Tag: Australia

Community Forum: Jane Caro, Political and Social Commentator


. Jane Caro is an Australian author, journalist, broadcaster, social commentator and public speaker known for her forthright contributions to debates about politics, feminism, education and social justice. After beginning her career in advertising, she became a prominent voice across Australian television, radio, print and digital media. She has written extensively about gender equality, ageing, … Continue reading Community Forum: Jane Caro, Political and Social Commentator

Community Forum: Lucy Carter, Matt Martino, Maryanne Taouk, Michael Workman and Devi Mallal (ABC News Verify Team)


. Lucy Carter leads ABC NEWS Verify, the ABC’s specialist team investigating misinformation, disinformation and questionable claims circulating online. An award-winning investigative journalist with more than 15 years of experience in television and digital journalism, she has worked on stories examining political propaganda, online extremism, social-media platforms and the rapidly evolving influence of artificial intelligence. … Continue reading Community Forum: Lucy Carter, Matt Martino, Maryanne Taouk, Michael Workman and Devi Mallal (ABC News Verify Team)

Community Forum: Tom Tate, Mayor of the Gold Coast


. Tom Tate is the 13th Mayor of the City of Gold Coast and the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history. First elected in 2012, he secured a fourth term in 2024 after more than a decade overseeing one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities. A qualified civil engineer and experienced businessman, Tom worked in construction, property, … Continue reading Community Forum: Tom Tate, Mayor of the Gold Coast

Petition: Implement federal price-gouging laws in Australia


. The cost of living in Australia is already a significant burden for many families, and it is only made worse when oil companies and petrol stations opportunistically hike prices by capitalising on global crises, such as wars, to inflate costs even further. This practice of price-gouging not only exploits the vulnerabilities of everyday Australians … Continue reading Petition: Implement federal price-gouging laws in Australia

Community Forum: Rod Sims, Chair of the Superpower Institute and Former Chair of the ACCC


. Professor Rod Sims AO is an Australian economist, public-policy expert and former Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. He led the ACCC from 2011 until 2022, becoming the longest-serving chair in the regulator’s history. During his tenure, he became a prominent advocate for stronger competition, consumer protection and greater accountability from powerful … Continue reading Community Forum: Rod Sims, Chair of the Superpower Institute and Former Chair of the ACCC

Community Forum: Simon Kennedy MP, Federal Liberal Member for Cook (NSW)


. Simon Kennedy MP is the Federal Member for Cook, representing communities across Sydney’s Sutherland Shire and southern suburbs. A member of the Liberal Party, he entered the House of Representatives after winning the Cook by-election in April 2024 and was re-elected at the 2025 federal election. Simon currently serves as Shadow Assistant Minister to … Continue reading Community Forum: Simon Kennedy MP, Federal Liberal Member for Cook (NSW)

Community Forum: Claire Clutterham MP, Federal Labor Member for Sturt (SA)


. Claire Clutterham MP is the federal Labor Member for Sturt in South Australia. Elected in 2025, she became the first woman to represent the electorate in federal Parliament. She lives in Sturt with her husband and stepdaughter and brings experience from law, local government and community service to her role. Before entering Parliament, Claire … Continue reading Community Forum: Claire Clutterham MP, Federal Labor Member for Sturt (SA)

Community Forum: CK – Organiser of the Petition Against the Proposed Trump Tower on the Gold Coast


. CK is an Australian resident and one of the organisers behind the petitions opposing the former proposed Trump Tower development on the Gold Coast. She is keeping her real identity private while speaking publicly about the campaign. She started her petition because she was concerned about the development’s potential social, environmental and economic impacts. … Continue reading Community Forum: CK – Organiser of the Petition Against the Proposed Trump Tower on the Gold Coast

Why we started petitions to stop the Trump Tower on the Gold Coast


. We didn’t set out to run one of the biggest grassroots campaigns the Gold Coast has seen in years. But the moment the Trump Organization’s first Australian tower was announced - a 91-storey, 340-metre Trump International Hotel & Tower proposed for Surfers Paradise - we knew we had to act. So we did what … Continue reading Why we started petitions to stop the Trump Tower on the Gold Coast

Ten Places Where Trump Investments Have Had a Negative Impact


. These are places around the world where Trump-owned or Trump-branded projects were widely reported as symbols of luxury-led redevelopment, priced at notable premiums, or tied to controversies that locals said harmed communities. These included the displacement of local businesses, skyrocketing property prices, and a sharp increase in income inequality. Hudson Square, “West SoHo,” Manhattan … Continue reading Ten Places Where Trump Investments Have Had a Negative Impact

Community Forum: Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Prevention of Family Violence


. Joining this Reddit AMA is Ged Kearney MP, the Labor Member for Cooper in Melbourne’s north. She is Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence. Ged entered federal Parliament in 2018 after a career spent advocating for patients and workers. She worked as a nurse for 20 … Continue reading Community Forum: Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Prevention of Family Violence

Stop the construction of Trump Tower on the Gold Coast


. I am deeply concerned about the proposed construction of a Trump Tower on the beautiful Gold Coast in Queensland. This magnificent region, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant local culture, is at risk of losing its charm and integrity if this project goes ahead. Donald Trump, the figure behind this development, is not … Continue reading Stop the construction of Trump Tower on the Gold Coast

Community Forum: Senator Charlotte Walker, Labor (SA)


. Joining this Reddit AMA is Senator Charlotte Walker, a Labor senator for South Australia. Elected in 2025 on her 21st birthday, she became the youngest person ever elected to the Australian Senate. Charlotte grew up in Yankalilla on the Fleurieu Peninsula, where she played netball and worked at the local supermarket. That regional upbringing … Continue reading Community Forum: Senator Charlotte Walker, Labor (SA)

Community Forum: Cheryl Kernot, Former Australian Democrats Senator and Labor MP (QLD)


. Joining this Reddit AMA is Cheryl Kernot, a former leader of the Australian Democrats and former Labor Member for Dickson. She represented Queensland in the Senate from 1990 to 1997 and led the Democrats for four of those years. Before entering Parliament, Cheryl was a teacher and became involved in politics partly because she … Continue reading Community Forum: Cheryl Kernot, Former Australian Democrats Senator and Labor MP (QLD)

Community Forum: Michael West, Investigative Journalist


. Joining this Reddit AMA is Michael West, an Australian investigative journalist and founder of Michael West Media. He began his journalism career as a cadet at The Australian Financial Review and later worked at The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald, where he was a journalist and editor. A Walkley Award winner, Michael has … Continue reading Community Forum: Michael West, Investigative Journalist

Community Forum: Antony Green, Former Election Analyst at the ABC


. Joining this Reddit AMA is Antony Green AO, the former Chief Election Analyst at the ABC. For more than three decades, he helped Australians follow election nights as votes came in and seats changed hands. Antony joined the ABC as an election researcher in 1989 and retired from the broadcaster after the 2025 federal … Continue reading Community Forum: Antony Green, Former Election Analyst at the ABC

“The China Challenge” is now available as an eBook (epub)


. My book “The China Challenge” is now available as an eBook (epub) in my book store. It tells the true story of the life, loves, wins and losses of an Australian businessman, teacher and journalist, through 23 towns and cities in China. Just A$5.99. From glittering Chengdu boardrooms to crowded high-school classrooms in Chongqing … Continue reading “The China Challenge” is now available as an eBook (epub)

The Insecurities of the Extreme Right


. In recent years, the rise of far-right extremism and neo-Nazi groups in Australia has drawn increasing concern from communities, academics, and law enforcement. Beneath its aggressive rhetoric and often-violent ideology lies not strength, but insecurity, manifested as hatred toward groups that challenge their sense of identity, status, and entitlement. They hate Asians because Asians … Continue reading The Insecurities of the Extreme Right

Craig Hill: Legalise Cannabis Party Candidate for Bonner, Queensland


. Craig Hill is a teacher, corporate trainer, business consultant and journalist. He has lived in Carindale for six years, where he owns and operates the Australian Business and Leadership School, an education and business consultancy service. He is married to Fatemeh and has an adult stepdaughter. He is the Legalise Cannabis Party candidate for … Continue reading Craig Hill: Legalise Cannabis Party Candidate for Bonner, Queensland

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. The legal age for voting is 18, but Centrelink expect parents to support their children until they are 22. That is, … Continue reading Centrelink Legislation is in Drastic Need of Reform

A Social Justice Plan for Bonner


. Craig Hill, the Legalise Cannabis Party candidate for the federal electorate of Bonner, today announced a robust policy platform aimed at promoting social justice and equity across the community. Recognising the diverse needs of Bonner's residents, Craig is committed to implementing initiatives that address key areas such as education, employment, and community engagement. Craig … Continue reading A Social Justice Plan for Bonner

Bringing Back the CES Would Have Great Benefits for Bonner


. Reinstating the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) in Australia, particularly within the Bonner electorate, offers several compelling advantages: Enhanced Accountability and Consistency: Transitioning employment services back to a public model could address issues of inconsistency and lack of oversight observed in the current privatised system. A parliamentary review highlighted that the full marketisation of employment … Continue reading Bringing Back the CES Would Have Great Benefits for Bonner

The Age Pension is Not Welfare


. Craig Hill, the Legalise Cannabis Party candidate for Bonner, seeks a fair go for aged pensioners in his electorate, as well as for the wider community across Australia. First up, the age pension is an entitlement and Centrelink should not be treating it as welfare. All Australians should be entitled to it as a … Continue reading The Age Pension is Not Welfare

Improving Disability Services in Bonner


. Craig Hill, the Legalise Cannabis Party candidate in Bonner, Queensland, has released a plan for improving disability services in the electorate. This is something that is close to the heart for Craig, a disabled person himself. He lives with autism and PTSD, but has overcome them to be gainfully employed, obtain graduate and post … Continue reading Improving Disability Services in Bonner

Tackling Homelessness in Bonner


. Craig Hill, the Legalise Cannabis Party candidate for the federal seat of Bonner, has today unveiled a comprehensive plan to address homelessness in the community, pledging to deliver real change for individuals and families in need. “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home,” Craig said. “In a country as wealthy as Australia, it … Continue reading Tackling Homelessness in Bonner