Published in The Machinery of Government·Feb 10The Long Road DownHow the Party of Lincoln became the Party of Trump — by Professor John Kane At some point in Donald J. Trump’s presidency, someone seems to have informed him that Abraham Lincoln was a Republican. His surprise was betrayed in the way he relayed the fact to others: ‘Did you know Lincoln was a Republican? A lot of people don’t know…Politics5 min read
Published in The Machinery of Government·Nov 15, 2021Strategic incompetence and the current state of federalismby Professor Susan Harris Rimmer and Adam Chappell Another Federal Election is on the horizon, and political commentators across the country are making predictions about when voters will head to the polls. Most pundits agree that the easing of border restrictions brought on by high vaccination coverage will lead to…Australian Politics5 min read
Published in The Machinery of Government·Jul 27, 2021Leaving AfghanistanA New Peace or Ticking Bomb? — by Shane Satterley The international community, including Australia, is preparing to withdraw military forces from Afghanistan by September 11th, how will this effect international security? Taliban insurgents have already taken back key districts in the region leading intelligence analysts to be very concerned that the insurgency could have complete control…Government5 min read
Published in The Machinery of Government·Jun 14, 2021After Brittany HigginsWill the Foster review prevent another ‘serious incident’ at parliament? — by Professor Anne Tiernan Earlier this month, as parliament rose after a bruising sitting fortnight, the Morrison government released a “consultation copy” of the Foster review. This is one of five reviews or inquiries Scott Morrison initiated in the wake of Brittany Higgins’ allegation she was sexually assaulted in a…Government5 min read
Published in The Machinery of Government·Jun 9, 2021How Could Someone Become a Terrorist?Lessons from the Brain — by Shane Satterley When an individual turns to the extreme act of violence of a terrorist attack it appears bewildering as to how one could end up taking such an anti-social and violent action. Adding to the bewilderment is often the individual will take his own life as well. Many…Government4 min read
Published in The Machinery of Government·Jun 6, 2021Climate change and the great Australian insurance dilemmaUnaffordable or uninsurable? — by Zoe Davidson and Dr. Elise Stephenson The Australian Government made a significant pre-Budget announcement to deal with an accelerating crisis in the price of insurance premiums for Northern Australia, following the ACCC inquiry. The Morrison Government announced a new reinsurance pool would cover cyclone and related flood damage in…Government6 min read
Published in The Machinery of Government·Apr 27, 2021Towards A Mature Electoral System in QueenslandProportional Representation — by Salim Masai and Dr Nancy Spencer The new fixed four-year term of the Queensland Parliament has now commenced. The State Government has a stated aim of introducing partial proportional representation for undivided councils at the 2024 Local Government election. The Queensland Greens continue to advocate for proportional representation in…Government5 min read
Published in The Machinery of Government·Apr 13, 2021The #March4Justice Movement and the political crisis in responseby Trang Dang On March 15, #March4Justice protests were held in 42 cities and towns across Australia. At the Canberra march, protestors delivered to Parliament a petition, signed by more than 90,000 people, calling for actions to address gender violence and support gender equality. …Government10 min read
Published in The Machinery of Government·Jan 15, 2021The Transition Blues45 to 46 — by Professor John Kane “Dear Father, Although I was at the wheel of your car last week, speeding down the highway in the wrong direction, I hereby deny any responsibility for the subsequent crash and unfortunate collateral casualties. Your affectionate son, Donald.” Thus we might imagine, assuming present conduct mirrors…Government7 min read
Published in The Machinery of Government·Dec 15, 2020From Dangerous Clown to Dangerous Boreby Professor John Kane — Donald J. Trump has been many things to many people over the four years of his presidency. For members of his cult, who have remained astonishingly steadfast and seem even to have enlarged their numbers, he has been an object of adulation. For those unsusceptible to his peculiar charms, he…Government7 min read
