Why does it take something to happen to ‘you’ before one shows compassion to others in the same circumstance or before one ‘understands’?
    16+

    I think it is the answer that will bring about the most help in the world.

    Asked by:
    Ally
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    Why hasn’t the Australian gov’t provided a digital format for referendums giving the Australian people more power in important decisions?
    7+

    It matters to me because the current system of 4 year ‘political power’ doesn’t allow for LONG TERM planning for the community.

    Asked by:
    Denise
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    “Not one Australian child will live in poverty” said Hawke in 1987 – is that the case today?
    6+

    Poverty is a global problem. the most vulnerable are also affected by climate change. Education can address both issues.

    Asked by:
    Carolyn Eccleston
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    Trees that have been hit by lightning won’t burn and therefore are no good for firewood – why?
    16+

    This question is something that has caused me to lose sleep for many years.

    Asked by:
    John Knapper
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    Do artists have an obligation to show a social conscience?
    6+

    I have just finished a painting on the Myall Creek Massacre for the Blake Prize. Part of me feels like I should be advocating in my artist statement but I was not driven by advocacy when painting; I was driven by inquiry and emotional turbulence

    Asked by:
    @@artofchad
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    Are there some beliefs we are better off having, even if they are unlikely to be true?
    0

    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.

    Asked by:
    Arthur O'Neill
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    Is spoken word, performance poetry and poetry slam on the margins of literary culture in Australia? If so, how does it overcome that?
    16+

    I think spoken word, performance poetry and poetry slam has underrated potential that I want to see thrive in Australia’s literary landscape.

    Asked by:
    @melbspokenword
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    Cheryl Strayed: What gave you the strength and power to take those first steps onto the PCT?
    6+

    Because I’m trying to take the first steps on an exercise regimen for the first time and first steps in writing a book and first steps in renovating parts of our house and it’s also a source of interest to me where people draw strength, for a lot of aspects of life.

    Asked by:
    Terry
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    Why must we save the world? (Does the world want to be saved?)
    2+

    I wonder if throwing Enlightenment-style reason at every (and everyone’s) problem – climate change to genocide – isn’t arrogant, possibly delusional. It matters to me because of the helpless engendered by constant exhortations to help save the world. Maybe others feel the same?

    Asked by:
    Robyn Annear
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    Why don’t all Australian major art galleries have a secondary budget gallery where the whole collection is on display for the public to see?
    3+
    Asked by:
    James Geddes
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    Will we ever get to a point where the concept of a country is obsolete?
    23+

    Every day the world grows smaller. Slowly but steadily, it’s becoming easier to exchange opinions, ideas, and culture. Sure, there’s a strong argument for identity, economic growth, and security, but perhaps it is equally as important to recognise that we are all humans on the same team. Especially in light of the recent refugee crisis, are borders becoming redundant, and is the idea of a country really necessary?

    Asked by:
    Frankey C
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    Why are we still talking about same-sex marriage when there really aren’t any good arguments against it?
    15+

    The ‘against’ arguments just don’t make sense: they don’t want gays to have children? Guess what, we’re doing that anyway. The bible is against it? Sure, and pretty much everything else. It will ruin marriage for straight people? Pretty sure that’s already been done. The ‘for’ argument is simple, equal rights and parties are good for mental health! (Plus we’re all bored of talking about it)

    Asked by:
    @@Becbakes
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    Why do some people just not care?
    8+
    Asked by:
    @charity_edwards
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