Those blasted jeans makers make a killing out of denim
To hundreds of thousands of workers manufacturing denim, the term “killer jeans” has quite a different meaning than a great-fitting pair of pants.
Latest Opinion
UN role, aid are priorities for foreign minister
Labor’s leadership challenge was an action-packed drama, and the Cabinet shuffle no less spectacular, with the dramatic entrance on stage of Bob Carr as new Foreign Affairs Minister.
Timely move to make miners more responsible for damage they cause
THERE is no doubt that mining can stimulate economic growth and bring prosperity. But without a commitment to human rights and sustainability, and without regulation, transparency and accountability, it can also cause people to lose their land and way of life, while irreparably damaging the environment.
Next steps for Australia in tackling climate change at the UN Climate Summit in Durban, South Africa
In Africa, location of this year’s UN Climate Summit, severe climate events are also impacting on people’s ability to grow food. More than 13 million people in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia are facing desperate food shortages following the worst drought in 60 years.
Tuvalu plight must be heard at UN Climate Change Negotiations
We are half a world away from the UN Climate Change Negotiations in Durban, but our fate is intertwined with the outcome of this South African meeting.
Compassion should drive military’s rescue role
Australia’s narrow foreign policy and security interests can’t be the driving force behind its engagement in disaster management.
Asia-Pacific aid boost makes sense
It took the international “summit season”, a visit by US President Barack Obama and the prospect of a reversal on our ban on sales of uranium to India to finally put foreign affairs on the national political landscape.
Pricing carbon: domestic policy and international responsibility
As Australians gathered at barbecues, sporting grounds, or in front of television screens across the country for Grand Final weekend, half way across the globe, the latest round of UN climate negotiations got underway without fanfare in Panama.
Land grab gives food for thought
In Australia and around the world, we are observing new global gold rush, but today it is in pursuit of land. Governments and investors are rushing to buy agricultural plots outside their own borders for future food supplies and as investments.
East Africa food crisis was preventable
Today is World Humanitarian Day – a day set aside to honour aid workers who provide help to millions of people around the world.
But it’s also an opportunity to pause and reflect on the work we do, why we do it and more importantly how our work is changing.