … Continue reading Centrelink legislation is in drastic need of reform
Courier Mail article about my fight with Centrelink
news.com.au article about my fight with Centrelink
Daily Mail article about my fight with Centrelink
Why retrospective law can be applied to the NACC
Retrospective Legislation It is possible in Australia to break laws that have not yet been created, but there are instances where many would believe this is highly appropriate. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) may be one of these. The two main principles that exist in rule of law in Australia are that if the person … Continue reading Why retrospective law can be applied to the NACC
Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus
The following editorial, among the most famous ever written, appeared in the New York Sun in 1897. Since it's Christmas, etc... Also, it is a great piece of writing: We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is … Continue reading Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus
Lack of Opportunities For Disabled People
Employers and recruiters unintentionally inflict a ‘glass ceiling’ on disabled Australians, largely due to a lack of infrastructure and consideration, and new figures show that disabled people are half as likely to be employed compared to the population in general. John Walsh, author of a new report, “Disability Expectations: Investing in a better life, a … Continue reading Lack of Opportunities For Disabled People
WIPO Welcomes EU Ratification of Internet Treaties
Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization Francis Gurry has welcomed the ratification by the European Union of the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. The treaties establish the basic standards of protection for copyright and related rights in the digital environment. Mr Gurry said the EU's ratification of the … Continue reading WIPO Welcomes EU Ratification of Internet Treaties
Alcopops Dispute Fizzes Out In Federal Court
The Federal Government has been taking a variety of measures intended to reduce "binge drinking". One of those measures has been to increase rates of duty and excise on "ready to drink" mixed drinks known as Alcopops. Many of you have been following the fate of measures intended to raise customs duty on imported products … Continue reading Alcopops Dispute Fizzes Out In Federal Court
National Audit Of Police Capabilities (2009)
The Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, today announced the appointment of Roger Beale AO to conduct a Federal Audit of Police Capabilities in line with the Government’s election commitment. “The Australian Federal Police have had to meet increasing demands in recent years and it’s important we take a comprehensive look at its resources and … Continue reading National Audit Of Police Capabilities (2009)
Australian Prime Minister’s Australia Day Message (2009)
As we celebrate Australia Day with our friends and families - over barbeques, picnic tables and beach towels - I know that many of you share my concerns about the impact of the global financial crisis on our families. This year will not be an easy one, and to be frank, we face some very … Continue reading Australian Prime Minister’s Australia Day Message (2009)
Craig Hill 