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If there is any vestige of democratic socialism left in Labor, the Gillard Government needs to raise taxes without apology, knowing its social welfare policies are just and necessary. It also needs to remain committed to redistributing wealth to eliminate huge discrepancies in living standards.
If we look at income quarantining as an ethical and not as a political question, it raises many questions. To answer them we would need to look beyond its effectiveness in preventing excessive expenditure on socially undesirable goods like alcohol and pornography.
The new Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Christiana Figueres is well qualified to help heal the wounds of Copenhagen. If the West can learn the lessons of those failed talks and move forward with modesty, flexibility and sensitivity, we may hope for progress.
The Government's theoretical model does not stand up to scrutiny in the real world. Collecting higher taxes from the mining industry to disburse for other worthwhile purposes may be perceived as contributing to the 'common good'. In fact, the reverse could be true.
Gordon Brown's dignified resignation underlines the fact that Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg's options in choosing a coalition partner remain open. He is wise not to rush a decision to finalise a deal. After the election that everybody lost, a coalition that works could make winners of the British people.
Increasing the cost of cigarettes hurts the poor more than the rich. Kevin Rudd is acting with the callous efficiency of The Terminator when he really needs to find a more equitable incentive to give up smoking.
Hopefully the Government's delay in providing a comprehensive response is not a sign of lost momentum, but rather means it is going to work directly with disadvantaged and vulnerable people and the organisations that support them to determine how best to address critical outstanding issues.
Between Rudd's ETS and Abbott's 'climate con job', Australians concerned about climate change have little to cheer about. A growing acceptance of the failings of our market based economy has put wind in the sails of an idea becalmed for a decade.
Like much of the Gulf, Yemen faces a reduced water supply compounded by climate change and poor management. The crisis plays into the hands of the Al Qa'ida offshoot that claimed responsibility for the failed Christmas Day bombing of a USA airliner.
Kevin Rudd last week talked up population growth, saying he 'believes in a big Australia'. But we are not well placed to deal with the environmental challenges of a population of 35 million. Road use and pet ownership are among the many aspects of our lifestyle that will need careful evaluation.
What do our major religions have to fear from changes to equal opportunity law? The challenge is a worthy and a practical one: in what way do the activities of religious institutions actually reflect the values of their prophets and visionaries.
Victoria's Equal Opportunity Act allows religious and quasi-religious groups and individuals to 'discriminate' lawfully. It's hard to see the relevance of the beliefs or lifestyle of a cleaner or clerk in an independent, para-religious school.
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