Opinion Archive

Band Aid does it again

Band Aid does it again

We should have seen it coming. Thirty years on from Band Aid’s original version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Bob Geldof has once again made a few phone calls, tweaked a few lyrics and quickly assembled the fourth version of the song …
Venezuela has been gagged

Venezuela has been gagged

Thousands of students are on the streets yelling and holding banners that scream “Censura es dictadura” (censorship is dictatorship), “Prefiero morir de pie que morir de rodillas” (I’d rather die standing on my feet than live on my knees) “Si los medios …
Does Islam feed terrorism?

Does Islam feed terrorism?

Religion is not responsible for people committing acts of terror in its name. This has become a crucial issue in the current debate about terrorism legislation in Australia. On the eve of the introduction of new anti-terrorist laws in Australia, it has …
Phuong Ngo: For the term of his natural life

Phuong Ngo: For the term of his natural life

Convicted murderer of Cabramatta MP John Newman celebrated his 55th birthday in custody this week. The Vietnamese-born former Fairfield councillor Phuong Canh Ngo is serving a life sentence for the shooting murder of Austrian-born Cabramatta MP John Newman. Ngo has spent 15 …
Australian Cricket in Ashes

Australian Cricket in Ashes

“In affectionate remembrance of English cricket which died at The Oval, 29th August, 1882. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances. RIP. NB. The body will be cremated and the Ashes taken to Australia.” Australia’s first victory on the …
The Carbon Games: coal takes over Hunter Valley

The Carbon Games: coal takes over Hunter Valley

  The beautiful rural Hunter Valley region has become a playground where Australia’s deadly Carbon Games are played all year round, local Sue Abbot reports The fog edges to the very seams of dawn and dutifully the morning light retreats to the sidelines to …