I am sick and tired of feminism being a dirty word! I want to believe that the only reason anyone would choose to deny that they were a feminist would be due to a misunderstanding about what the world means. Perhaps there are other reasons why people are reluctant to take this label for themselves…

Elizabeth St in Melbourne is prone to flooding, and beneath the streets runs a creek (Williams creek) which seems to be desperate to reassert itself. Other cities have successfully (re)integrated waterways into their cities, notably Seoul, South Korea. Should Melbourne do the same?

While most of us claim to be rational beings, so many disputes in our society are about self-interest. In that context, it seems evidence is only acepted where it serves those interests. Can we change that way of thinking, or is it just a necessary part of being human?

I guess I find it a fascinating question because, if the answer is ‘yes’ (and I think it probably is), that runs quite contrary to the current obsession with science and truth and makes story-telling and art-play far more important.

As the irrefutable evidence of the effects of human causation of global warming through increasing production of greenhouse gasses gains traction,it seems that a new economic paradigm (other than growth) must be urgently considered. After all, it’s about the survival of the next generation(s).

I feel strongly that we should and must treat asylum seekers with compassion and humanity.
I am involved as a volunteer with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre for last 13 years and have seen the damage inhumane processes have on people including families and children.
I came with my family as refugees in 1939. We were deemed enemy aliens at the time despite escaping the Nazis because of Jewish ancestry. It seems to me that “we” still don’t know who the enemy is!
I would want and keep hoping that more people when realizing the inhumanity being done in our name as well as the millions of dollars being spent from our taxes, that they would want to change the system. there are better ways.

It is something I have been grappling with in recent years, and have come to believe that this is true.

Whether it’s gun control or bicycle helmets, Australia’s Common Law leads to a duty of care. What would the world look like if this was adopted internationally?

Because the EU is in turmoil, countries are being held to ransom by market volatility and austerity is fueling social unrest.

Some countries use a year of compulsory military service as a rite of passage for young adults. Looking at our 18 year olds today, some might say we need to bring in this kind of enforced ‘gap year’ for the good of the individual and of our whole society. And of course, it would strengthen the country militarily to have a national service corps. But at what cost? Would this be worth it?

Because this is the area of the ‘refugee debate’ that I don’t understand – why some people feel that they have a birthright to safety, and those born in other countries don’t.

I teach, research and write in this area. Children’s illustrations are often people’s first encounter with art.