Editorials
Compassion for our neighbours is in our DNA as Australians
This week I will attend ceremonies to welcome new Australian citizens to join their stories to the Australian story.
Spirit of giving binds us all
At 11am on a weekday morning this past week, hundreds of people queued up at the top end of Bourke Street in Melbourne’s busy CBD for an early Christmas lunch.
Why we must listen to our history’s truths
The actions we take today can influence the way we will be remembered.
Minister Shorten statement on Senator Patrick Dodson
Patrick Dodson is an incredible Australian and a distinguished Yawuru man.
Slamming the door on crooks taking advantage of the NDIS
Some things in life are worth fighting for and I believe the National Disability Insurance Scheme is worth doing everything we can to ensure it is there for future generations of Australians.
What our furry friends can teach us about loyalty, love and loss
Australians are big fans of internal migration. We love to get away. In Victoria it’s usually up north to places like Noosa, the Sunshine Coast, the Central Coast or anywhere where the water is warmer. In Perth it’s to Bali; or in Canberra to anywhere there isn’t a politician.
Safety is crucial for staff and customer when they visit a Services Australia office
On February 19, 1986, a young Melbourne woman called Joeanne Cassar had her first day on the job at Medibank, which soon after was renamed Medicare and then became Services Australia. On May 23 this year, Joeanne was brutally attacked at the job she has loved going to for 37 years.
We need to listen and learn
Around 90% of Australia’s population lives in cities within 50kms of the coast and inhabits an estimated one quarter of 1 per cent of Australia’s land area. That leaves 10% – fewer people than live in Melbourne – spread across 99.75% of a country that is around 32 times the size of the United Kingdom.
Disability report must be a horizon, not a history of brutality
Instances of children being removed from their mothers immediately after birth, forced sterilisations and people with disability being physically tortured by those paid to care for them. It sounds like a horror story from the distant past, but these are just some of the nearly 10,000 individual stories Australians shared with the disability royal commission over the past four and a half years.
Loopholes costing you cash
One of the privileges of being a union rep was the great life lessons I learnt from the hardworking men and women I met.
We’re here for the workers
Minister Shorten discusses unemployment, cost of living, workers, and economic recovery policies.
A strong Australian Public Service benefits us all
Another week, another report of dubious behaviour at the big consulting firms working in Australia. There’s been a plethora of headlines about how the big four consulting firms — EY, Deloitte, KPMG and PwC — have infiltrated the Australian public service for mega contracts.
Every Hero Must Have a Foil
Dynamic duos can be the perfect match or grudge match and in Australia, we love to celebrate them.
Long slog for recognition but Matildas now front page news
There are few countries more passionate about soccer (or the “beautiful game” as it’s known) than the Republic of Ireland.
So, why should we care about history? What is history for?
I love history. I love reading it. Watching it. Listening to podcasts about it. And having a conversation with anyone who shares my passion — or convincing those who don’t, that they should.
Federal Budget signals the return of humanity and compassion to the NDIS
Tuesday night’s Budget brought relief on many fronts and had all the hallmarks of Labor values. I am particularly pleased that it has delivered for participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Vale to three of the greats
It is sometimes argued that Australia's greatest generation were those born in the two decades before World War II. Three of that “greatest generation” passed away this week.
Why you shouldn't give up on the NDIS
Yesterday I stood at the National Press Club and addressed, through the magic of television, the Australian people about how the Albanese Government will reform the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Statement on the passing of Father Bob Maguire
The passing of Father Bob Maguire is incredibly sad news. I first met Father Bob way back in 1983 when I was 15 and at school doing a social work program. I spent a week with him seeing how he helped kids on the street.
It’s time we became better at employing people with disability
Employment of people with a Disability