Eureka Street

Keywords: Constitution

AUSTRALIA

New immigration laws treat humans as parcels
- Andrew Hamilton
- 04 December 2024
Australia’s recent immigration detention laws reveal a stark shift in governance, prioritising power over human dignity. As families face indefinite separation and bureaucrats enforce policies with brutal efficiency, the High Court's rebuke offers a glimmer of ethical resistance. But can such laws truly claim legitimacy in a democratic society?
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INTERNATIONAL

Is America ready for a tycoon President again?
- David James
- 18 November 2024
4 Comments
Donald Trump's first term, marred by impeachments, bureaucratic resistance and a pandemic, offered few answers as to how a businessperson might navigate the complexities of Washington. Now, as he returns to office, Trump’s business instincts — and their implications for governance — are once again under scrutiny.
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AUSTRALIA

Long-term detention, curfews and ankle bracelets for asylum seekers under the rule of law
- Frank Brennan
- 08 November 2024
7 Comments
Last week, Australia’s High Court blocked government restrictions on non-citizens with criminal records. As Parliament scrambles to impose new restrictions, Chief Justice Stephen Gageler’s court remains steadfast against policies deemed discriminatory and excessively punitive.
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AUSTRALIA

The ruler in a shack on the other side of the universe
- Michael McVeigh
- 21 October 2024
7 Comments
With King Charles and Queen Camilla’s pending arrival in Australia, I have a guilty admission to make. The older I’ve become, the more fondness I have for our constitutional monarchy. That’s not to say I wouldn’t welcome a move to an Australian republic. However, I’m cautious about the sort of republic we might make for ourselves.
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AUSTRALIA

As the anniversary of the Voice vote nears, the high costs of Albanese's misjudgement are clear
- Michelle Grattan
- 04 October 2024
5 Comments
Almost a year after the Voice proposal was defeated, blame and recrimination are still being thrown around, and the government is still reeling from Albanese’s overreach.
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INTERNATIONAL

The unbearable lightness of presidential debates
- Binoy Kampmark
- 30 September 2024
Last month, Kamala Harris faced off with Trump in what may be the only debate of the 2024 race for the White House. As we revisit the event, it’s clear that the real takeaway isn’t found in the limited substance offered to voters. Rather, it’s a stark reminder of how far the standards for such political showdowns have fallen, leaving us to question the usefulness of this once-crucial platform for democratic discourse.
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AUSTRALIA

A second try at combatting disinformation
- Frank Brennan
- 25 September 2024
3 Comments
The Government is making another valiant effort to rein in the adverse effects of ungoverned digital platforms. But in debating such a detailed bill without the backstop of a constitutional or statutory bill of rights recognising the right to freedom of expression, there are no clear guard rails for getting the balance right.
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AUSTRALIA

A national declaration of dignity
- Joseph Camilleri
- 28 August 2024
3 Comments
As Australia faces numerous moral crises from domestic inequality to global militarization, a proposed national charter of principles could to reshape our society and redefine our global role. This declaration would acknowledge Indigenous dispossession, prioritize human rights, and shift focus from military alliances to human security.
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AUSTRALIA

Did lawyers fail to stand on principle?
- Frank Brennan
- 20 August 2024
6 Comments
In the aftermath of the failed Voice referendum, questions arise about the legal profession’s role in public discourse. Was this a missed opportunity for legal experts to provide critical analysis and guidance on such a significant constitutional matter?
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EDUCATION

Can religious freedom and education coexist?
- Jacinta Collins
- 20 August 2024
11 Comments
As the discourse surrounding religious freedom in Australia becomes increasingly contentious, especially in the context of schooling, we must address the growing perception that holding religious beliefs and values — and making choices based on them — is somehow discriminatory or at odds with modern society.
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RELIGION

Passing generation of Vatican II clergy
- John Warhurst
- 01 August 2024
14 Comments
In a troubling sign for Catholic reform in Australia, the National Council of Priests faces a dire membership crisis. Founded in 1970 to embody Vatican II's spirit, the organization now struggles to attract younger clergy. This decline mirrors broader challenges in the Church and may imperil efforts toward synodality and renewal.
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INTERNATIONAL

An American crisis
- Warwick McFadyen
- 15 July 2024
8 Comments
Following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, politicians, including the US President were quick to condemn the shooting, all saying it had no place in American society or democracy. Tell that to children killed by gunfire. Every day, guns take young lives in the US. Gun violence was recently declared a national health crisis in the United States.
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Keywords: Constitution