Comment

The Age Editorials

The attacks on New York on September 11, 2001.

Unexpected horrors of a bright blue day

The lessons from the September 11, 2001 attack are still being absorbed - the failings that allowed such a devastating attack to occur, as well as the mistakes made in the aftermath.

Offshore detention inhumanity must end

The Manus Island detention centre.

This ‘‘out of sight, out of mind’’ tactic minimises the chances of widespread empathy and compassion that would lead to the community demanding the government cease one of the most ignoble episodes in Australian political history.

Anti-discrimination act should not be changed

Senator Cory Bernardi has the backing of 20 senators for his proposed changes to Section 18C of the Racial ...

The fundamental reason we oppose changing Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act is that we have come to the view it is the wrong thing to do, morally, socially and practically.

Duterte's bluster costs friends

Rodrigo Duterte has been condemned for unleashing a brutal police crackdown and encouraging violence by vigilantes.

The Philippine President should not be surprised if his disdain for international concern over extrajudicial killings results in isolation.

Political donation laws must be cleaned up

Some transparency and accountability, please.

For far too long, this massive flaw in our democratic process has undermined community confidence in our lawmakers’ probity, and thus in the very policies that are supposed to be beyond the influence of vested interests.

Better regional rail is crucial to state’s future

More, please.

Central to the Intercity report is the notion that creating a faster and better regional rail network would lead to significant growth in regional cities, taking the pressure off Melbourne and creating a vibrant state-wide economic and cultural network.

East Timor deserves a fair hearing in dispute

Illustration: Jim Pavlidis

The view that Australia has acted unreasonably is compounded by the otherwise inexplicable decision in 2002 to exempt itself under the law of the sea from any arbitration proceedings to resolve maritime boundaries.

CFA saga must end for sake of public safety

Illustration: Jim Pavlidis

As we have stated previously, the best way to resolve this situation is to refer it to the full bench of the Fair Work Commission for a decision that would be binding on all parties. Politicians harming themselves is merely gormless; risking harm to innocent citizens is unconscionable.

Child-sex criminals do not merit leniency

The lives of children hang in the balance.

A number of recent child-sex cases have resulted in suspended sentences, unconditional bail, good behaviour bonds and jail terms of months, rather than years. This is insufficient both as a punishment and deterrent.

Drum the message: “Don’t be that guy”

Illustration: Jim Pavlidis

Girls can express themselves however they should wish. The community – and especially fathers – should be forthright that it is never acceptable to rip off a girl’s image to use in a humiliating game.

History shows building barriers will harm us

Illustration: Jim Pavlidis

Australia takes steps to keep its political system strong, stable and relevant for the world today, the goal should be that borders – physical, cultural, digital - don’t become barriers the way the Berlin Wall was.