HomeBuilder missed opportunity for public housing
The just-announced HomeBuilder package includes stimulus grants of $25,000 for new dwellings or renovations. Good idea or a missed opportunity for community housing?
Tackling the elephant in the room
George Floyd’s terrible death has turned the spotlight on the treatment of our own indigenous people and on the entrenched racism that exists in Australia. We don’t want to whitesplain, nor do we want to create division or fan hatred. But we can’t stay silent either because Aboriginal Lives Matter.
Casualties of the COVID crisis
Charities are facing a fundraising crisis as the economic fallout of COVID-19 continues. A new report warns that more than 200,000 charity workers could lose their jobs and force most of Australia’s 16,000 charities into deficit if COVID-19 financial supports are not extended.
Curious case of Celeste Barber’s bushfire money
The fate of Celeste Barber’s fundraiser has been decided. The supreme court ruled the entire sum – all $51.3 million of it – is to be spent by the NSW Rural Fire Service. What does this mean for charities and could it have been handled differently?
Marking Reconciliation Week during a pandemic
Following National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week represents a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. It is hugely significant because it marks a time to think about relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. We have rounded up some of the best reports for you.
Late-night message from an old flatmate
Years of domestic violence inaction could not have prepared us for the dumbfounding reports that came out this week. The Senate inquiry into Hannah Clarke’s murder returned empty handed while the NSW government proposed reforms that will force DV victims to gather their own evidence. Yes, seriously.
Moving forward from this state of affairs
There is a lot going on in the world at the moment. But among the chaos and uncertainty, a theme is emerging. Opportunities are shaping up and showing us the way forward for the planet and humanity. We wanted to share our take with you.
Getting behind our artists
Imagine what a red-hot mess we’d be without artists. Music, series, books and films – it’s been a lifeline these past few months. But for artists, Netflix and Spotify royalties don’t pay the bills. Time for us to get behind our artists and support them.
Our mental health in lockdown
These last few months haven’t been easy on anyone. But for those with mental health struggles, it has been devastating. Support services are inundated with calls for help while experts warn of a second wave – not of COVID-19 infections but of a mental health crisis. There doesn’t seem to be a lot to be cheery about. Or is there?
Press freedom in danger as Australia slides
Investigative journalism is in under threat. Australia has slipped five places to 26th in Reporters Without Borders’ annual World Press Freedom Index. The report cites last year’s Australian Federal Police raids targeting reporters and cost-cutting in the industry as threats to public interest journalism.
