Kim Wingerei blog posts
“Without idealists, the pragmatists would have nothing to do…”
True Banking Reform is Long Overdue!
Banking reform is long overdue. The many sensible recommendations in the Banking Royal Commission report stops a long way short of true reform! (Part 2 of my analysis)
First published on MichaelWest
Political bastardy and silly politics
The franking credits scare campaign is working. Once again, sensible tax reforms is sacrificed on the altar of short-term politics and the absence of a holistic approach. Once again politics gets in the way of policy making. Once again, fear and obfuscation are winning.
First published on Independent Australia
Lies, fear and obfuscation
What Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez showed about American politics is equally relevant here. As we enter into what may the last Parliamentary sitting week before the next Federal election, I fear it will descend into more lies, fear and obfuscation than ever.
Tinkering with the banks is not enough!
The Banking Commission’s report was released this week. An impressive document containing many sensible recommendations. But it all amounts to not much more than tinkering with a flawed system.
First published on MichaelWest
Democracy decline – it’s not just about elections!
Democracy is in decline in the world. Australia is now among one of only twenty full democracies according to The Economist’s annual Democracy Index, but we cannot afford to be complacent!
Brexit chaos: failure of Westminster
Brexit is a prime example of how the failure of the Westminster system has allowed political parties to usurp control over democracy, to the detriment of the people.
Independent media on the rise
Independent media is on the rise. As we head into the new year – elections looming – trust in politicians is at an all-time low, aided and abetted by mainstream media focused on headlines instead of substance – but voters can and should seek answers elsewhere.
The Politics of Media Power
The politics of media is not just about curbing the power of powerful media proprietors. Politicians must stop being such easy targets and use the power vested in them by the people.
Is our religious freedom really under threat?
It is not religious freedom that is under threat. It is the churches that is being threatened by extinction, and that can only be good for the faithful.
Particracy Rules
We live in a particracy, not a democracy. Party politics have taken democracy hostage and made politics more important than policy while disenfranchising voters.
The Italian Job
As we are changing Prime Ministers with the same frequency as Italy, our reputation as a country to be taken seriously on the world stage is at risk. An Italian Job is not good politics!
Media Ethics and Politics
It’s not just politicians that need to be held accountable to a set of ethical standards. Media ethics may be better defined by journalist’s code of conduct, but too often it is being sacrificed on the altar of a catchy headline or not letting the truth get in the way of a good story.