This has been a conspicuous problem with the Howard and Abbott governments, but always a potential one. In the case of climate change it is particularly pressing to take positive action ( see Naomi Klein -This changes everything). Refugee policy would be another issue.

In Australia we’ve got the dominant view that hung parliaments and large cross benches are ‘unworkable’ and ‘feral’. Why? In Europe hung parliaments are normal, and there are often many parties represented in the parliament.

Would we benefit from more diverse parties and viewpoints in parliament?

Australia has had several significant waves of migration (eg. Greeks, Vietnamese, Africans). Each wave coincides with which group mainstream Australia directs it’s vitriol, fear mongering and racism. But the targeting of Islam has been particularly intense.

This matters to me as a daughter of migrant parents, and a mother of bi-racial kids, who simply wants them to grow up in a world free of racial and religious judgement.

I need to know, and so does the whole of humanity. What exciting ramifications might come from an affirmative?

Labs around the world are developing lab grown meats. This will change industries related to animal consumption like farming, live export, as well as impacting energy, consumption, and world hunger. The development of this meat is happening now but the public conversation has yet to begin. Let’s start now!

Is it even a legitimate form of language/communication that warrants any sort of scientific study?

I’m asking because it is a question, after standstill discussions with peers — some for; some against — I cannot clarify to myself what I believe. To have this question answered would not only put my mind at ease, but influence how I see the world and go about my life.

Because climate change is talked about hundreds of times a day and the meaning of the term and issues tat need to be talked about are at odds. It is simply incorrect use of the english language, in a similar way to the use of ‘cement’ when referring to ‘concrete’!

The lyrics are the last thing that matter to me when I listen to a piece of music (if I can even understand them it’s a plus). But for others they seem to be the most important thing of all (weirdos). Why is this so? Probably it doesn’t matter – I’m just curious.

How far should religion
be separated from
our daily lives?

Because our individualism and increasing inequality is a huge concern