By Magella Blinksell The landline had a message... An exhumed old fossil had clambered out of the crypt. It spoke. It was Johnny Howard. The diction was soothed by ample audio editing, but the message had all the hip, croaky, life-affirming charisma of a charred lump of on-the-nose coal. It's John Howard here, it said, […]

By Bonnie Cassen Do we trust Scott Morrison’s quick ‘No’ when asked about the possibility of a nuclear submarine base in Jervis Bay? Is it simply diversion given that Liberal Gilmore candidate Andrew Constance doesn’t need the heat during a federal election campaign? Scott Morrison is yet to admit that navy assessment of sites for […]

By Karen Devine For the British who invaded this land and did not recognise the spirits of all nature which had been understood by the First Nation Peoples for thousands of years… We apologise. For our ancestors who did not know or understand you and who culled you ruthlessly and mercilessly… We apologise. For our […]

By Stuart Rees An election campaign in an apparently democratic society is affected by fear to mention the goals and benefits of socialism. Commentators censor themselves. The agenda offered to voters is controlled by a media obsessed with the image of two leaders. In addition, derision by a right-wing press, bullying by shock jocks, basic […]

By Stuart Rees In this election, let’s not hesitate to talk about character and how personal qualities affect policies. Let’s talk about altruism not egoism, of long term common good rather than striving for short term gain.Australian society needs caring, compassionate and selfless citizens. Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips displays those qualities. Her question ‘how can I help you?’ […]