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Four laws that have to change. Immediately
People know when the law has become an ass. The collective wisdom and wit of the crowd winnows well. It is the citizenry rather than the polity that tends to lead cultural and legislative change.
Michael Short is The Age's chief editorial writer, as well as a columnist. He is a board member and ambassador of a number of organisations, and is a frequent public speaker and moderator. He is generally bemused, and is thus particularly grateful to his wife Sophie and their three children Edie, Tom and Clem for trying patiently and tenderly to help him through the whole thing. He quite likes open fires, walking his dog and sitting for long periods in the bath.
People know when the law has become an ass. The collective wisdom and wit of the crowd winnows well. It is the citizenry rather than the polity that tends to lead cultural and legislative change.
In recent days, a great Australian man was farewelled, some of the most despicable Australian men were prevented from leaving our land and a disgraced Melbourne (former) teacher who induced his nine-year-old students to massage him and told them tales of incest, violence and cruelty lost his ridiculous case for unfair dismissal in the Fair Work Commission.
There are uplifting narratives alleviating the bleakness. This is one of them. It's about guts, kindness and authentic leadership, writes Michael Short.
Until we have marriage equality, the notion Australia is the land of the fair go is delusional, argues Michael Short.
We say we believe in equality, but the gender pay gap shows we have a long way to go.
In response to an earlier column, others have shared their experiences as it might help raise awareness of just how precarious life can be for so many in our nation.
Michael Short writes of women quietly helping women in desperate need in Melbourne.
The Opposition Leader's penalty rates position lacks credibility.
Child rape and other sexual crimes are a devastating abuse of power and trust.
Political debate is sullied and shackled by tribal rhetoric.
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