Perils of populist politics Scoring cheap political points by pressing the electorate’s button on nuclear dumps and law and order could have a costly downside. more

Harsher jail sentences don’t make for safer communities It makes no sense to exaggerate the incidence of crime in our community and then suggest that the way to cope with it is to increase penalties. more

Short memories Australia’s standing on international affairs falters under scrutiny. more

A matter of preferences Do enough voters understand the power that preferences carry in a Federal election? more

Arithmetic of independence Can Brian Deegan – or even the Greens candidate – win Mayo? The precedents and the electoral mathematics suggest there’s no reason why not. more

Building a challenge of substance Brian Deegan is not a one-trick pony, and he has Alexander Downer in his sights. more

Left in a state of high anxiety The drug Aropax can be a saviour for sufferers of anxiety and depression – and a devil in disguise. more