The Emotional Journey of Reconciliation

Every single action we take is driven by emotion. As much as we would like to believe we humans are compelled by logic, what we do (or do not) is a direct result of how we feel. Moreover, some emotions create compassionate action, and some manifest through acts of oppression. So while many commentators may...

Pauline Hanson – the dark side of white privilege

In my previous article, I discussed the insidious and constraining existence of white privilege. White privilege is where we are granted societal advantages due solely to our skin colour. I discussed the expressions of privilege (dominating and reframing conversations) and the darkness that ensues when it goes unseen. On Thursday, we witnessed a perfect example of...

Why Can’t We Close The Gap? Is White Privilege Getting In The Way?

Incredibly disturbing. These were the words Linda Burney used to describe the latest Closing The Gap results[i]. There was some progress on birthweight, preschool enrolments, youth detention and land rights, and all of these advancements must be celebrated. However, critical areas such as children's development level, children in out-of-home care, adult imprisonment and suicide had...

Government Scorecard – C2 Violence

Who have been the winners and losers over the past nine years? Even before the election date has formally been announced, the rhetoric from both major parties is whittling the complexity of our current condition to a simple set of key issues.  Our attention is being focused on the economy, climate, defence, and the cost...

Government Scorecard – C1 Housing

Who have been the winners and losers over the past nine years? Even before the election date has formally been announced, the rhetoric from both major parties is whittling the complexity of our current condition to a simple set of key issues.  Our attention is being focused on the economy, climate, defence, and the cost...

Quotas Are Only Half Of The Answer

Quotas for female representation in parliament are a very popular notion at the moment.  They are being touted as a means to greater respect for women and more balanced consideration of women's issues in policy development.  I agree that increasing the number of women in decision-making roles can redress the gender imbalance over time.  However,...