The Australian policy that the US should copy
Peter Hartcher 12:00 AM Generations of Australian politicians had looked admiringly at the US as their role model. No longer.
Latest Comment
An average budget is not enough
![Peter Reith dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/3/1/i/z/1/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojyf6.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Peter Reith 4:25 PM For this election the overarching issue will be Australia's rising debt. The Liberals need a fair dinkum plan.
Why we should ban Shakespeare
![A 1610 portrait of William Shakespeare, which is believed to be almost the only authentic image of the writer made from life.](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/7/w/9/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojv86.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Lachlan Philpott 2:41 PM Give the Bard a break for five years to give the spotlight to other playwrights.
Threats to journalism creep closer
![Illustration: Simon Bosch.](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/u/s/9/r/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojvco.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Julie Posetti 12:00 AM Surveillance, national security legislation and data retention laws threaten the sustainability of investigative journalism
Myths surface over new submarines deal
![Stealthy winner: A French-designed submarine will be built in Adelaide as Australia looks to its future defences.](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/f/6/6/1/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojpj8.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Euan Graham 12:00 AM The true reasons for choosing the French bid are being ignored
Young people are not prepared for future jobs
![We need to teach enterprise skills, starting in primary school and building year on year throughout high school. These ...](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/j/y/h/q/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojiji.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Jan Owen 12:00 AM Fifteen-year-olds can expect to have more than 17 jobs in five different industries over their working lives. So, why aren't they ready?
Could Australia get its own Boaty McBoatface?
![The government has announced the building of a replacement for the Aurora Australis - but what should we call it?](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/2/t/e/t/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojj8m.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Andrew P Street 10:36 AM Environment Minster Greg Hunt needs a hand to name Australia's new icebreaker. Here are a few helpful suggestions.
It's time to bring Norfolk Island back into the fold
![Experts predict Norfolk Island will enjoy an economic boost as it shifts to a governance system used in Australia's ...](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/f/p/1/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojl12.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Paul Fletcher 12:17 PM If you are an Australian living on Norfolk Island today you are effectively a second-class citizen.
There's a bigger threat than North Korea's missiles
![Kim Jong Un no longer needs ballistic missiles to inflict serious harm.](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/c/7/p/2/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojs4v.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
David Blair 1:03 PM The advent of cyber-warfare means you do not need a missile programme to cause mayhem; the only requirement is a team of able people with laptops and internet connections.
Morrison's delicate economic balancing act
![SMH editorial dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/z/r/3/h/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojpsu.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
9:00 PM The Treasurer needs to explain his "steady as she goes" budget repair plan without scaring voters into thinking he's tentative because the economy is struggling.
MAY 3
Change gaming law and shift casino back
![Letters dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/z/r/3/h/6/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojs2i.11mdqt.png/1462194550127.jpg)
9:00 PM It is claimed the Casino Control Act prevents the Crown Casino and apartment block being moved back from the waterfront ("Legal spat looms as Crown refuses to budge", May 2).
Column 8
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9:00 PM "Could somebody please explain why the various sporting codes insist on having someone sing the national anthem before contests between two local club sides?" asks Norman Pollock, of Bellmere.
The court case that could derail Turnbull’s election plans
![George Williams dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/2/t/m/o/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goj6h1.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
George Williams The High Court will hear a challenge on Monday and Tuesday to Australia's new rules for electing senators. If the case succeeds, it will have the impact of a sledgehammer on the 2016 election.
Barangaroo is more insult than icon
![None of the objectors to the proposal argued against the hotel or even the casino at Barangaroo; all argued against the ...](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/a/a/5/n/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojak9.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Peter Mould Are we prepared to sacrifice public benefit for private profit so that Sydney gains an "icon" of questionable merit?
A building that embraces the future
![Chris Johnson dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/3/7/b/u/q/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojane.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Chris Johnson The word icon was interpreted entirely differently by those opposing Barangaroo and its supporters at a public hearing on the development application for the Crown Sydney Hotel Resort last week.
Being crazy serves Trump well
![Donald Trump speaks at an election night event in New York.](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/a/s/8/d/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goi2ek.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Michael Kinsley It’s his entertainment value that explains the rise of The Donald.
View from the Street: Got a solution for Manus Island yet, guys? No?
![Andrew P Street dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/v/9/4/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojbp1.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Andrew P Street Australia is so, so, so much better than this, friends. Your news of the weekend, reduced to a heartbroken rant.
The budget must begin to repair Australia's foreign aid program
![SMH editorial dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/z/r/3/h/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gofysm.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
We know Scott Morrison values foreign aid. He and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull should start repairing the recent damage to Australia's overseas aid program in next week's budget.
MAY 2
'Tony' Turnbull: public letdown No.1
![Letters dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/z/r/3/h/6/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goj7mb.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
It is becoming increasingly obvious that the only reason the Coalition dumped Tony Abbott last September was to prevent the ALP running attack ads before the upcoming election showing Abbott making all those promises on the eve of the 2013 poll, which he later broke.
Column 8
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"Help, please!" begs John Christie, of Oatley. "How do I undo the fiddly wrapper on a Band-Aid, while elevating the cut hand to assuage the bleeding?"
Budget-night parties call for model behaviour
![Annabel Crabb dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/3/l/0/c/w/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gohwus.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Annabel Crabb There has never been a more exciting time to be an accountant. Really.
Trump and Hillary's battle of the sexes
![Peter FitzSimons dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/z/s/1/7/b/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gohwz6.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Peter FitzSimons TFF writes from New York, where everywhere I look is Presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Political clickbait may prove elusive
![Kirsty Needham](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/2/u/6/c/x/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goiimq.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Kirsty Needham It's the video that has broken the internet and propelled a NSW politician into a global star.
It's Morrison's moment, but can he deliver?
![Adam Gartrell](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/3/6/y/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gohsih.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Adam Gartrell If Treasurer Scott Morrison delivers a great budget this week, he'll cement his status as a potential future prime minister.
How education helps criminals earn more
![Matt Wade dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/2/t/m/p/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goioaz.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Matt Wade And they say crime doesn't pay. A study of last century's mafia has proven to be revealing.
When minds turn to courtroom legends
![Charles Waterstreet.](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/2/t/r/j/m/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goim8u.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Charles Waterstreet The greatest tool of the trade, the cross-examination, is of no interest as it is like explaining rules of soccer to your grandmother. Who's the best advocate, people want to know?
Women athletes making gains equality race
![Sun-Herald editorial dinkus.](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/v/8/5/m/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goihv4.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Academic David Rowe this week cautioned that the fight to eliminate sexism from sport was a marathon not a sprint. But the Sutton allegations are a reminder it's also an obstacle race.
MAY 1
Letters to the Editor
![Letters dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/z/r/3/h/6/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gofzr0.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Climate change, gay marriage, Indigenous recognition and the republic might be the big key election issues for Peter FitzSimons, but I'm not sure the PM or his office would agree.
New Turnbull becomes the old Abbott
![Peter Hartcher dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/p/b/c/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goi8sc.11mdqt.png/1462203526211.jpg)
Peter Hartcher The Prime Minister has exhumed Tony Abbott's scare campaign against Labor's carbon tax, launching into electoral battle with the reflex action of "oppose".
Shouldn't arbitrary detention bother us, too?
![<p>](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/1/d/2/n/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gohjr8.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Dominic Knight As someone who was briefly detained after the botched execution of a Chaser prank, I'm a fan of the rule that people shouldn't be locked up without a good reason.
Where are all the non-Anglo MPs?
![SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Muslim Member of NSW Parliament annd former Mayor of Rockdale Shaoquett Moselmane ...](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/3/m/i/1/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goh6fo.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Sean Nicholls In recent years, the issue of cultural diversity has come a distant second to the number of women in parliament.
Negative gearing put ahead of childcare
![Anne Summers dinkus Dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/2/t/m/m/w/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goh1hs.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Anne Summers A forward-looking government would axe negative gearing and invest in an educated and socially skilled population.
Teenage boys are Big Soda's softest targets
![Boys aged 14 to 18 are consuming up to 38 teaspoons of sugar a day, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/8/s/m/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gohsht.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Sarah Wilson Boys aged 14 to 18 are consuming up to 38 teaspoons of sugar a day, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Coalition must exorcise demons of 2014
![SMH editorial dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/z/r/3/h/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gohtiq.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
The coalition government mark II has overpromised and underdelivered. This is its big chance to outline a vision and restore trust.
APRIL 30
Letters to the Editor
![Letters dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/z/r/3/h/6/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goi08c.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Voters will be confused by the government's Smart Cities infrastructure plan ("Turnbull's blueprint for our cities", April 29).
Column 8
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"Want to impress the neighbours?" asks Peter Riley, of Penrith. "Well, go to the MYPLATES.COM website, do a custom search, and you'll see that the numberplate 'C8PHD' is still available.
The case against an interest rate cut
![Jessica Irvine dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/f/s/h/q/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gohans.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Jessica Irvine Heard the one about how Australia is suddenly suffering a bout of deflation?
Crossbench cull won't improve Turnbull's Senate woes
![Mark kenny dinkus](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/g/y/f/y/k/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goh1jn.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Mark Kenny Poor polling is making the decision to defer the election until July look increasingly questionable.
The Australian territory China has its sights on
![An Adelie penguin in Antarctica.](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/s/r/k/h/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gogzic.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Anthony Bergin We sometimes forget that we assert sovereignty over 42 per cent of the Antarctic continent, roughly the size of mainland Australia minus Queensland.
Why it's impossible to actually be a vegetarian
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Andrew Smith In case you’ve forgotten the section on the food web from high school biology, here’s a quick refresher.
Homelessness tugs on the nation's purse strings as well as the heart strings
![Preventing young people from becoming homeless could save governments an estimated $626 million a year across the youth ...](/web/20160502154442im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/5/2/1/q/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goglee.11mdqt.png/1462178707407.jpg)
Catherine Yeomans We've heard much noise from the government about the need for savings as we approach next week's budget.