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This article discusses the qualities of effective leadership and compares the current state of leadership in the United States and Australia to historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln. The author argues that there are five general properties of fascism present in both countries, including an appeal to social frustration and the use of selective populism. The article also outlines 12 essential factors for good leadership, including curiosity, knowledge, and honesty. The author expresses concern about the direction of the major political parties in Australia and offers suggestions for improvement. [Extracted from the article]

This article from the Saturday Paper discusses the influence of former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on current opposition leader Peter Dutton. The article highlights concerns within the Liberal Party that Abbott and his former chief of staff, Peta Credlin, are exerting significant influence on Dutton's leadership style. Some party members fear a return to the divisive and vindictive approach of the Abbott-Credlin era. Dutton denies these reports and asserts that he makes his own decisions. The article concludes by expressing concern about Abbott's return to influence and the state of the Liberal Party. [Extracted from the article]

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) issued a statement acknowledging that the absence of questions on gender identity, variations of sex characteristics, and sexual orientation in the 2021 Census made some respondents feel invisible and excluded. The ABS established an advisory committee and proposed changes to address these gaps in data. However, the Albanese government rejected the revised questions, claiming that it wanted to avoid divisive debates and protect the queer and trans communities. This decision has been criticized for disregarding the importance of inclusivity and the power of belonging that comes with seeing oneself represented in official forms. The lack of national data on queer people's experiences has significant implications for public health and the advancement of equal rights. [Extracted from the article]

The United States' satellite surveillance base at Pine Gap in Australia has recently undergone its largest expansion in history, with the construction of 10 new satellite antennas. The expansion includes the building of three large satellite dishes in the west, four smaller dishes in the north, and three new dishes in the south. These new antennas, housed inside radomes, greatly enhance the base's intelligence collection capabilities, particularly in detecting and tracking ballistic missiles. The expansion is believed to be part of the US's nuclear war-fighting strategy, with a focus on countering the growing power of China. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "Love Across Class" discusses the relevance of class in Australian society, despite it being overshadowed by discussions on gender, sexuality, and race. The authors, Eve Vincent and Rose Butler, explore the dynamics of love and relationships across different social classes, highlighting the challenges and negotiations that arise. Through interviews with 23 couples from diverse backgrounds, the authors emphasize the importance of understanding and unlearning deeply embedded class prejudices. They argue that love can provide a framework for restarting conversations about class and its impact on individuals and relationships. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the ongoing inquiry into the convictions of the "Croatian Six," who were jailed in 1981 for planning bombing attacks in Sydney. The inquiry was ordered in 2022 after doubts were raised about the evidence used to convict the men. Retired police officers have testified, denying any wrongdoing and rejecting claims of police corruption. The inquiry is examining issues such as the discovery of explosives, the fabrication of confessions, and the potential involvement of the Yugoslav Intelligence Service. The article highlights the possibility of executive pardon or subsequent appeal as potential outcomes of the inquiry. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the author's experiences in the Manus Camp, a refugee camp in Australia, and draws connections between the camp and the history of Australian colonialism. The author reflects on the similarities between the camp and historical prisons in Tasmania, such as Port Arthur and the Quarantine Station, which were also designed to be cruel and act as deterrents. The author emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confronting the convict mentality that has persisted throughout Australian history. The article concludes with a conversation between the author and Senator Nick McKim about the need to learn from history and advocate for the rights of refugees. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Max McKenna, an Australian actor and singer, who reflects on their journey of self-discovery and coming out as non-binary. It also discusses McKenna's career in the entertainment industry, including their role in a new Special Broadcasting Service comedy-drama series set during World War II, which explores queer themes and Australian history.

2019 APR 11 (VerticalNews) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Politics & Government Week -- New research on Global Views - Labor History is the subject of a [...]

The article discusses illegal logging and smugglers who have reportedly been targeting Australia's sandalwood trees as of 2013, focusing on the apparent demand for sandalwood in countries such as India and China where the trees are used to produce incense sticks, cosmetics, and aromatherapy oils.

OVERLOOKING WENTWORTH FALLS, BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, Feb. 23, 2008 Jolanta Kalnina, 25, from Riga, Latvia. ''I work for Air Baltic, and it's very commonplace for my colleagues to go for vacation to Bangkok, which I consider too crowded. My boyfriend and I decided instead to stay closer to nature. The main difference between Australia and other places I have traveled is the natural harmony -- wild nature and people living together. The nature in Australia is its history and culture at the same time. The most unforgettable thing was the Blue Mountains National Park. We got a bit lost that day and found this lookout point almost by accident, following our intuition. I still remember the lovely excitement we had at the end of this sandy road, where we discovered a point that hadn't been used in a long time, looking over Wentworth Falls and all the might of nature. It was our first stop on our five-day trip through the park, and the sun created a lovely rainbow over the falls. It was an amazing play of colors in the water. I could never get tired of traveling in Australia, I think.'' As told to J. R. Romanko [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]