Kath Jacobs writes that a disturbing number of people are obsessed with Barnaby’s hat, and are missing the real issues.
Ideas
Posted inPolitical, Regulars, Something to Think About
Denise’s Desk: When Repetition Replaces Reality
Denise says trust in democratic institutions is not strengthened by continually telling citizens that their country is broken.
Posted inPolitical, Something to Think About
Opinion: Is democracy the worst form of government – apart from all the others?
James Ley asks five experts about the strengths and weaknesses of democracy, the face evidence that trust in democratic institutions is declining.
Posted inSomething to Think About, Tips and Tricks
Macca’s Weeds: The resilience of Lucerne and the aphid threat
Paul McIntosh reflects on the evolution of Lucerne in Australia, from the devastating aphid outbreaks of the 1970s to the importance of choosing the right crown height for modern paddocks.
Posted inSocial, Something to Think About
Opinion: Why ‘Micro Stays’ might just be the biggest travel trend of 2026
Nick Baker from Reflections Holidays says the ‘micro’ trend has made it to holidays.
Posted inIdeas, Opinion, Political
Opinion: X’s algorithm can shift political views in weeks – and the effects last
A new real-world study reveals that X’s “For You” algorithm nudges users toward conservative content and following right-leaning accounts, with effects that linger even after the algorithm is turned off.
Posted inPolitical, Something to Think About
Begin Rant: Or, we could just stop talking about them…
RK Crosby says the way to defeat the likes of Hanson and Joyce is to stop talking about them.
Posted inIdeas, Opinion, Something to Think About
Opinion: Do positive affirmations work? A psychologist unpacks the evidence
While popular on social media, repeating positive affirmations isn’t a cure-all. A clinical psychologist unpacks the evidence behind self-affirmation, warning against the risks of “toxic positivity” and offering more effective alternatives like self-compassion.
Posted inNational, Opinion, Something to Think About
Opinion: What the RBA wants Australians to do next to fight inflation – or risk more rate hikes
The RBA has raised the cash rate to 3.85% to combat sticky inflation. Meg Elkins explains the psychology behind the decision and what the central bank hopes Australians will do next: spend less, save more, and temper wage demands.
Posted inEnvironmental, National, Solutions, Something to Think About
Opinion: Renewables over 50%, wholesale prices down – is the energy transition… succeeding?
Australia’s energy transition is finally paying off. For the first time, renewables and storage supplied over 50% of the grid’s power last quarter, driving wholesale prices down by 40%. Experts predict this could lead to lower household bills by mid-2026.