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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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Whistleblowers have described a high-pressure climate within Youi's call centres.

Defrauding staff is institutionalised, and rampant across the retail and fast food industries.

There are huge gaps in the laws around political donations.

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.

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.

The only thing that will happen when we end the denial of the right of people in love to get married is that people in love will get married.

Our lawmakers must never forget that positions of public office are positions of public trust.

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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.

The politics of pokies is as insidious as the machines themselves.

Foreign bribery by Australian firms increases the poverty and misery of some of the world’s poorest people.

For the sake of the people of Syria, the world should devote every effort to finding a solution that will work.

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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.

The most important thing is to compete with honour and courage. This our team did admirably and with significant success. They deserve our respect and appreciation.