Weekly roundup Saturday 19 March
Seen on the wall of Old Parliament House
Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.
Australian politics
Labor discovers the joy of the pork barrel. Australia’s fallen standards as an international citizen. Australians’ relationship with democracy. Opinion polls – immobile as a column of Russian tanks.
Australian society
Sensible advice from Anglicans. Hard historical truths and ugly euphemisms. Three years after an Australian terrorist killed 51 Muslims at prayer.
World politics
Don‘t forget Myanmar. Don‘t forget Assange. Korea swings a few degrees to the right. Europe was re-arming well before Putin took on Ukraine. Understanding political extremism – it’s complicated. Male bonding and Putin’s soldiers. A social democrat regrets not having put bankers in jail.
The enfeebled Australian economy
Structural problems neglected by Coalition governments. The case for increasing fuel excise and re-shaping our cities. The gun-owners&rsquo defence of fossil fuels. Housing prices – keep an eye on Melbourne’s apartments. Buy now and pay later – our latest debt trap.
The pandemic
Worldwide another wave of infections but not of deaths, differing expert views on vaccination. Omicron’s second wave in Australia.
Webinars, podcasts and readings
Ukrainians around the world
If you have feasted yourself on this selection, Australian websites with regular comment and analysis on economic and political developments include The Conversation, The Grattan Institute, Inside Story, The Lowy Institute, Michael West Media, Open Forum, Pearls and Irritations.
If you have comments, corrections, or links to other relevant sources, I’d like to hear from you. Please send them to Ian McAuley — ian, at the domain name ianmcauley.com
