Category: The Saturday Paper

Read moreAug 17, 2019NewsEnding Australia’s recycling chaosDrew RookeWith overseas countries rejecting more and more of Australia’s recycling, the federal and state governments are finally working towards a solution – 10 years after industry experts warned of the impending problem.

Read moreAug 17, 2019NewsRepairing vocational educationPaddy ManningAccording to a confidential report, Australia’s largest private training college raked in hundreds of millions in public money before its collapse, despite abysmal completion rates. A senior figure in the sector fears it could happen again.

Read moreAug 17, 2019NewsNew birth certificate laws spark anti-trans campaignJoan WestenbergAs the backlash against the inclusion of trans and non-binary Australians continues, medical experts fear media rhetoric may hurt the wellbeing of gender-questioning youth.

Read moreAug 17, 2019NewsHow the China question split Australian politicsMike SeccombeWith his controversial op-ed, Liberal backbencher Andrew Hastie set off a debate that has riven Canberra along unexpected lines.

Read moreAug 10, 2019NewsPolitical parties cash in on gambling largesseMike SeccombeThe crushing rejection of a parliamentary push for an investigation into Crown Casino highlights how much the major parties are in the thrall of the gambling lobby.

Read moreAug 10, 2019NewsThe bullying of school leadership by parentsJane CaroWhere once school principals were treated with deference and respect, today they are often met with aggression and conflict.

Read moreAug 10, 2019NewsQueer lives at riskJill StarkDespite significant progress for the rights of LGBTQIA people in recent decades, suicide rates in the community remain alarmingly high – and advocates warn that the religious freedom debate is only fuelling the crisis.

Read moreAug 10, 2019NewsThe pipe dream of nuclear powerRoyce KurmelovsAlthough a parliamentary inquiry is revisiting the possibility of nuclear power in Australia, recent history suggests any support is unlikely to gain critical mass.

Read moreAug 3, 2019NewsCarers’ evidence on aged careKate O’HalloranEvidence to the Aged Care Royal Commission resonates for the author, who was part of a family team looking after her grandmother in her own home.

Read moreAug 3, 2019NewsLow-paid workers and wage theftDavid UrenAs George Calombaris returns wages of $7.8 million to his employees, the latest research shows widespread underpayment of casual workers – particularly those earning the least.

Read moreAug 3, 2019NewsCoalition bets anti-union bill on Setka rebukeMike SeccombeWhile the government argues it needs tough new powers to break up thuggish, militant unions, experts say the average union member is a 50-something woman working in aged care.