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

Churches are businesses and should pay tax


It is difficult to know how much revenue churches make in Australia each year, but some estimates put it at $40 billion dollars, all tax free. This means Australia is missing out on about $10 billion dollars a year in taxes. Not just corporate tax, but also income tax, GST, payroll tax, council rates, land … Continue reading Churches are businesses and should pay tax

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

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

British Royal Family places Queen Elizabeth in nursing home


Concluding it was the best way to ensure she remains comfortable during her twilight years, the British Royal Family recently placed Queen Elizabeth II into a local nursing home, sources confirmed Wednesday. “Members of the Royal Family are in agreement that they simply do not have the time or resources to personally provide Her Majesty … Continue reading British Royal Family places Queen Elizabeth in nursing home

Australian Prime Minister commits to cutting Australia’s international reputation by 30% before 2015


Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has set an ambitious target to reduce the nation’s standing in the international community by almost a third over the next seven months. The Prime Minister hit back at critics who suggested the status abatement target is too high, saying much of the work is already underway. “In just nine … Continue reading Australian Prime Minister commits to cutting Australia’s international reputation by 30% before 2015

Obama nominates Oprah as ambassador to Russia


President Obama nominated Oprah Winfrey to serve as ambassador to Russia today. In a written statement, the White House said the veteran broadcaster has been selected to replace Russian policy expert Michael McFaul, who announced last week that he was stepping down after little more than a year on the job. "Oprah Winfrey is an … Continue reading Obama nominates Oprah as ambassador to Russia

Tony Blair just won’t go away


Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is stubbornly refusing to let Britain move on. The grin-based organism has been asked to stop saying things in the press, which reminds Britain that it voted for him three times. Teacher Emma Bradford said: “When Kim Kardashian came along, Paris Hilton had the self-awareness to recognise that her … Continue reading Tony Blair just won’t go away

Australian government allows Malaysia to prevent free speech on Australian soil


Imagine this: Australian Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is visiting Malaysia to speak to Australian students studying at Malaysian universities. The Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur then issues a written threat to all Australian students, saying that if they hear Mr Shorten speak they will lose any government-funded scholarships. Such an action would be met … Continue reading Australian government allows Malaysia to prevent free speech on Australian soil

Australia’s Governor General meets top Chinese leaders


Australia's Governor-General Quentin Bryce has met with China's top political leaders in one of her final overseas tours in the post. Mrs Bryce held meetings last night with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. It was Mr Bryce's first visit as the official head of … Continue reading Australia’s Governor General meets top Chinese leaders

Australian Prime Minister says “Japan is our closest friend in Asia”


Tony Abbott has declared Japan Australia's "closest friend in Asia", elevating the former World War II aggressor past both China and Indonesia as he continued his regional charm offensive. Mr Abbott met the conservative Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the 18-member East Asia Summit being held over two days in the tiny … Continue reading Australian Prime Minister says “Japan is our closest friend in Asia”

Australia’s Prime Minister apologises to Malaysia for second time in a week


Tony Abbott has apologised to an Asian leader for the second time in a week over his robust political campaigning before he was elected, offering an "act of contrition" for Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. The Australian Prime Minister acknowledged in a meeting with Mr Najib at the APEC conference late on Monday that … Continue reading Australia’s Prime Minister apologises to Malaysia for second time in a week

Australian senator wants to charge asylum seekers $50,000


  Australia's Liberal Democratic Senator David Leyonhjelm has proposed a radical plan to charge asylum-seekers $50,000 to come to Australia "through the front door". Mr Leyonhjelm, who will join the Senate on July 1, will be one of eight crossbench senators who will hold the balance of power in the new Senate. Speaking on Sky … Continue reading Australian senator wants to charge asylum seekers $50,000

New Australian government has only one female cabinet member


It's a sad day for the nation when the cabinet of Afghanistan has more women in it than the cabinet of Australia, says acting Labor leader Chris Bowen. Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott unveiled his ministerial line up on Monday, revealing the only woman in the cabinet is Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop. The outgoing Labor … Continue reading New Australian government has only one female cabinet member

New Australian leader likened to George W Bush


A "compassionate conservative" in the tradition of George W Bush, a "bigoted air-head" and a leader with a markedly different view on a strike on Syria were among the international assessments of Australia's prime minister elect Tony Abbott. UK Prime Minister David Cameron called to congratulate Mr Abbott following the election before taking to Twitter … Continue reading New Australian leader likened to George W Bush

Australia has a new government


Tony Abbott has become Australia's 28th prime minister, declaring from today "Australia is under new management ."Abbott said he was "proud and humbled" to "shoulder the duties of government", as he spoke to his supporters today after his victorious win."I now look forward to forming a government that is competent, that is trustworthy, and which … Continue reading Australia has a new government

China concerned about Australian opposition leader; possible future leader


If the polls are right, conservative opposition leader Tony Abbott will be Australia's next prime minister. Abbott goes into tomorrow's election with little-to-no foreign policy experience, and throughout the campaign he offered few clues to his approach - especially regarding Australia's crucial relationship with China. But strategic experts are pinning their hopes on Abbott emulating … Continue reading China concerned about Australian opposition leader; possible future leader

Australian government focus on jobs, training ahead of election


Officially launching Labor's campaign, Kevin Rudd has urged voters to choose the ALP at this Saturday's election to save jobs and protect family budgets from Tony Abbott's cuts. Warnings about the Opposition Leader featured heavily in the Prime Minister's speech - a crucial address, especially given there are just five days left in the campaign. … Continue reading Australian government focus on jobs, training ahead of election

Australia’s opposition leader unfit for international diplomacy


Kevin Rudd has attacked Tony Abbott's character, questioning whether he has the temperament and judgment to handle international crises such as the human rights atrocities in Syria. After switching his campaign focus to diplomacy and national security, the Prime Minister last night used the unfolding events in Damascus to skewer the Opposition Leader over his … Continue reading Australia’s opposition leader unfit for international diplomacy

China’s ambassador to Australia speaks of important milestones


In three years as Chinese ambassador to Australia, I have witnessed the rapid development of China-Australia relations. Forty years after our two countries established diplomatic relations, a strategic partnership and the annual leaders meeting are important milestones in the development of bilateral ties. China-Australia co-operation has yielded fruitful results across the past three years. Bilateral … Continue reading China’s ambassador to Australia speaks of important milestones

Australians warned to leave Egypt


The federal government says the latest violence in Egypt is a terrible tragedy and has called for restraint from the military and protesters alike. Egypt's health ministry says at least 278 people have been killed in nationwide violence after police cracked down on loyalists of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. Foreign Minister Bob Carr says … Continue reading Australians warned to leave Egypt

Australian government recruits Obama’s social media team


The Australian Labor Party’s recruitment of “Team Obama’s” campaign heavyweights and “digital attacks dogs” for the upcoming election campaign is no surprise. Political parties around the globe, with varying degrees of success, are embracing social media because they have seen what it can do. According to the Pew Internet Project’s Civic Engagement in the Digital Age … Continue reading Australian government recruits Obama’s social media team

Rupert Murdoch’s vicious attacks on Australian government


The arrival of Col Allan in Australia is making a lot of people uneasy. Allan is a man widely known inside News Corporation as Col Pot, a play on the name of a Cambodian genocidal dictator. He is News Corp's most feared flamethrower in a company of flamethrowers and he has been sent to Australia … Continue reading Rupert Murdoch’s vicious attacks on Australian government

Australian election set for September 7th


Australians will go to the polls on September 7 after Kevin Rudd today fired the starting gun on a five-week election campaign. Mr Rudd said voters faced a stark choice. ''This election will be about who the Australian people trust to best lead them through the economic challenges ahead,'' the Prime Minister said. ''This will … Continue reading Australian election set for September 7th