08 Apr2019

We’ve just made it easier for corruption to flourish

Posted in Op eds

Today in The Australian

Having proven herself to be a phoenix rather than a cooked goose, Gladys Berejiklian should move as quickly as she reasonably can to contain the effects of a recent decision by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal.

Legal reasons preclude a ­detailed discussion of the substance of that decision. Briefly stated, it quashes the convictions of a former senior politician in the ­Keneally Labor government, and of his close political ally, to whom that politician granted a lucrative licence. After a lengthy investigation, the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption concluded that the grant of the ­licence involved the misuse of public office. It also found the politician’s ally complicit in the ­offence, with those conclusions being confirmed by a trial that sent both men to jail for lengthy terms.

Click here to access the oped at The Australian's website or check back here next week to download a pdf. 

22 Mar2019

Jihadis, neo-Nazis — they have always been brothers

Posted in Op eds

Today in The Australian

Jihadis, neo-Nazis — they have always been brothers

How often in recent years have we thought, as Hannah Arendt did on learning of the death camps, “many things are possible, but this ought not to have happened”? Now, after another week of terrorism, and yet more innocent blood, we also think: this will not end.

Click here to read the oped at The Australian's website (login required) or check back here next week to download a pdf.

15 Mar2019

Liberals’ heart has been hollowed out

Posted in Op eds

Today in The Australian

With the opinion polls showing no improvement in its prospects, any remaining optimists in the Coalition look increasingly like wishful sinkers.

The end, when it comes, will leave plenty of scope for recriminations; as ministers and members pack up their offices, blame is the one thing that will not be in short supply. The question, however, is to understand the broader forces at work.

Click here to read the oped at the Australian's website (login required) or check back here next week to download a pdf.

08 Mar2019

Public deserves right to pass judgment on courts

Posted in Op eds

Today in The Australian

Last month, the NSW Land and Environment Court ruled against a proposed coalmine at Rocky Hill in a decision I criticised in these pages. Since then, public debate about that decision, which is likely to have far-reaching effects, has been astonishingly muted.

Click here to read the oped at The Australian website (login required) or check back here next week to download a pdf.

01 Mar2019

Abuse of academic freedom can never be condoned

Posted in Op eds

Today in The Australian

According to Tim Anderson, who was sacked from the University of Sydney last month, academic freedom entitles him to display, as teaching material, the flag of the state of Israel with a swastika ­superimposed on it.

Click here to read the oped at The Australian's website (login required) or check back here next week to download a pdf.

22 Feb2019

Absurd Rocky Hill decision tarnishes rule of law

Posted in Op eds

Today in The Australian

While the Queensland government’s review of the Adani project is a farce, the decision of the NSW Land and Environment Court to block the proposed coalmine at Rocky Hill is a tragedy.


Click here to read the oped at The Australian's website (login required) or check back here next week to download a pdf.

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