Editorials
Why giving people, who may otherwise spend Christmas alone, a sense of belonging is so important
It’s the 21st of December — gravy day. I’m a big Paul Kelly fan and I love his Christmas anthem How to Make Gravy. I’m sure many of you know it and love it like I do.
Robodebt saga shows need for frank and fearless public service
Last night, the robodebt royal commission heard from a true Australian legend. Colleen Taylor was the Centrelink worker who in 2017 raised concerns within the Department of Human Services about robodebt.
New myGov app will be easier and more secure
Easier. Quicker. More accessible. What’s not to love about the new MyGov app that launched this week?
The mega-rich one percenters need to butt out of wage debate
We seem to be bombarded by news of billionaires behaving badly these days.
Underdog Aussie Socceroos will do us proud at FIFA 2022 World Cup
One of my favourite build-ups to any international sporting event is the singing of national anthems. Whether it’s our Advance Australia Fair, America’s Star Spangled Banner or Ukraine’s State Anthem, they never fail to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
Medibank, Optus data breaches show Australia’s online safeguards are outdated
By the time you read this I should be waking up in Estonia, a small Baltic nation that shares a border with Russia and has a population half that of WA.
True extent of Robodebt shame revealed
In the 1993 Oscar nominated true-life drama In the Name of the Father starring Daniel Day-Lewis, a film about the Guildford Four, who were wrongly convicted of being IRA bombers, there is a pivotal moment where a lawyer finds a note that provides an alibi for the accused.
How we will stop criminals defrauding the NDIS
Could there be a lower act than organised criminals targeting the disability dollar?
In times of disaster, Australians are at their best
Labor handed down its first Budget in a decade last night and front of mind for Treasurer Jim Chalmers were the Australians directly impacted by the floods raging across the Eastern States.
Bali bombings’ quiet heroes
At about 11pm on October 12, 2002, the first of three explosions detonated in the Bali tourist district of Kuta. Travellers and locals alike were enjoying the balmy night at Paddy’s Bar and Sari Nightclub before the attacks were carried out.
Making the invisible visible
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the power of sport and how it shapes the lives of so many Aussies. In 10 days you can see how much sport has positively impacted the athletes participating in Australia’s Special Olympics National Games for 2022 held in Launceston. From 17-21 October, almost 750 athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete for gold, silver or bronze hardware.
Time for us to all do better
This week has been one of the most memorable and exciting moments in my time in politics. I made an exciting announcement about significant disability leadership appointments for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
AFL grand final is a sign life is returning to normal
The 2022 AFL season is special for a number of reasons. It marks the first full AFL season since 2019 and, I hope, helps put to bed a couple of very tumultuous years for Australians.
The Queen transcended politics
Early yesterday morning Australian time, London welcomed its Queen home in its classic style: dark, raining, and sombre.
Getting the homeless help where it’s needed
There’s nothing more “Melbourne” than the AFL finals. I know this might be controversial, especially for this WA audience, but ask any fan who visits Victoria in September and there is a thrill in the air generated by finals madness.
Closing ‘shameful chapter’
Just before Christmas in 2016, about 40,000 Australians received an end-of-year surprise, and it wasn’t the good kind waiting for them under the tree.
Sport has a unique power to uplift
I shared an article earlier this month on Twitter, about the Echuca Rockets, an all-abilities AFL team changing the lives of the players and their local community.
Shift mindset on disability
I have fond memories of one of my first-ever jobs, in a butcher shop. It was my family’s local, so I got to know the shop owner well.
Farewell ‘immortal’ ONJ
Yesterday was a sad day for us all, hearing of the passing of Olivia Newton-John. Australia's golden girl, and a crusader for cancer research.
Neighbours’ brightest stars
Love is in the air! I have finally gotten around to watching the Neighbours finale and the feel-good vibes from the final episodes were infectious.