Antisemitism is feeding all forms of extremism: Peter Hartcher on ASIO boss’ striking speech

In December last year, Australia was confronted with its worst-ever incident of antisemitic violence when gunmen killed 15 people on Bondi Beach at a Hanukkah gathering. That came after the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and an arson attack on the Lewis' Continental Kitchen …

'Only a rort if you're not in on it': Inside the Big Build scandal

The Victorian government has staked its reputation, to a large extent, on an ambitious infrastructure program – termed the Big Build by state Labor, the program includes major road and rail projects totalling billions of dollars.  Victoria Police however, say there is no doubt gangland-linked corr…

Is the Karl Stefanovic saga a midlife crisis or media evolution?

Karl Stefanovic was the face of Australian morning television for 25 years. Lauded for wearing the same suit for a year to highlight sexism, laughed at for showing up drunk on air following the Logies. Now he’s agreed to part ways with Nine, the owner of our mastheads, after he featured far-right,…

In an age of information overload, this is what happens to our brains

For decades, neuroscientists have offered opposing theories for how our brains process the risks and rewards of daily life. Some thought our brains dedicate the most energy into managing everyday realities. Others have thought our brains fire up when we’re thrown something unexpected. Now we have …

High risk or the right time? Zali Steggall on the new teal party

This week independent MPs Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender announced they would form a new political party, Community Strong Australia. Steggall was successful as the first teal candidate, winning the prize seat of Warringah on Sydney’s north shore from former prime minister Tony Abbott in 2019. …

Peter Hartcher on Australian nihilism, fear and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

More Australians feel unsafe in the world than ever before, according to new research from the Lowy Institute. And it is this environment of fear – fear of a bad economy, of terrorism, of immigration – that makes for an environment ripe for a political party like One Nation to prosper. Today, int…

Starmer ousted: Why the British government is in turmoil

After months of criticism, and two significant scandals, Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as British prime minister. So, why is the country on the cusp of having is seventh prime minister in only 10 years? Today, Europe correspondent David Crowe on Starmer’s drastic fall, and on Andy Burnham, the un…

'Be sensible and keep your mouth shut': The private school facing allegations of control

With heritage-listed sandstone turrets and iron gates, the Redeemer Baptist School promises Sydney parents the private school dream: a prestigious, disciplined education for a fraction of the cost.  But its academic awards, state-of-the-art facilities and charitable works conceal a darker reality.…

From dust to dust: Is human composting the new way to bury the dead?

For decades now, if someone died, there were two choices: burial, or cremation. But soon, Australians may get a third choice for how they choose to farewell their loved ones, thanks to a growing trend overseas. Today, senior writer Bevan Shields on human composting: a method of burial that may gi…

Falsities, nastiness and the Trump ‘vibe’ tapped: Hanson at the Press Club

The hottest ticket in Australian politics this week was Pauline Hanson's first address to the National Press Club, which happened on Wednesday. The Press Club, set up in the early 1960s, has become a rite of passage for any aspiring political leader. But Hanson has been an outsider, and the Press …