The problem in the Ben Zygier/Prisoner X case, and potentially in many others, is the way the state demands a certain sort of loyalty – "allegiance" – of its citizens.
Category: Australia
What Wilders means
The sponsors of Geert Wilders are being reticent about the details of his speaking engagements, but there's little doubt that his views strike a chord with many Australians.
OK, let’s talk about opinion polls
If you're writing a front page story based on a single opinion poll, you're doing it wrong.
To catch a senator
Nick Xenophon is being deported from Malaysia – an occupational hazard for critics of foreign governments. Australia's response so far has been tepid.
A step sideways for Aboriginal recognition
There'll be feel-good images out of Canberra today as parliament votes on recognition of indigenous people. But the idea that the bill represents a step forward on a constitutional referendum is simply not true.
Australia falls further behind on same-sex marriage
Australia was well behind Britain on recognition of same-sex couples even before Tuesday's vote. Now the contrast is more embarrassing still.
Australia gets used to fixed terms
The prime minister's election announcement shows up just how little flexibility she really had about the timing anyway. Australia has moved close to a fixed-term model without even trying.
One person’s discrimination, another person’s freedom
Christians claiming relief from discrimination won one case out of four at the European Court of Human Rights. But in Australia, the issue is their right to discriminate against others.
Queensland comes in first for electoral imbalance
A study by the Queensland Greens throws an interesting light on last year's state election by comparing it with the proportionality of other state and provincial elections around the world.
Could the Coalition steal Labor’s clothes on optional preferences?
Change in electoral law is generally driven by perceived political interest, not by principle. Shifts to more democratic outcomes happen when a major party thinks that they will work to its advantage.
The World is Not Enough 