Commitment to a stronger, ongoing and more bipartisan federal reform process is one of the true tests of modern political leadership.
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The reality is that intergovernmental relations are not the strong point of federal systems generally. But some do it better than others.
The stakes around Australia’s defence appear higher and the urgency greater than at any time since the height of the Cold War.
A reduced aid budget equates to the forsaking of real opportunities in foreign policy terms. In the long term, this could make the savings look miniscule compared to opportunity costs.
What aspects of the government’s reforms succeeded in assisting people into employment? And did the reforms improve the population’s economic well-being? Or have they left some groups worse off?
In some Indigenous communities, the ratio of programs to people served is possibly the highest in the world. Somehow, for many, Closing the Gap remains an elusive goal. A rethink is needed.
Australians need to have a broad conversation about immigration. This must go beyond border security to discuss immigration’s broad functions, social impacts and the national interests it serves.
With the failures of past planning now apparent, the unruly threat of a damaged and depleting planet is ushering us toward a fourth era of urban restructuring. What might City v4.0 look like?
Workplace democracy is declining, but the idea that this is the fault solely of unions or employers is misguided. Widespread reform is needed.
The Australian parliament is not a very representative place – but the bigger problems is the poor quality of its deliberations.
Australia has been mired in climate confusion for years - as reflected by its underwhelming performance at last year’s Paris climate summit. Here’s how to get things back on an even keel.
We hear a lot about how essential coal and other mineral exports are for Australia. Is it true? Only for a relatively small section of the population.
Government support for infertility treatment is approximately A$240 million a year. The question of whether it’s worth it is a complex one.
We need to focus on keeping people out of hospital by providing better co-ordinated and integrated care.
Young people are pressured into university and many end up in unsuitable courses. We need to recognise these realities and be clear about the purpose of higher education so it doesn’t lose its value.
International education tests reveal Australia has either stagnated or declined in many subject areas, including maths and science, while other countries have made big improvements. Why is this?
While many accuse social media of being overrun with vile abuse, there are many ways in which it makes a positive contribution to public debate.
The success of Australia’s primary industries could provide a pathway to a new incarnation.
A better tax system and long-term budget sustainability starts with this blueprint.
Top contributors
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Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne
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Chen Su Lan Centennial Professor in Medical Ethics, National University of Singapore; Distinguished Visiting Professor in Law, University of Melbourne; Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics, The University of Melbourne
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Professor of Politics, Curtin University
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Visiting Professor of Tax Law, New York University, and Professor of Law, The University of Melbourne
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Emeritus Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University
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Director, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne
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Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
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Deputy CEO (Research), Australian Council for Educational Research
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Adjunct Associate Professor of Politics, La Trobe University
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Jim Gillespie is a Friend of The Conversation.
Associate Professor in Health Policy, Leeder Centre for Health Policy, Economics and Data & Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney
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Professor of Urban Policy and Director, Urban Futures Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University
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Laurie Carmichael Distinguished Research Fellow at the Centre for Future Work, Melbourne; and Professor Emeritus, Griffith Business School, Griffith University
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Associate Professor & Academic Director, Widening Participation, La Trobe University
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PhD Candidate, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, Australian National University
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Advisor, Author and Researcher, The University of Queensland