Editorials by The Hon Bill Shorten MP
The social ban is hard but it’s necessary
Who hasn’t heard the saying “if it ain’t broke, why fix it”? The fact is, a lot of the time things have been “broke” and…
If Ukraine fails, other democracies are weakened and other dictators are emboldened
In February 2022, the world watched in disbelief as Russia invaded Ukraine. Vladimir Putin, of course, didn’t call it an illegal invasion, he tried “fake…
Making myGov even more secure
Fraud and scams have been around since someone figured out that deceit could be monetised. A Greek sea merchant from 300 BC is thought to…
New HECS debt reforms to give kids much needed break
There are many who remember carefree, post-uni days. Study and exams done. The degree secured. Thinking about your career options and all the money you…
This Medicare hack may be the simplest way for Aussies to make cash
Ok. Here’s a deal. Indulge this history lover for a few minutes and you may find something that will make you very happy (and possibly…
Bulldogs are beautiful companions & worthy AFL team mascots
It was Harry S Truman who said “If you want a friend in (insert name of city where politicians gather), get a dog”. Not to…
Vital help passes pub test
The pub test has been part of the Australian vernacular for… well, maybe since the Hope and Anchor opened in Hobart in 1807 and the…
Paralympic glory just as exhilarating as a Collingwood flag
A few weeks back I wrote here about the magic of the Olympics and how it has captured my attention and imagination since I was…
It’s ‘not all men’. But it’s always a man
Until we stop tiptoeing around this bleak reality, nothing will change. A lot of Australians sometimes think that our political system is broken and that…
NDIS reform will preserve scheme for generations to come
In the often-unyielding business of politics, there is nothing more high stakes or complicated than passing crucial legislation that can change people’s lives. A balance…
Childcare is important so Educator’s pay must reflect that
We all know that raising kids is hard work. I’ve heard toddlers referred to as tiny tornadoes. Adorable tornadoes, but anybody who has had a…
Help is available for Aussies struggling with cost of living
Have you checked your pay slip recently? If you haven’t, it’s worth having a quick look. Because on 1 July every single Australian taxpayer got…
Magic of the Olympics is in sport’s unique power to unite us
There is something special about the Olympic Games. From the time I was young I can recall a sense of occasion, an energy, a buzz,…
NDIS fraudsters put on notice
The National Disability Insurance Scheme has been a hot topic over the past few weeks and I couldn’t be happier. A good day for me…
Our kids absolutely need stringent protection online
Today’s kids had their lives turned upside down during the pandemic. Lockdowns turned them into involuntary pioneers of en masse online schooling. There is no…
We’re chasing down the rorts while building a better NDIS
In September 2020, at the height of Covid, when the world’s eyes were glued to the internet, a Twitter user called Mel posted a simple…
Failure is part of innovation
We all innovate all the time without even knowing it. Who hasn’t grabbed a broom to get a ball that is stuck up a tree?…
NDIS shonks put on notice
Anyone who has tried to organise a wedding will know the following story. Venues jack up the prices when they know it is somebody’s big…
There’s no excuse for abuse
We recognise there is a lot of grief and sadness in the community right now in the wake of recent high-profile, violent incidents. As Prime…
We remember the history-changing heroines this Anzac Day
Anzac Day is Australia’s most solemn moment each year. This week we will again remember those who served with courage and purpose, and honour those…
Opinion piece for the West Australian
Don’t take peace for granted The world seems to be in a constant state of upheaval. Since WW I, Australia has a proud history of…
Opinion piece for the West Australian
Grocery shopping was once an exciting venture, but it has been ruined by greed Believe it or not, one of my favourite things to do…
Even the most sensible of people can fall victim to fake news
They say a picture is worth one thousand words, but what if the picture isn’t real or never existed? This is one of the dilemmas…
Opinion piece for the West Australian
A few weeks ago, some new research was released that showed the National Disability insurance Scheme (NDIS) is as fundamental to Australians as Medicare. Melbourne-based…
Opinion piece for the West Australian
Living in Australia, we can feel removed from much of what is going on in the rest of the world. Have people heard about the…