Editorial Opinion

With Cyclone Alfred dominating headlines, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delayed calling the election until mid-May. But as another federal vote looms, it’s time to ask an uncomfortable question: Why is Indigenous policy stuck on repeat?

Starting my own company last April was a leap into the unknown. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I didn't expect just how much would be on my plate: paperwork, financial risk, and the relentless grind of making it work. Everything from registering an ACN, developing terms and conditions, engaging legal and tax advisers, sorting insurance, handling marketing and advertising, submitting BAS statements, and applying for tenders was all on me. No shortcuts. No government handholding. No subsidised loans. Just risk, long hours, and the reality of running a business.

It's been a predictably colourful and politically charged fortnight following US President Donald Trump’s inauguration and a slew of Executive Orders. Most of these orders focused on strengthening border security by promising the swift removal of illegal immigrants, regulating immigration, promoting economic growth through artificial intelligence (AI) and tech infrastructure, and implementing policies winding back commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and gender recognition.

It's not often that a question from a stranger prompts you to reflect so deeply on your home country, but that's what happened in Palau, a small Pacific Island nation located in Micronesia when a local driver asked me last week: "How does Australia treat Aboriginal people?"

I couldn’t help but feel bemused upon reading that the Federal Court ordered the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) to pay $9 million in legal costs to Australian energy provider Santos last week. The case stemmed from years of litigation over 'Santos' $5.8 billion Barossa gas project, which aims to supply energy to northern Australia and beyond.

Senator Lidia Thorpe has been labelled everything from an embarrassment to polarising, unfiltered, coarse, and intimidating. The politician many love to hate, her brand is controversial and self-promoting.