Vol 33 No 12

26 June 2023

ARTS AND CULTURE

We don't know ourselves: A personal history of Ireland
- Gillian Bouras
- 07 July 2023
1 Comment
Comparing perspectives from different generations of Irish writers, Fintan O'Toole explores the weight of Ireland's 'lovely past', its unaddressed traumas, and their impact on the present. Addressing themes of change, politics, and religion, his narrative offers an unflinching exploration of the Emerald Isle's history.
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ARTS AND CULTURE

Should AI be the next Poet Laureate?
- Andrew Hamilton
- 06 July 2023
3 Comments
Can Artificial Intelligence write good poetry? While AI has vast linguistic resources to mimic human poets and creating compelling verse, there remains a distinction between competence and true poetic brilliance, mirroring the broader debate around our relationship with AI, and the very essence of human creativity.
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AUSTRALIA

'They think we're rubbish': Life on welfare in Australia
- John Falzon
- 06 July 2023
9 Comments
Dr. Eve Vincent's book, 'Who Cares? Life on Welfare in Australia', provides an in-depth exploration of the intricate dance between power, control, and social policy, unearthing unsettling truths about our society's inherent power structures. This discourse further underscores the urgent need for a radical reimagining of our socio-economic systems.
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ECONOMICS

Taking care of business
- David James
- 06 July 2023
2 Comments
Why does society often overlook the passion, creativity, and dedication that underpin smaller businesses? As the public's perception leans towards the unfavourable side, is there a need to shift our focus and truly acknowledge the value and contributions these businesses make in our daily lives?
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RELIGION

Synod working document encourages cautious optimism
- John Warhurst
- 05 July 2023
11 Comments
As the Vatican releases the working document for the first Synod on Synodality, reactions within the Catholic community are mixed. While many applaud its open approach to divisive issues, others deem it too progressive or insufficiently thorough. Australian bishops encourage engagement, but the road ahead poses significant challenges.
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AUSTRALIA

How to be woke?
- Michael McVeigh
- 04 July 2023
1 Comment
In a world quick to label 'woke' as groupthink gone wild, can we instead redefine it as a deepened awareness of our collective history that subtly weaves itself into our language and daily life? As we examine our society's fraught past through the lens of language can we navigate these nuanced conversations constructively?
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ARTS AND CULTURE

The problem of power
- Gillian Bouras
- 03 July 2023
7 Comments
As Greece casts its votes and recalls the struggles of its past, what does it mean to heed the lessons of Acton, Curran to safeguard a democracy? In an era where geopolitical power shifts and liberty often seems under siege, what does it mean for a citizenry to answer the call of 'eternal vigilance'?
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ENVIRONMENT

The forest maker: In conversation with Tony Rinaudo
- Sarah Bacaller
- 30 June 2023
1 Comment
The work of Tony Rinaudo has contributed to the regeneration of over six million hectares of desertified land in Niger alone. Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), is an approach to reforestation has become a global movement and is gaining popularity as a tool in the fight against climate change.
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AUSTRALIA

Remembering Paul Mees, public transport academic and fellow traveller
- Erica Cervini
- 29 June 2023
Ten years after his passing, the work of renowned academic and transportation activist Paul Mees continues to reverberate through our public transport systems and urban spaces. Unafraid to challenge the status quo, his advocacy for public transport and sustainable urban living continues to influence debates and policy.
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AUSTRALIA

Fertilising the grass roots
- Andrew Hamilton
- 29 June 2023
2 Comments
In the face of waning support for the Referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Pope Francis' mission of reconciliation within the Catholic Church, particularly through the Synodal process, inspires a more united and locally-engaged approach.
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RELIGION

Synodality: 'Why did you doubt?'
- Bill Uren
- 29 June 2023
10 Comments
I must confess that in the lead-up to the first session in October 2023 of the Synod on Synodality, I more than a little resembled Peter. Embarking on synodal waters, initially I was apprehensive. Would anything substantial come of Pope Francis' initiative?
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AUSTRALIA

Protesting in South Australia: Then and now
- Michele Madigan
- 29 June 2023
2 Comments
Following a rally by climate action group Extinction Rebellion, anti-protest laws were rushed through the SA lower house, increasing the maximum fines for disruptive protests along with potential jail time. Sadly, SA is not an outlier here, but is rather in step with the rest of the country with similar ‘draconian’ laws regulating protests.
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AUSTRALIA

Who pays the price? Australia's inflation challenge
- Joe Zabar
- 28 June 2023
3 Comments
As Australian households grapple with soaring living costs and rising inflation, many are questioning the efficacy of the RBA's interest rate strategy, making the case for comprehensive government intervention to right the economic course.
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INTERNATIONAL

No time to wait to protect vulnerable lives in Sudan
- Stephen Cornish
- 28 June 2023
In Sudan, longstanding political unrest and economic instability have culminated in a dire humanitarian crisis. With healthcare systems collapsing, incessant violence, and severe shortages, the country is grappling with escalating internal displacement and hosting over a million refugees.
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ARTS AND CULTURE

Ties that bind (and break)
- Michele Frankeni
- 27 June 2023
When I sat down to watch Netflix series The Diplomat with my daughter, our conflicting perspectives led me to question whether age and generational expectations alter our views on relationships. I'm left wondering if I've been conditioned to expect too little, or if she's been conditioned to expect too much.
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Vol 33 No 12