Short term thinking has taken hold of our society at all levels – our political leaders rarely see beyond the next poll or the next election, and in many ways they are responding to a populace that is equally sucked into the demands of the moment – resulting in ‘the longevity vacuum’ – putting us all at the mercy of an unplanned future.

Whether we like it or not, we are all highly dependent on technology. As a self-confessed technology nerd, I regularly get asked by friends to help with the little challenges that the use of technology in our daily lives throw at us. And I generally don’t mind, although a recent gentle admonition by my girlfriend – “do you think everyone should know as much about technology as you do?” – reminded me that I may not always be the most patient “support person” around.

The debate on Cultural Appropriation needs to be put into perspective, and the hoary old chestnut of Political Correctness derails proper debate – it is all about respect!

Growing up in a privileged environment, in a small country that owed a great debt of gratitude to America, I held values and ideals consistent with my background and the times. Today I see the world quite differently.

Political donations are a scourge on democracy. No business, corporation, organisation or individual gives without the expectation or hope of an outcome, and it fundamentally undermines the democratic decision making process. Banning all donations to political candidates, representatives and political parties is the simple solution.

If we are to ever eradicate war from the human existence, we must first stop celebrating it and start seeing warfare for what it is – the ultimate folly of man. For the sake of our children and to truly honour those who sacrificed their lives, let Armistice Day become the Day of Disarmament.

Men in hi-viz clothing standing around a roadworks site doing very little is an all too common sight. This is the story of a small roadworks project in idyllic Brunswick in northern New South Wales and the apparent wastage that explains why the country is going broke.

It is easy to criticise Malcolm Turnbull for his lack of leadership. I do it often. Even more so because he is the indirect reason I decided to become an Australian citizen.
But what the debacle of same sex marriage has demonstrated more than anything, is that to be a leader of a political party is not just difficult, but almost impossible.
The mere notion of leadership in politics has become a contradiction in terms.

Bill Shorten’s suggestion of a fixed term of four years for parliament is music to my ears. But it is just one of many changes required to restore faith in democracy. Limited tenure is another, equally important reform.

The resignation of two senators because they found themselves not to be qualified for election, raises (at least) two very interesting issues. The need for constitutional reform, and the paucity of defined standards to which we hold our politicians accountable.