The Australia in the Asian Century White Paper is released. It sets out a plan to ensure Australia takes advantage of the opportunities offered by deeper engagement with the countries and peoples of Asia. The PM commented, “It is not…
Why indeed? Especially when an Australian of considerable note was bumped to provide another Diamond Jubilee commemoration for the Queen of Australia. We have dozens of buildings, hospitals and geographical landmarks named after our monarch. Yes, we are obliged to…
Quentin Bryce’s appointment has been extended for six months from September 2013 until March 2014, seemingly to avoid having to appoint a replacement in the run-up to or around the time of the next federal election due in the second half of next year (chosen solely by the Prime Minister who may or…
A referendum to decide Scotland’s future – maximum devolution but stopping short of independence – will be held late in 2014. This is described as the biggest shake-up in the United Kingdom since the Irish declared their independence in 1921 and Scotland’s biggest political decision in 300 years. The vote…
WfaAR doesn’t think much of it (see our 1 September news item) and said so to the AWW. They didn’t publish our letter so here it is. We urge the AWW to run an article covering opposing views and assist women…
Another portrait of the Queen of Australia is unveiled in Canberra by the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce. Asked why he was chosen to paint the only official jubilee portrait, artist Ralph Heimans speculates that because the portrait was to be unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery and displayed…
In a move that was strongly foreshadowed in a speech given by Attorney-General Nicola Roxon on 20 July, the Government announces that the referendum to recognise our First Peoples in the Constitution would be deferred in favour of an Act of Recognition (with a…
Australian born writer, Kathy Lette, now resident in the UK, sees things as they are. She reports that a new survey about a Cambridge baby rates the child – now the subject of intense speculation and the heir to the heir to the heir to the British…
The fourth National Republican Short Story Competition is now underway with the theme: ‘defining Australian identity in a future Australian republic’. Entries close 6 November and cost $11.99. Length 2000-4000 words with first prize of $500; second $60 and third…
The September edition of the Weekly has a 25 page feature on the young royals with a heavily made-up Kate on the front cover. They’re obviously selling but the content doesn’t gel especially as the main article,”Why it’s hip to be royal” is clearly intended…
