Western Sydney Aerotropolis won’t build itself – a lot is riding on what governments do
A new study analyses the success factors of several US airport cities and finds parallels that the Badgerys Creek development could draw on. Read More
Author: The Conversation
A survey needs to involve how many people before I’m convinced?
Research studies, opinion polls and surveys all rely on asking a number of people about something to try to extract some pattern of behaviour. But how many people do you need to ask for that finding to have any convincing meaning? Read More
Barnaby Joyce’s decision to sell his story is a breach of professional ethics
The ex-deputy PM's decision to accept money for a TV interview betrays a complete lack of understanding of the convention that, in democratic political systems, public officials are accountable through the media to the people. Read More
Research shows networking is painful, but it can be a lot better
Is it enough to throw a group of people together, give them a name badge and hope for the best? Research suggests it isn’t. Read More
Why organisation leaders need to embrace fear
CEOs who acknowledge and act upon vulnerability and fear are most likely to appear authentic. Acknowledging that we are works in progress, allows for others to relate to us and support us. Read More
How a trip to Antarctica became a real-life experiment in decision-making
This is the story of a year-long strategic leadership initiative for women scientists called Homeward Bound. Read More
Overcoming our mistrust of robots in our homes and workplaces
Australia's chief scientist Alan Finkel explains why we want rules that allow us to trust artificial intelligence and the role that Australia can play in setting global standards. Read More
Hope and fear surround emerging technologies, but all of us must contribute to stronger governance
Our governance solutions are out of step with today’s powerful technologies. This is not the fault of government – it’s a design flaw affecting every country around the world. Read More
Architecture and power: how to fix Australia’s Parliament House
To mark the 30th anniversary of the opening of Australian Parliament House Professor Kim Dovey, Chair of Architecture and Urban Design, University of Melbourne and specialist in the politics of public space, explains how buildings shape politics. Could neighbours help reconnect politics with the polis? Read More
Extra funding for aged care in the budget, but not enough to meet demand
As a result of the mismatch of supply and demand, the government’s policy may need to change further. This will depend in large part on the evolving needs and wishes of our elderly citizens. Read More
Explainer: how the Australian intelligence community works
The recent creation of the Home Affairs super portfolio has added another four agencies to the national intelligence community. Here's how they work together. Read More
Eight charts on our growing tax problem: what abandoning tax reform means for taxpayer
As we move closer to Treasurer Scott Morrison’s third budget, what we do know is this - Australia has a revenue problem. Read More
Soft terms like ‘open’ and ‘sharing’ don’t tell the true story of your data
The government’s proposal does not make data more open. It encourages us to consent to vast exposure of our personal information, including to those who may later use it against us -- with or without de-identification measures. Read More
As a new defence chief comes in, Australia must focus its attention on its neighbour
Australia increasingly is having to engage closely not just with close and trusted partners but with its own neighbours. Read More
To reduce inequality in Australian schools, make them less socially segregated
Needs-based funding is necessary, but it can only do so much. It’s much more effective if we don’t have schools with high concentrations of poverty and disadvantage, argues education researcher Laura Perry Read More