Kim Wingerei blog posts
“Without idealists, the pragmatists would have nothing to do…”
Pokies junkets. ‘Free’ study tours to Vegas not so free
The NSW Liquor and Gaming regulator has completed an investigation into gaming machine manufacturers’ paying for overseas trips for pokie club executives. What’s the scam? The scam is ‘pay to play’ – how six gaming machine manufacturers offered free ‘education’ trips...
Norway votes. Workers’ Party government retains power as the right shifts right
Yesterday’s election in Norway reaffirmed the Workers’ Party coalition in power, while the traditional right was replaced by the far right. Kim Wingerei on how it compares to Australia. One of the oldest true democracies in the world, Norway votes every four years....
Government’s fight against transparency steps up a notch. What’s the scam?
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland to introduce bill to slap fees and other limitations on Freedom of Information requests. What’s the scam? The scam is the Government’s unrelenting attack on transparency, claiming that putting up barriers to FOI requests will help...
No conviction for whistleblower Boyle. Reform urged after ordeal
Tax office whistleblower Richard Boyle avoided jail and had no conviction recorded against him after a seven-year ordeal, punished for doing what was right. Kim Wingerei with AAP reporting. MPs and advocates want better protections for whistleblowers after a judge...
Animal cruelty. The meat in a copyright case. What’s the scam?
When animal rights group Farm Transparency Project blew the whistle on unlawful practices at an abattoir, they didn’t expect copyright laws to stop them. What’s the scam? The scam is how the Federal Court last week ruled in favour of the perpetrator, finding video...
The digital media bargaining scam exposed
The Digital Media Bargaining Code, brainchild of Josh Frydenberg, unopposed by Labor, is lining the pockets of the big end of town. What’s the scam? The scam has been exposed by Chris Janz, former publisher at Nine Entertainment. Janz told ABC Radio...
Racial Discrimination Act put to test in Mary Kostakidis case
The racism case against Mary Kostakidis may have a long way to go, with flaws in the Anti-Discrimination Act clearly exposed. Kim Wingerei reports from the Federal Court. Mary Kostakidis’ legal team fronted Justice McDonald on Tuesday with an application to strike out...
Gas Empire: how Australians are paying for foreign profiteers
Japan and South Korea have poured tens of billions into the Australian gas industry, keeping domestic supply low and prices high, while greenwashing Australia’s emissions. Kim Wingerei reports. A new report by the Jubilee Australia Research Centre has been released at...
Search the web, but only if you’re old enough. What’s the scam?
It’s not just social media users who will soon be subject to age verification. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman wants it applied to search engines, too. What’s the scam? The scam is how the eSafety Commissioner’s new codes to “govern the conduct of internet service...
Happy NACCiversary. Celebrating two years of not very much
The National Anti-Corruption Commission celebrates its second anniversary this week. Has the much-heralded initiative of the first Albanese government lived up to its expectations? Kim Wingerei asks. As of June 30, the NACC reports that it received 2,260 referrals...
Mega deal. Santos takeover a tester for Jim Chalmers
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is offering to buy Australian energy giant Santos for $8.89 a share in hard cash. What’s the scam? The scam is that Santos shares are trading way below the bid price at $7.74, which means investors are doubtful the deal will be done....
ASX to offer IT. What’s the scam with “Colo on demand”?
The ASX website has recently started advertising its new offering to corporate Australia, ‘Colo on Demand’. What’s the Scam? Back in the day, when this writer worked at Ozemail, and the internet was still fresh and exciting, ‘colo’ – short for colocation – meant a...