To the surprise of many observers, Abbott played it safe this week in Jakarta, remedying the damage done by his bellicose rhetoric on asylum seekers, writes Ben Eltham
Low wages, casualisation, and a 'Big Society' approach seem to be the future of Disability Care under the new government. That's a backward step, writes El Gibbs
The Victorian Government has begun the first stage of the East-West Toll Link, against the best advice. It will be the biggest misallocation of funds in Victorian transport history, writes Elliot Fishman
The Coalition's attempts to usher in its big changes aren't going as smoothly as they'd hoped - especially on issues like carbon policy and asylum seekers, writes Ben Eltham
Asylum seekers in detention are confused about the federal government's changes to immigration law – and anxious about whether they will be granted temporary protection visas, writes Rose Iser
In her first interview since losing the prime ministership, Julia Gillard discussed the relentless sexism she endured. Amy Ripley attended the event, and spoke with interviewer Anne Summers
When it comes to broadband, it makes economic sense to have the infrastructure owned by a government monopoly - unless you're the Coalition. Ian McAuley on the future of NBN Co
He's not known for his diplomacy skills but the new Education Minister is flexing his policy muscles. Working out what to do with schools and universities will be no small challenge, writes Ben Eltham
From the perspective of a Coalition Government, exploiting public irrationality over house prices is a great idea. We're returning to bone-headed Howard-Costello economics, writes Ian McAuley
In the corporate world, the more ruthless you are the higher you go. Fairfax chairman Roger Corbett - ex-Woolies CEO and erstwhile political pundit - is a good example, writes Evan Jones
If Public Private Partnerships are meant to take risk off the government's hands, then why does the public end up paying for them? Economists Jim Crosthwaite and Sarah Lumley on the patchy history of joint projects
Partisan hacks who blame Kevin Rudd for the pink batts deaths have got it wrong. The deregulators who eroded the insulation industry's safeguards deserve scrutiny, writes Ian McAuley
Burma's reputation is on the up and the country is keen to do business. There are profits to be made by the elites – but for ordinary Burmese people, little has changed, writes Stuart Rees
Bill Shorten's new payday lending laws came into force this week. They set some limits on predatory lending practices but consumer advocates say poverty is the real problem, writes Amy Ripley
After one too many high-profile bungles, the Senate has launched an inquiry into the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Ben Eltham on the regulator's dismal record
On current figures, moving to a sustainable economy will be even harder than reducing carbon emissions. A first step would be to kick the economists out of the halls of power, writes economist Warwick Smith
A decision in the High Court yesterday means that while social disadvantage can be taken into account in sentencing, Aboriginality can't. It's a disappointing result, writes Sarah Krasnostein
Tony Abbott promised 'masterly inactivity' with regard to higher education. His policies are now on the table and the sector needs to hold on for a wild ride, writes Richard Hil
Tomorrow, women will take global action for access to safe, legal abortions. Despite what the critics say, Australia is still a place where the struggle is paramount, writes Annelise Roberts
Labor's reforms to the early childhood sector were wide-reaching but poorly implemented. The Coalition will easily be able to return to a for-profit dominated approach, writes Liam McNicholas
Jamie Oliver is sounding off about what poor people eat. His screeds about budget living typify the moral onslaught that families on low incomes are subjected to everyday, writes Shakira Hussein
A bill before the NSW Parliament seeks to recognise foetuses as living persons - a battleground issue for abortion activists. Here's why Greens MLC Mehreen Faruqi is opposed to it
This week NSW MPs will discuss 'foetal personhood' laws. Why are women's organisations so concerned by Zoe's law? Margaret Kirkby, Lynn Muir and Christine Smith explain
Anxious about Labor's mixed record on higher education? Then consider the prospect of more Coalition 'nicks' to university budgets, writes NTEU National President Jeannie Rea
The Press Gallery got what it wanted last night - a spill. Kevin Rudd is back in charge. It's time for the media to ease up on the gossip and start paying attention to the way the country is being governed
Notice anything different? We've upgraded the site. Read on to find out about our exciting new features - and please be patient as we iron out the bugs!
It's been a grim year for many in the media, but at NM we're going gangbusters! It's been our most successful year yet. As we pack up for a summer break, we have you - our supporters and readers - to thank
It's nearly Christmas and New Matilda has a bumper crop of festive giveaways for our loyal paid-up supporters. If you haven't funded NM yet, it's not too late to sign up now and go into the draw
Rising electricity prices, climate change and the renewables boom - energy is changing, but how does it work? Our series, Future Shock, has all you need to know about what will be powering your home in 10 years
A hefty majority of MPs today voted against marriage equality. They're out of step with community sentiment - and they're fighting a battle they can't hope to win
Today we launch Future Shock, an investigative series devoted to the rapidly changing nature of energy in Australia. Ben Eltham on what you can expect from a month of data-driven journalism
The crew of a Greenpeace ship detained in Russian waters is in custody. There's yet more dire news about global warming but Big Oil is fighting with all its might, writes Julie Macken
Amid the wreckage of Australia's climate change infrastructure, one piece of environmental policy has survived. Could the Coalition's wind farm review have unintended benefits, asks Ketan Joshi
The gap between scientific and public opinion on climate change is becoming a gulf. The Climate Institute filmed scientists explaining how to fix that. Corey Watts explains
Last week Peter Phelps hailed market freedom as fair grounds for murder in Chile – and ignored the horror of the Pinochet regime, write Nour Dados, Raewyn Connell and Sebastian Madrid
In 2004, Gunns hit filmmaker Heidi Douglas with a $6.4 million writ for a 'conspiracy to harm business'. This week Gunns ex-chairman John Gay only got a $50,000 slap on the wrist for insider trading
Opponents to the planned nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station are taking their case to the Federal Court this week to address unresolved issues of ownership and consent, writes Dave Sweeney
The major parties agree about coal expansion in Queensland and ports over the Great Barrier Reef. Communities will have to bypass the ballot box if the reef is to survive, writes Julie Macken
Victoria's Environment Protection Authority lacks the teeth to properly regulate the state's dirty industries, while 'self-regulation' has become increasingly common, reports Georgina Moore
Catholic social justice advocates have denounced the Coalition's blind-eye policy to Sri Lankan ethnic cleansing, after a delegation visited affected areas, reports Trevor Grant
The Coalition's tough rhetoric on West Papua is quickly making Australia irrelevant. The Indonesians don't trust us, the West Papuans resent us, and support grows at home, writes Jason MacLeod
Why is the US Government closing up shop? Who will be hit hardest? Can't the Democrats and Republicans just put ordinary Americans first? Adam Brereton answers these questions and more
Islands of the elderly in a sea of unemployed youth? That's Europe's future, experts say. It's a pity that demographics aren't a thrilling political vote-winner, writes Charles McPhedran
Thanks to new bio-gas and hydro projects, the Indonesian island of Sumba will soon run on clean energy. For many Sumbanese, it's the first time they've had electricity, reports Rebecca Henschke
Hugh Tuckfield visited Damak, Nepal, in July this year. He met some of the 20,000 Bhutanese refugees who have fled their homes, and filed this moving photo essay
Tamil women in northern Sri Lanka are being forced to undergo surgical birth control procedures, according to recent reports. A Tamil doctor has described it as 'genocide', writes Trevor Grant
Catalonia, the vibrant and productive Spanish province bordering France, wants to secede. Antonio Castillo visited Barcelona in July - and found a mood of inevitability in the would-be capital
Most law students don't become lawyers. Many journalism students work outside the industry. Let's give students some credit and stop trashing journalism degrees, writes Johann Lidberg
Privacy and security are becoming paramount online in an age of universal surveillance. David Ingram on a new book that aims to help journos evade surveillance and protect their sources
From Roger Corbett's appearance on Lateline to News Ltd's bias, a politicised media has been a prominent feature of this election - but media policy has barely rated a mention, writes Wendy Bacon
Reporting foreign conflicts is a dangerous pastime for freelance journalists. When someone goes missing, competitors for column inches come together, writes Rachel Williamson from Cairo
Whistleblowers like Bradley Manning show us the true face of global power. The guilty verdict against him should stir journalists to challenge authoritarianism, writes Antony Loewenstein
Politicians need to lead by example – and making fun of people with signs of speech impairment is hardly the way to guide changes to community attitudes about disability, writes Stephanie Gotlib
Finding a balance between financial sustainability and the public interest is the big media company's dilemma. Fairfax has just put up a paywall. Is that the answer? Bronwen Clune isn't convinced
This month Greece's PM tried to pull the plug on the state broadcaster – casting doubt over the country's apparent steps toward recovery. Charles McPhedran on the responses across Europe
In taking a stand against boycotts, the Coalition is taking the power back from the green terrorists who want to destroy our way of life. Let the good times roll, writes Ben Pobjie
These are exciting times for the ALP. What with picking a leader, dealing with the Rudd factor, dancing with the unions, it's lucky they don't have to run the country, writes Ben Pobjie
Are you ready for a little bit of Michael Kroger by the barbie? What's Election Day going to be like this year? Read Ben Pobjie's Utterly Infallible 2013 Election Predictions to find out
It's at election time that Ben Pobjie feels proudest to be a media man. If only he could get Rupert Murdoch to pay attention to some of his proposals for more cracking campaign coverage
Who are the big winners in the howling match between Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott over asylum seekers? The Army, tent companies - and ultimately, the Australian public, explains Ben Pobjie
What people desire more than anything else is to not be bored. So why are we hearing so much about climate change? Real talk from Ben Pobjie on Australia's biggest policy snore
Gillard got a bounce in the polls when she knifed Rudd. Now that Rudd's back, the ALP is up again. Ben Pobjie proposes the unthinkable - could a permanently rotating leadership save the ALP?
Laughing at Cory Bernardi is as easy as teasing a porcelain clown. But what if he's right about double-tuxedoed weddings? Don't rush to judgement, says Ben Pobjie
The Coalition's tough rhetoric on West Papua is quickly making Australia irrelevant. The Indonesians don't trust us, the West Papuans resent us, and support grows at home, writes Jason MacLeod
Most law students don't become lawyers. Many journalism students work outside the industry. Let's give students some credit and stop trashing journalism degrees, writes Johann Lidberg
Catholic social justice advocates have denounced the Coalition's blind-eye policy to Sri Lankan ethnic cleansing, after a delegation visited affected areas, reports Trevor Grant
To the surprise of many observers, Abbott played it safe this week in Jakarta, remedying the damage done by his bellicose rhetoric on asylum seekers, writes Ben Eltham
Low wages, casualisation, and a 'Big Society' approach seem to be the future of Disability Care under the new government. That's a backward step, writes El Gibbs
A decision in the High Court yesterday means that while social disadvantage can be taken into account in sentencing, Aboriginality can't. It's a disappointing result, writes Sarah Krasnostein
The Victorian Government has begun the first stage of the East-West Toll Link, against the best advice. It will be the biggest misallocation of funds in Victorian transport history, writes Elliot Fishman
Why is the US Government closing up shop? Who will be hit hardest? Can't the Democrats and Republicans just put ordinary Americans first? Adam Brereton answers these questions and more
Privacy and security are becoming paramount online in an age of universal surveillance. David Ingram on a new book that aims to help journos evade surveillance and protect their sources
To the surprise of many observers, Abbott played it safe this week in Jakarta, remedying the damage done by his bellicose rhetoric on asylum seekers, writes Ben Eltham
Abbott has nixed the Climate Commission and authorised a round of high profile funding cuts and sackings. Progressives are well equipped to fight back - and must, writes Ben Eltham
When it comes to broadband, it makes economic sense to have the infrastructure owned by a government monopoly - unless you're the Coalition. Ian McAuley on the future of NBN Co
The Coalition's attempts to usher in its big changes aren't going as smoothly as they'd hoped - especially on issues like carbon policy and asylum seekers, writes Ben Eltham
It's not such a bad thing that Tony Abbott is Minister for Women. His move puts women's issues where they belong - at the heart of government, argues Eva Cox
The Coalition's proposed changes to consumer law will have a profound chilling effect on environmental boycotts, especially in Tasmania. Julian Brezniak and Lewis d'Avigdor explain the legalities