Opinion pieces

91 - 100 of 143 results

Aid decision threatens to put politically expedient choices before improving lives of poor

Friday, September 13, 2013

The Abbott government has wasted no time in reshaping Australia's aid program. Within hours of being sworn in on Wednesday, the new government created confusion around the status of AusAID, the independent agency that has managed Australia's aid program with integrity for more than two decades.

Opinion Pieces, Poverty, Asia and the Pacific, AUSAID, Australian Government, Foreign Aid, Tim Costello, Tony Abbott

All we should be saying, is give peace a chance

Monday, September 2, 2013

Today Australia steps into one of the most significant roles on the global stage. We do so at a time of grave international turmoil. As president of the United Nations Security Council, Australia is now responsible for leading the discussion on the Syrian conflict as support for a US-led military intervention grows. The gravity of this situation cannot be underestimated and our government's task is not to be envied.

Opinion Pieces, Syrian Refugee Crisis, Emergencies, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Child Slavery, Child Soldiers, Conflict, Refugee Crisis, Security Council, Syria, Uganda, UNHCR, United Nations

Looking for a better life, not just wealth

Sunday, September 1, 2013

In his inaugural address in 1961, John F. Kennedy famously called on Americans to ''ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country''. The leaders of Australia's major political parties, on the other hand, appear to be appealing directly to our self-interest.

Opinion Pieces, Poverty, Asia and the Pacific, Australian Conservation Foundation, Australian Government, Budget Cuts, Don Henry, Tim Costello, Tony Abbott

Australia's humanity is the casualty of repugnant asylum politics

Friday, August 16, 2013

The Australian philosopher Peter Singer asks students to consider whether a person wearing new shoes and a suit has a responsibility to wade into a nearby pond, thus ruining their clothes, if they see a child in that pond having difficulty swimming.

Opinion Pieces, Poverty, Syrian Refugee Crisis, Asia and the Pacific, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Asylum Seekers, Australian Government, Foreign Aid, Refugee Crisis, Syria, Tim Costello

Australia's view on global refugee problem is 'distorted', say Tim Costello

Friday, July 19, 2013

The deaths of yet more asylum seekers off the coast of Christmas Island this week are a troubling reminder of the refugee issue in Australia. Our political leaders are caught in a lose-lose debate on this issue and having just returned from the Middle East, it has never been so clear to me that we must confront our place in this complex global problem with fresh eyes.

Opinion Pieces, Syrian Refugee Crisis, Refugees, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Asylum Seekers, Australian Government, Human Rights, Refugees, Security Council, United Nations

Amid refugee strife, kindness shines through

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Last week I sat in a tent in Lebanon with a Syrian refugee couple who had escaped with their five children. Tameer and Delal fled with only the clothes they were wearing after three of their neighbours - including a cousin - were killed outside their Damascus home by an aerial bombing campaign. Once they reached the Lebanese border, the family walked for more than a day before finding help through World Vision in the Bekaa Valley.

Opinion Pieces, Emergencies, Syrian Refugee Crisis, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Conflict, Refugee Crisis, Syria, Tim Costello

The budget axe must not fall on vital foreign aid

Monday, May 13, 2013

In the lead-up to federal budget day, advocates representing a wide variety of interests are coming out of the woodwork to plead their cause. No one wants their industry or sector to be affected by what now seems like inevitable cuts to government spending. But most of these campaigners are lobbying for their own patch.

Opinion Pieces, Poverty, Asia and the Pacific, Australian Government, Budget Cuts, Foreign Aid, Philanthropy, Tim Costello, Young People

PNG needs some of our Anzac spirit

Saturday, April 6, 2013

As we approach Anzac Day, Australians are prompted to reflect on our national character. Drawing on events far from our shores close to a century ago, we lay claim to a particular combination of traits: mateship, pulling together, and brave sacrifice.

Opinion Pieces, Poverty, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Australian Government, Economic Development, Foreign Aid, International Development, Philanthropy, PNG, Tim Costello

Charities must work hard to restore the sacred trust

Monday, March 11, 2013

The Federal Government’s new charities commission should play a key role in promoting transparency across the sector and to expose the unethical practices of the minority.

Opinion Pieces, Poverty, Asia and the Pacific, ACNC, Australian Government, NGO, Philanthropy, Tim Costello

Committing to ending early marriage

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

In 21st century Australia, most of us have the luxury of choosing the timing of significant life events. And that choice has led to some interesting social trends. From the age we start having kids to the process of ageing we are increasingly seeking to delay those landmark moments. So can you imagine the distress of having real-life responsibilities thrust upon you well before you are ready?

Opinion Pieces, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Forced Marriage, Human Rights, International Development, Tim Costello, Women's Rights