Keywords: National Conference
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INTERNATIONAL
- Damian Spruce
- 10 December 2024
At COP29, the world’s wealthiest nations promised to confront climate change—but delivered only a fraction of the required funds, leaving developing countries with a trillion-dollar shortfall. As Pope Francis warns of a sick planet, the question remains: Who pays for the climate crisis, and who bears the consequences?
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RELIGION
- John Warhurst
- 03 December 2024
2 Comments
The Synod of Bishops may mark a turning point for the Catholic Church, but the real work now begins — locally. From diocesan councils to parish communities, the challenge lies in translating synodality into action. In Australia, divergent episcopal views and a patchy history of reform raise critical questions about the Church’s future.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
- Ken Haley
- 15 November 2024
Anyone possessed of the facts can write history. Few can express so well as Bob Woodward the heartbeat of his times and the heartbreak that history frequently brings in its wake. In War, Woodward dives into the three major geopolitical conflicts of our time.
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RELIGION
- Bruce Duncan
- 14 November 2024
14 Comments
The Synod is possibly the most important event in the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council. And despite its focus on internal Church reform and participation, can it effectively address broader social and moral issues in the world while still promoting a more inclusive and accountable Church?
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INTERNATIONAL
- Robin Osborne
- 05 September 2024
1 Comment
Pope Francis has frequently voiced sympathy for refugee concerns and before leaving on this trip, he reaffirmed his call for safe migration pathways for people fleeing their own countries for fear of persecution, describing any refusal to harbour asylum seekers as a ‘grave sin’.
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RELIGION
- John Warhurst
- 03 September 2024
8 Comments
Lay-led organizations, once marginalised, are now ascendant in the Church, challenging traditional hierarchies and redefining what church might look like in future. Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (MPJPs) have a growing influence, and for some, hold the potential for a more inclusive, lay-led Church.
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AUSTRALIA
- Binoy Kampmark
- 03 September 2024
The government has imposed a cap on enrolments, sparking controversy among universities. Critics argue this will harm the education sector and exploit foreign students, while supporters believe it will protect the integrity of Australia's education system and address concerns about over-reliance on international student fees.
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AUSTRALIA
- 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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INTERNATIONAL
- Binoy Kampmark
- 15 August 2024
1 Comment
The AUSMIN talks in Annapolis herald a new era of defense cooperation between Australia and the United States, but at what cost? Critics warn of eroded sovereignty and nuclear proliferation risks as Australia embraces its role in America's strategic chess game against China.
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ENVIRONMENT
- Julie Perrin
- 12 July 2024
1 Comment
In her new Quarterly Essay Highway to Hell, Australian climate scientist Joëlle Gergis pleads in language beyond the careful neutrality of traditional science-speak: ‘We need you to stare into the abyss with us and not turn away.’
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RELIGION
- John Warhurst
- 03 July 2024
8 Comments
In 1962, Goulburn was the centre of national attention when Catholic schools closed in protest over a lack of government funding and control. Students overwhelmed public schools. Could this happen again? An Australian archbishop suggests it as an option if religious freedom in Catholic schools is threatened.
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INTERNATIONAL
- Jeremy Clarke
- 19 June 2024
3 Comments
In a significant thaw in Sino-Australian relations, Premier Li Qiang's visit to Canberra brought strategic agreements on education, climate change, and trade, and the promise of new pandas for Adelaide Zoo. Prime Minister Albanese emphasised cooperation and dialogue over confrontation, contrasting with the hawkish rhetoric of domestic critics.
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