Danny Wardle is a PhD candidate at the Australian Catholic University and a member of the Victorian Socialists.
Citing budget deficits, Australian Catholic University has announced plans to shut down the Dianoia Institute of Philosophy. But the shortfall isn’t the result of research expenses — it’s the product of bloated spending on consultants and executive salaries.
The last month has seen nurses, teachers, railworkers, and other public employees in New South Wales strike for above-inflation wages and improved conditions.
Politicians and energy companies say there’s a gas supply crisis, but huge price increases are caused by profiteering private corporations. It’s long past time to renationalize them.
With inflation on the rise, Australian unions are calling for a modest pay increase for minimum-wage workers. The government, backed by bosses and bankers, says such a move will increase inflation, but the truth is they just don’t want to pay.
When welfare and public services are means-tested, it makes them less efficient and less accessible. Worst of all, by limiting access to the “deserving poor,” means tests undermine the idea that social welfare is a right.