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Archive: December 2005 |
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There has been a mixed response to a plan put forward by Treasurer Peter Costello to redirect child welfare payments away from 'unfit' parents. Mr Costello has proposed that the payments be made instead to another relative or responsible adult in an effort to ensure children benefit from the funds. The plan has been inspired by the Treasurer's visit to Aboriginal communities on Cape York. But Queensland Aboriginal activist Sam Watson says it will unfairly target Indigenous communities. On the other hand, grandparents caring for their grandchildren say the plan could ease the financial burden they suffer. The plan comes as a report reveals more than one in 10 children are living in relative poverty and one in seven is growing up in a household where no-one has a job. Would Mr Costello's plan improve the lives of children? What benchmarks would be used to decide if parents are 'fit'? Would the measures change the way parents treat their children? Would some sections of the community feel the impact of the plan more than others? How would the plan affect your situation? How else can the care of children be improved? (December 7,2005)
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Archive: November 2005 |
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The Federal Government has ruled out mounting an international legal challenge to save the life of convicted drug smuggler Van Nguyen, but still there are calls for Australia to continue efforts to fight the death sentence. Nguyen is due to be hanged next week after being convicted of carrying almost 400 grams of heroin. Australian leaders have publicly opposed the sentence, but concede there is little more that can be done to secure clemency for the condemned man. Should Australia seek to take the case to the International Court of Justice?
Is it appropriate for the Government to intervene on behalf of Australians facing charges overseas? Should sovereign countries be free to determine the severity of their own laws and penalties without the interference of external parties? Is the mandatory death penalty appropriate for Van Nguyen's crime? Have your say. (November 24)
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Archive: October 2005 |
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The Government has begun selling the details of its plans to make sweeping changes to the nation's industrial relations laws. Prime Minister John Howard says there are three major changes: the creation of a single, national industrial relations system; a simpler agreement-making process between employers and workers; and a better balancing of unfair dismissal laws. A 68-page booklet titled WorkChoices, which outlines the Government's workplace relations agenda, has been released. The Opposition and the unions have continued their attack on the proposals, saying the changes will erode job security and damage future prosperity. Religious groups have also weighed into the debate with the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney saying the stresses of modern life could be made worse under the Federal Government's proposals. Do you think workers will be better off or worse off under the changes? Will the changes generate more jobs and higher wages as the Prime Minister says they will? Are church leaders right to be concerned about the impact of the changes on families? (October 12, 2005)
Read the posts. (October 6, 2005)
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The Howard Government has outlined a raft of changes to the electoral system, doing away with measures it says were introduced by the Hawke government to keep Labor in power. Among the proposed changes are an end to above the line voting for the Senate, cracking down on electoral enrolment fraud and closing the roll when an election is called. The plan also includes flexible four year parliamentary terms, which would need a referendum. Special Minister of State Senator Eric Abetz announced the changes and says that while he personally supports voluntary voting, the Government has no plans to change the current compulsory system. Senator Abetz also wants two trials into voting via email but Greens Senator Bob Brown has attacked the idea. The Federal Opposition has called for a public debate on the Government's plans to change electoral laws. Does Australia need to change its voting system? Do you think the proposed changes would improve the democratic process in Australia? What changes do you think are necessary that haven't been included by the Government? Should the changes be decided by a referendum?
Read the posts. (October 6, 2005)
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Archive: September 2005 |
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The Labor Party is "irreparably broken" according to former leader Mark Latham. In his tell-all book, The Latham Diaries, and a series of interviews promoting it, the retired MP paints a picture of a party with "insoluble cultural and structural problems". He also attacks nearly every senior Labor politician. Current leader Kim Beazley is described as an ill and bitter man waging a secret campaign against Mr Latham, while foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd is portrayed as a man addicted to media attention and prone to leaking party secrets. Although Labor Party figures say Mr Latham's comments do not reflect the state of the party nor its treatment of him, Mr Latham maintains he felt like quitting as leader just months after taking over the leadership. Are Mr Latham's complaints justified? What impact will the book have on the Labor Party? What impact should it have? Is Australian politics too focused on personal issues over policies?
Read the posts. (September 19, 2005)
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Archive: August 2005 |
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Queensland Premier Peter Beattie has reignited the debate about the country's ailing health system by calling for a broader debate on the future of the the health system. He says people should take better care of their health to reduce pressure on public hospitals. After criticism about waiting lists to see specialists, the Premier says the system faces even more pressure from an ageing and increasingly unhealthy population. "Too much smoking, obesity, ageing of the population are all putting huge pressures on our system," he said. The Premier enlisted the help of his wife and nurse, Dr Heather Beattie, to reinforce the message. "We have to accept that the health dollar, in the end, has to be limited," she said. She also says in the end people have to take some responsibility for their health. What measures can people take to relieve pressure on the health system? Are people doing enough to look after themselves? What more can governments do to turn around the country's ailing health system? Are the issues Mr Beattie refers to confined to Queensland or can they be applied to the whole country?
Read the posts. (August 17, 2005)
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The Federal Government is considering lifting the restriction stopping women from serving in combat zones. The Australian Army request comes in response to concerns that the Australian Defence Force, particularly the Army, is overstretched. The Returned and Services League (RSL) has backed the proposal and says the idea has merit. Defence Personnel Minister De-Anne Kelly says it could help overcome the Army's recruiting problems. Labor's defence spokesman, Robert McClelland, has also backed the plan, but does not believe it is appropriate for women to be involved in hand-to-hand fighting. Do you think women should be allowed to serve on the front line? If so, is it appropriate for women to be involved in hand-to-hand fighting? How does the Government solve the shortage of front line Defence Force personnel?
Read the posts. (August 14, 2005)
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Unions have hailed as 'historic', the Industrial Relations Commission's decision to allow award workers to request an extra 12 months of unpaid parental leave. Under the new entitlements, parents will be able to stay out of the workplace for a total of two years, and will able to ask that they work part-time until their child reaches school age. Employer groups say they are unlikely to be able to afford the new entitlements, granted to more than 1.5 million workers, but they will only be able to refuse the leave if they have 'reasonable grounds'. They have raised concerns about the ability of small- and medium-sized businesses, in particular, to meet the new expectations. Are the new rights a fair recognition of the demands made on working families, or a costly and unnecessary concession which will reduce the competitiveness of Australian businesses? Is this the right approach to finding a work-life balance, or should these matters be worked out by individual employees and employers? Should the Prime Minister include the changes in the Government's new industrial relations legislation?
Read the posts. (August 10, 2005)
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Archive: July 2005 |
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Australia's response to terrorist incidents is under the spotlight following bomb attacks targeting London's transport system over the past few weeks. Prime Minister John Howard says he is comfortable with Australia's security measures but has refused to say whether authorities have shoot-to-kill powers similar to those under which British police shot an innocent man last week. However, Mr Howard is calling for more closed-circuit television cameras in public places. After the London bombings, New South Wales Premier Bob Carr said an attack in Australia was inevitable and he is considering random bag searches on public transport. There are also calls for a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting to be held sooner rather than later this year to discuss uniform security measures. Do you think Australia's security needs to be tightened in the wake of the latest terrorist attacks? What further measures do you think the Government should take to protect Australians against attacks? Should Australian police have a shoot-to-kill policy and what safeguards should be in place to protect the public? Would you consider giving up some civil liberties for increased protection against terrorist threats?
Read the posts. (July 27, 2005)
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A renewed debate over the proposed national identity card has begun after Queensland Premier Peter Beattie floated the idea last week. Federal Cabinet is examining whether a national ID card could boost Australia's anti-terrorism effort and better control illegal immigrants. But opponents say a single ID card could make identity fraud easier. In 1987 a similar proposal called the Australia Card was rejected. Does Australia need a national identity card and what are the benefits? Are privacy concerns valid or is all our personal information freely available already? Would a biometric component to the ID card such as fingerprint or photo ensure the system is secure? Is there a danger in centralising personal data in one location? Have changes in the international situation since 1987 made the proposal more palatable this time around?
Read the posts. (July 20, 2005)
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Archive: June 2005 |
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Voters in the Northern Territory have returned Labor for a second term. What do you think are the reasons for Labor's victory? Where does it leaves the Country Liberal Party? What do you think are the priorities for the new Government?
Read the posts. (June 6, 2005)
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New South Wales Premier Bob Carr has called for a national debate on nuclear energy in Australia.
The case for nuclear energy has won more support in recent years as the world comes to grips with the effects global warming and the role played by the fossil fuel industry in producing greenhouse gases.
Australia has some of the world's largest uranium deposits and exports uranium to a number of countries while at the same time maintaining coal fired power stations.
Has climate change shifted the balance of public opinion on nuclear power?
Do you think Australia should develop a nuclear power industry?
Have the fears about nuclear power been allayed by the experience of existing programs overseas?
Read the posts. (June 6, 2005)
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Archive: June 2005 |
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Voters in the Northern Territory have returned Labor for a second term. What do you think are the reasons for Labor's victory? Where does it leaves the Country Liberal Party? What do you think are the priorities for the new Government?
Read the posts. (June 6, 2005)
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New South Wales Premier Bob Carr has called for a national debate on nuclear energy in Australia.
The case for nuclear energy has won more support in recent years as the world comes to grips with the effects global warming and the role played by the fossil fuel industry in producing greenhouse gases.
Australia has some of the world's largest uranium deposits and exports uranium to a number of countries while at the same time maintaining coal fired power stations.
Has climate change shifted the balance of public opinion on nuclear power?
Do you think Australia should develop a nuclear power industry?
Have the fears about nuclear power been allayed by the experience of existing programs overseas?
Read the posts. (June 6, 2005)
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Archive: May 2005 |
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Television legend Graham Kennedy died early May 25 from complications from pneumonia at the age of 71. The man affectionately known as Gra-Gra proved himself more than just a television personality when he turned to the big screen, winning critical acclaim for a series of character roles. Read the tributes and thoughts on the life of Graham Kennedy.
Read the posts. (May 26, 2005)
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Tax cuts and a shake-up of welfare are two of the key planks of Treasurer Peter Costello's 10th Budget. Mr Costello has labelled the document "a Budget for the future", delivering tax relief across the board while forecasting an underlying cash surplus of $8.9 billion. The Government has also abolished the superannuation surcharge, saving taxpayers $2.5 billion over the next four years. As expected, the Government has outlined incentives and penalties designed to get single mothers and disability pensions among others off welfare and back to work. How will the Budget affect you? Are the tax cuts equitable and what impact are they likely to have on the economy? Are the welfare changes fair and will they achieve their goal of reducing the number of people dependent on welfare? What will the Budget do for Peter Costello's political ambitions?
Read the posts. (May 10, 2005)
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Archive: April 2005 |
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As mourning for the Pope continues and the Vatican prepares for the succession of the next Pontiff, the world is also assessing the legacy of John Paul II and the state of the Catholic Church. While the Pope has been celebrated around the world as a champion for human rights and freedom and a tireless advocate for peace and justice, he has had his share of critics from within the Church and outside on a range of issues. The Pope's conservative stance on issues like contraception, divorce, abortion, homosexuality and the ordination of women priests alienated many. His pontificate was also beset by a range of problems such as declining numbers and high profile paedophilia scandals. So what state does Pope John Paul II leave the Catholic Church in? Should the Church be seeking to adopt a more progressive approach to moral issues or entrenching the Pope's moral conservatism? How can the Church address falling attendances? Has the Pope's conservatism on a range of social issues been a positive or a negative for the Church? How will be the Pope be remembered?
Read the posts. (April 11, 2005)
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Archive: March 2005 |
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The Federal Government has introduced its voluntary student union legislation to Parliament. The bill would see the end of compulsory student union fees. Federal Education Minister Dr Brendan Nelson says Australian students paid $155 million in compulsory fees last year and should be able to choose whether they join a union. At present student union fees fund services such as cafeterias, clubs, bars, student welfare services. The Government also objects to some of the more overtly political activities of student unions. The Government has warned universities will face hefty fines if new levies are introduced for non-academic services. University vice-chancellors have condemned the legislation saying the changes could mean the end of campus services. How will the demise of compulsory student unionism affect Australia's universities? Should all students, including part-time and external students, be forced to pay for services they do not use? Should the Government remove a major funding stream for universities without giving them an option to replace it? Where are universities going to find the money to fund services?
Read the posts. (March 14, 2005)
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Liberal backbencher Malcolm Turnbull has reignited debate about Australia's level of personal income tax. Mr Turnbull says although most high earners pay their fair share of tax, at the higher income end there is more incentive to avoid tax. The backbencher says the lower the tax rate, the less incentives and deductions there are to avoid tax. He says a good tax system is one that has a very broad income base and a low rate. Mr Turnbull says at the lower income levels there is a big issue in terms of the transition from welfare to work, where losing benefits while paying tax means the effective tax rate workers are paying is too high. The Liberals are divided on the idea, with Assistant Treasurer Mal Brough rejecting Mr Turnbull's suggestion that some rich people use tax avoidance schemes to set their own tax rates. The Federal Opposition and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry support Mr Turnbull's call for tax reform. So is Australia's tax system fair? Should there be a flat rate of tax across the board? How should deductions work? Would reducing rates lower the temptation of engaging in tax avoidance?
Read the posts. (March 14, 2005)
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Archive: February 2005 |
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The Labor Party has been returned in Western Australia with Premier Geoff Gallop promising a focus on education and training in his second term. What do you think won the election for Labor? What should be the priorities for the Government? Where does this result leave the Opposition and Colin Barnett's leadership?
Read the posts. (January 27, 2005)
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A forum live from the tally room in Perth. Guests included the forum include political analyst Professor David Black, WA Deputy Premier Eric Ripper, Deputy Opposition Leader Max Trenorden, independent Liz Constable and Greens MP Giz Watson.
Read the posts. (February 26, 2005)
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Western Australia is gearing up to vote in its state election set for February 26. As the parties hit the campaign trail, a handful of marginal seats, many of them in regional Western Australia, could decide the outcome. The WA Labor Party will be out of office if it loses four seats to the Coalition. What issues do you think will decide the outcome of the election? Can the State Opposition build on the federal Coalition's success at last year's federal election? How will the turmoil of the federal ALP impact the WA election?
Read the posts. (February 25, 2005)
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There are calls for the 30 per cent child care rebate to be extended to carers of the elderly and the disabled. A new report has found these carers are struggling to remain in the workforce, with up to 25 per cent considering leaving their jobs. Julie Bourke, the chairwoman of the Task Force on Care Costs, says there is a strong case for the rebate, which was announced last September, to be extended to help keep them in the work force. "What we're asking for is to extend the rebate to elderly care and disability [care] and remove the $4,000 cap." However, the Federal Minister for Family and Community Services, Kay Patterson, says the Government is fair in its response to the needs of carers. "We're increasing measures as we can in a responsible way, [but] we can't run the Budget into deficit." Should there be more support for carers? Is it reasonable for carers of elderly and disabled relatives to expect the same benefits as parents? What else can be done to help carers to remain in the work force? Is supporting Australia's carers a government obligation or is a community responsibility?
Read the posts. (February 23, 2005)
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The Federal Government's decision to commit more troops to Iraq has been welcomed by Australia's allies and the interim Iraqi leader, but criticised by the Opposition which fears that the troops could get caught up in a civil war. Prime Minister John Howard says the deployment of another 450 troops is a response to a request from Britain and Japan. As a member of the so called "coalition of the willing" which invaded Iraq, is the deployment the right thing for Australia to do? Exactly what is Australia's responsibility in Iraq now that elections are over and how long should we maintain a presence? More broadly, what are Australia's defence priorities in the 21st century and what is Australia's role in our own region?
Read the posts. (February 23, 2005)
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In times gone by children would play in the street until called home for dinner. Now, every child is told to keep off the road. Growing volumes of traffic in urban areas are causing major headaches for town planners, and greatly increasing the risk to pedestrians - the AAMI Crash Index shows that pedestrians make up 14.5 per cent of people killed on Australia's roads. But pedestrians are beginning to reclaim the streets. In Queensland, among other states, speed limits have been cut to 50 kilometres-per-hour in built-up areas. Sydney's Lord Mayor is considering going 10 kilometres better, and cutting the speed limit in the city centre to 40 kilometres-an-hour. Another Sydney council plans to charge higher fees for drivers of large cars like four-wheel-drives. The fees would offset reduced fees charged to drivers of smaller, more environmentally-friendly cars. Other initiatives around Australia include traffic-calming devices like speed humps, and work to improve bikeways and walkways. How do we balance the interests of drivers and pedestrians? Should people be encouraged to give up their cars? Is it fair to charge higher fees to owners of certain types of cars?
Read the posts. (February 17, 2005)
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A report into the use of random drug tests in schools shows that such programs are more likely to drive the problem underground than improve students' well-being. The Keeping them Connected report, issued by the Ignatius Centre, says that drug testing programs do not act as a deterrent to drug use. Instead, it says, the programs are at risk of being used to improve parents' perceptions of the quality of schools, without assisting students. The Department of Health and Ageing's 2002 report into drug use in Australia shows that 28 per cent of children aged 14 to 19 consume alcohol weekly, while 74 per cent are occasional drinkers. It also shows that one in four people aged 14 to 19 had used illicit drugs in the 12 months prior to the survey. The Ignatius Centre's Father Peter Norden says there is a growing awareness that the issue of drug use among students needs to be addressed. "It's in every school in Australia," he said. "It's a significant percentage of the students." But there is no clear consensus on how to tackle the issue. Federal Education Minister Brendan Nelson has offered in-principle support for drug testing programs, but Father Norden says there are far more effective pastoral care methods of dealing with drug use. What do you think can be done to prevent students using drugs? Do school-based drug tests risk driving the problem underground? How much power should schools have to control the behaviour of students after-hours?
Read the posts. (February 14, 2005)
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In the 21 years since the Sex Discrimination Act was introduced, efforts toward equality have focussed on the world of work. Sex Discrimination Commissioner Pru Goward says those efforts have begun to bear fruit, and it is now time to focus on equality in the home. A study by the Department of Family and Communities shows that women, including those who work full-time, do 90 per cent of childcare tasks and 70 per cent of all family work. It also shows that 53 per cent of men feel that their jobs and their family lives interfere with each other, and 68 per cent feel they do not spend enough time with their families. Ms Goward says the imbalance puts extraordinary pressure on families. She says without change, there will more more marriage break-ups and more men without adequate contact with their families. Is there an imbalance in your household? Does the division of duties affect your relationship? Do you feel you are able to balance work, family and personal time? What can be done to help men spend more time with their families? How can women be encouraged to have families and careers?
Read the posts. (February 9, 2005)
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A Federal Government proposal to introduce a national exam for year 12 students has found little support among teachers and state governments. Federal Education Minister Brendan Nelson says there are eight different tests for final year students across the country, which makes it difficult for universities to measure students' achievements. Dr Nelson says there should be a standard assessment for year 12 students. But Labor's education spokeswoman, Jenny Macklin, says Dr Nelson's plan is unworkable. The state and territory governments have also roundly condemned the plan, with Queensland Premier Peter Beattie saying it is a sign of a "power-drunk" Government. The Australian Education Union says employers, schools and universities are happy with the current system, which caters for all needs. Is the current system unfair to students? Would a national exam duplicate current arrangements? Would a national exam improve the standard of Australian education? Would a national certificate of education require a national curriculum?
Read the posts. (February 8, 2005)
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The recent vigilante actions of residents toward convicted paedophile Dennis Ferguson has stirred debate over how the community deals with the reintegration of convicted criminals who have served their time in prison. The Queensland Government is exploring the option of stronger controls on released paedophiles but civil liberties groups say the child sex offender register, which requires offenders to notify police of their address and occupation, is enough to prevent most convicted paedophiles from re-offending. Is it possible to reintegrate convicted child abusers back into the community? Should there be a ban on publishing the address of released paedophiles? Should they be free to live in peace wherever they choose? How can the community be protected from people convicted of child abuse, given the high rate of recidivism? Is the reaction of some individuals towards paedophiles understandable or does it reflect poorly on society? IMPORTANT NOTE: For legal reasons, the ABC forum will not canvass any specific cases, including Dennis Ferguson.
Read the posts. (February 4, 2005)
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The ACT Government is funding a pilot study to teach people how to recover from large personal and household debts. The study will follow 25 people who are currently experiencing extreme financial stress through a 12-month counselling and debt reduction program. The Government estimates the study will cost $150,000. Do you think governments in other states and territories should trial a similar program? How much responsibility should individuals take for large credit card and personal debts? Have you ever suffered from financial hardship? Is credit too easy to get?
Read the posts. (February 1, 2005)
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Archive: January 2005 |
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Labor's leadership woes look set to continue with up to three contenders vying for the top job following Mark Latham's resignation. Kim Beazley says he is "absolutely fired with ambition for the Australian people, our nation and for the Australian Labor Party". Foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd and health spokeswoman Julia Gillard have been more circumspect, both saying they are canvassing their options. Labor Caucus will elect a new leader next Friday. Who do you think would make the best Labor leader? What does the Labor Party need to do to repair the damage inflicted at the last election? In what ways could Mr Latham have improved Labor's chances at the election?
Read the posts. (January 21, 2005)
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