Cutting through the bombastic claims of Donald Trump, the reality of Ukraine is cutting though. It can no longer be denied that that the proxy war is lost. There has been plenty of denial up to now. Washinton under Trump seemed to believe that it could impose defeat on Russia at the negotiating table. Britain, France, and Germany pretend that they can flex enough muscle to change the reality. Continue reading Ukraine peace talks must recognise the reality on the ground to succeed→
The 2035 election campaign is in full swing now that Anthony Albanese has called it for 3 May. Neither Labor nor the Coalition have taken on the key challenges of today. Australia faces an ongoing cost of living crisis and a deepening disillusionment with the major political parties, within the context of ab underperforming economy and the social dislocation that this is causing. Climate has been silenced for this election, despite most of Australia being deeply concerned about it. Continue reading Home Government Neither Coalition nor Labor offer much to answer Australia’s main concerns in 2025→
Peter Dutton’s own budget alternatives released last night (27 February 22025) was marked by one overwhelming fact. There was almost nothing in it. H does not want to announce what would happen if his party became the government. This is ominous. Continue reading Peter Dutton’s budget speech was marked by dishonest evasion→
The federal budget has been delivered and whatever the election campaigners might insist, it hasn’t delivered much. Business as usual is the best term to use. There are a few small give ways. After all, this is a pre-election budget. Maybe just enough to blunt Peter Dutton’ ambition to be Prime Minister. But overall, it will leave most voters underwhelmed. Continue reading The 2025 budget will do little to fix the big problems facing Australia→
As the United Sates leads its closest allies, including Australia, into a new era of denial of freedom of speech, we should be very worried, support its victims, and make our own stand for justice. One of the covers is the misuse of the accusation of antisemitism to target critics of Israeli policy and the state’s committing genocide against the Palestinians. One case denial of the freedom of speech is that involving Palestinian student Mahmoud Khalil because he spoke out for his people. Mahmoud, a legal US resident, was arrested last weekend, and now faces deportation. Khallil has not faced any charges or court proceedings. Is this sort of action against those who speak out the intended shape of the future? Natasha Lennard tells this story (The Intercept 10 March 2025).
Despite the absence of an official election date, campaign activities are currently underway. The West Australia Ballot is over Labor lost 18 percent of the primary vote, but the Liberals failed to convert this to change their position as a non-event. The federal election will now be in May. The Albanese government has run out of time to do otherwise. Continue reading Dissatisfaction with the state of Australia will characterise the coming federal election→
Anthony Albanese is right to stand up against the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on Australian exports to the United States. This is not the act of a friend. It will hit the Australian economy, although luckily, Australia is not highly reliant on exports to that country. But it will still hurt the steel and aluminium exports, will the increase in the price of these metals will add to the domestic costs of what is left of Australian manufacturing, This, in turn, will flow through the whole economy. Continue reading Washington’s imposition of tariffs on Australia must be fought against→
As electioneering for the looming federal election gathers pace, the political hacks continue to pretend that this is normal times and business as usual. A good indicator of this is the focus on two-party preferences as the litmus test for their predictions. Either they can’t seem to see the changing political landscape or wish to bury the truth. Continue reading The coming federal election will not end growing dissatisfaction with the major parties→
The interview was first published in the L’Independente on 8 February 2025. Since his release from imprisonment, Julian Assange, the Australian founder of WikiLeaks, journalist, and editor, has maintained a low profile but continues to be a significant figure. There is great interest in his progress and future plans. In this interview, brother Gabriel talks about Julian’s immediate priorities and gives a glimpse on what might be coming next. Julian’s ordeal has not defeated him. His immediate focus is on healing, re-aquatinting himself with life outside prison, and strengthening bonds with his family. Julian will be back when he is ready.