Weekly roundup Saturday 11 October
Room for another another 36 Senators and MPs?
Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.
Our Constitution
An Australian republic: It’s even more important than it was on 11 November 1975, but those who want an Australian head of state should watch their language.
Does size count? Don Farrell has raised the possibility of increasing the size of Parliament. This, too, should not be consigned to the “too hard” basket.
Politics
The Coalition’s troubles: They’re suffering the “survivor bias” syndrome. It may be fatal.
Public attitudes on climate change and migration: A normal range of views, no political reason for the government to change course.
Gender equality Good progress on the numbers, but cultural change is lagging.
Economics
Sharing the costs of climate change: The cost of damage from severe weather events has soared. How should those costs be shared?
Anti-renewable energy protests: They may start locally, but they soon attract money from those who would prosper from a failure of Australia’s energy transition
Gambling reform: Will the Four Corners exposition of sleaze and exploitation prompt the government to move, or is it entirely in thrall to big money in gambling and football?
Public ideas
Two ideas on public discourse: When we debate public policy issues, the tone of our discourse has consequences and involves moral choices
Child education An expert qualifies the ideas reported in the “public ideas” section in last week’s roundup.
Ode to Joy
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
