The electricity system in South Africa is in a tragic state with little hope of rescue in the short term. This is a heart-breaking report from Jo Nova. National rolling blackouts have been occurring for days in South Africa and are forecast to continue for another week at least. One engineer warns they are just a…

This was photographed in the front window of one of Australia’s largest variety store chains. It’s getting increasingly difficult to use the week to “celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples” when this sort of agitation seems to be the main thrust of it.

Two of my favourite musical styles. Motown of course, being named after the “Motor City” Detroit, which has experienced its share of hard times in the recent past. Founded by Berry Gordy in 1958, the label was better known as Tamla Motown outside of the States. Motown’s most notable achievement was almost 80 top ten…

Yesterday, the new federal health minister, Mark Butler, announced a government inquiry with Jane Halton in charge into the Australian Government covid-19 vaccine contracts, pricing and existing supplies of vaccines. This inquiry, he advised, will be a forward looking review: a “where to from here” examination of what will be needed in the next 12-18…

Note two recent quotes from putative conservative commentators Peta Credlin and Janet Albrechtsen. In order: “As an imperfect Christian myself, who doesn’t always agree with the teachings of my faith…” “Had grass-roots democracy been allowed to take its normal course…there is a good chance women would have secured abortion rights in those states where they…

The time has come to face the fact that the transition to renewable green energy has gone as far as it can go with existing storage technology. Meanwhile, in a parallel universe, the Federal Government is planning to legislate for a more ambition RE target and the push to get rid of coal dominates the…