Independent Australia
Mon, 25 Jan 2021 11:30:00 +1000 Bloody Idiot of the Week — Episode 20: QAnon revealed
Our idiot experts have certainly had their hands full with idiots this week! read now...
Sun, 03 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 #1 TOP IA STORY OF 2020: America could be heading towards a second civil war
In the lead up to the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, mass violence after the polls closed looked likely, as this September article by Dr Hirst, read by about 70,000 people, showed. Thankfully, this hasn't eventuated — yet. read now...
Sun, 03 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +1000 #2 TOP IA STORY OF 2020: Telstra is going on to take the NBN monopoly
Our brilliant tech columnist, Paul Budde, had three articles in IA's top ten, two of which were about Australia's far less impressive national broadband network — this August article being read by nearly 50,000 people. read now...
Tue, 26 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Mitigation, adaptation or do nothing: Responding to climate change
When U.S. President Joe Biden declared climate change the "number one issue facing humanity" during the 2020 campaign, concerned citizens breathed a collective sigh of relief. read now...
Tue, 26 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Australia needs to move on from the racist ideology upon which it was founded
Despite global attitudes changing, the racist principles on which our country was founded are still prevalent in today's government. read now...
Tue, 26 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 LNP Government refuses to acknowledge the truth about 'Invasion Day'
The Australian Government will never accept the term "Invasion Day" as it doesn't align with their White supremacy agenda. read now...
Mon, 25 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Support for ageing nuclear plants 'reckless'
Nuclear plants must be phased out over the coming years, writes Karl Grossman. read now...
Mon, 25 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Religious communities failed the USA and are also failing Australia
The praxis of churches, synagogues and temples in recent years has not matched their doctrines, Alan Austin explains. read now...
Thu, 21 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 7 ways to make millions with the Morrison Government
While this Coalition Government is at the helm, debts and deficits are no longer regarded as disasters, and money seems not an issue. read now...
Sun, 24 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +1000 Our political culture is rotting at its core
Australia's outmoded electoral system must change if we are to see the end of dirty tactics like branch stacking. read now...
Sun, 24 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +1000 No incentive for Australian research students
The Federal Government unfairly expects research students to survive on a stipend which is typically less than the minimum wage. read now...
Sun, 24 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 War crimes trial may be useful in relieving political tensions with China
An understanding of an important World War 2 war crimes trial might guide us in handling one aspect of our current contentious China relationship. read now...
Sat, 23 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +1000 Screen Themes: The Dry vs Wonder Woman 84
The silver screen or the convenience and safety of streaming? Entertainment editor John Turnbull checks out two recent cinematic releases. read now...
Sat, 23 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Australia exists for the rich and powerful — but that can change
Australia isn't for its people but for plutocrats: for the billionaires, the coal barons, the media oligarchs and the corrupt politicians who represent them. read now...
Sat, 23 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Fossil fuel industry's climate denial campaign dates back four decades
The American Petroleum Institute (API), the leading oil and gas industry trade group, publicly pushed misleading information on climate change as early as 1980. read now...
Sat, 23 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Wren's week: Australia must reckon with its ugly history
Next Tuesday is Australia Day, a vexed day on the calendar. read now...
Fri, 22 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Phil Spector: A passionate life
Genius music producer Phil Spector, whose life was like a Shakespearean play, has died from COVID-19 complications at the age of 81. read now...
Fri, 22 Jan 2021 09:00:00 +1000 CARTOONS: Mark David froths over fossil fuels
Love you long-time, Coal! read now...
Fri, 22 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Coalition's dependence on mining sector causing a decline in economic growth
The Liberal Party has benefited from its relationship to the mining sector, but at great cost to the Australian people. read now...
Fri, 22 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Biden Administration will start by cleaning up Trump's legacy of hate
While Joe Biden's Presidency gives people a chance to rebuild, it also faces the bitterness and opposition of Trump's ever-loyal supporters. read now...
Thu, 21 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 The Biden Presidency will usher in a time for change and Australia should follow
The Biden Presidency is expected to undo much of the damage caused by Trump's time in office and will hopefully inspire our own government. read now...
Thu, 21 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Governments continue to ignore climate change as a cause of koala extinction
Bushfires caused by climate change had a significant impact on the survival of koalas while the Government continues to ignore warnings. read now...
Fri, 15 Jan 2021 20:00:00 +1000 IA Special Podcasts: 'Seven Dollars Thirty' with Gorge Crispychickenson
ABC Seven Dollars Thirty’s political editor Tara Lingual interviews outspoken Trump supporter, North Queensland Federal MP Gorge Crispychickenson. read now...
Wed, 20 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Trump impeachment: He's so bad they did it twice
The destruction of democracy in the Capitol on January 6, live-streamed by proud perpetrators, was a gross violation commanded by the U.S.'s Terrorist-in-Chief, Donald Trump. read now...
Wed, 20 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 University of Sydney takes down 2019 report on antisemitism
On 31 July 2019, a resident of Kooyong electorate, Michael Staindl, filed a Petition in the High Court. read now...
Wed, 20 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 What 2021 will have in store for the ICT industry
With technology being relied upon more than ever due to 2020's pandemic, Paul Budde takes a look at how this has affected the ICT industry in 2021. read now...
Tue, 19 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 $8.7 million gift for Vales Point Coal: Pesky grant applications a mere formality
Delta Electricity: another grant recipient asked to formally apply for a grant which had already been approved by the Morrison Government. read now...
Tue, 19 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 A new resolution could solve the housing emergency in Europe
A new resolution could remove many constraints and kickstart an economic aid plan to eliminate the housing problem on the old continent. read now...
Tue, 19 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 The Morrison Government is throwing young Australians under the bus
Young Australians will be paying for the Morrison Government’s excesses long after this Government is gone. read now...
Thu, 14 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Morrison crew backs Capitol coup
As the ugliness that is the United States insurgence continues to unfold, many Australians remain secure in their complacency that it could never happen here. read now...
Mon, 18 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 The USA, CIA and a poor night’s sleep for the world
Biden’s choice of William Burns as CIA director indicates that the USA's foreign policy is unchanged and the world will continue to face a perilous future, read now...
Mon, 18 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Australia still falling behind in marine area protection
Studies have found reasons why having only a quarter of Australia's marine areas classified as fully protected is a problem. read now...
Mon, 18 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Wage rises in Australia hit rock bottom as employers profit from the pandemic
Wage rises are running at the lowest rate in Australia since records have been kept. Alan Austin dissects the dismal data. read now...
Sun, 17 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +1000 Ignoring pandemic experts proves fatal
Vaccine roll-out programs are coming unstuck because of the lack of a full spectrum of experts providing advice to governments in many countries. read now...
Sun, 17 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Donald Trump has been a blight on American history
Donald Trump has been the worst President in the history of the United States. read now...
Sun, 17 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +1000 Refugees defenceless against politics of cruelty
The Morrison Government is intent on denying refugees resettlement in Australia under its heartless repeal of Medevac law. read now...
Sat, 16 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Former Michigan Governor hit with charges over Flint water crisis
The charges come as new reporting indicates the former Governor was aware of a Legionnaires' outbreak linked to the water crisis months before he acknowledged it. read now...
Sat, 16 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Australia’s business-driven travel policy leaves thousands stranded
You’ll have no trouble coming in and out of Australia, and the world remains your oyster — if you’ve got heaps money and can say you are in business. read now...
Sat, 16 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Real political reform must follow a consultative, coherent process
David Muir argues the Federal Government must put an end to the ad hoc process, or lack of process, that exists for making decisions affecting our nation’s identity, governance and future. read now...
Fri, 15 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 While America holds Australia's leash, we are not 'one and free'
A suggested changing of a line in Australia's national anthem contradicts the Morrison Government's loyalty to U.S. political interests. read now...
Fri, 15 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Palace letters: Murdoch helps Morrison to mug Australian history
Six months ago, the historic release of the Palace letters set off a campaign to perpetuate an Australian monarchy. read now...
Fri, 15 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 The FBI: An American tragedy under Trump
A press conference has highlighted how much the morale of the FBI has diminished under the Trump Administration. read now...
Fri, 15 Jan 2021 09:00:00 +1000 CARTOONS: Trump's sickening swan song
'I did it myyyy way...' read now...
Fri, 11 Dec 2020 08:30:00 +1000 CARTOONS: Mark David takes the 'f' word out for a spin
Fish fraud? FFS! read now...
Thu, 14 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Pandemic profiteers go woke to grab political power
The global pandemic has helped increase the wealth of some of the world's richest billionaires who used philanthropy for political gain. read now...
Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Indonesia resolves to end Bali beach pollution emergency
The monsoon season has caused havoc on the Indonesian island of Bali, causing tonnes of plastic to wash up on beaches along Bali’s west coast. read now...
Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Capitol riot worse than first thought
An atrocity from the outset, new information reveals an even uglier truth of the Capitol insurrection, writes George Grundy. read now...
Wed, 13 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 6 January 2021: America's new 'day of infamy'
Political unrest within the White House led to a domestic terrorism event some in the media have compared to the attack on Pearl Harbour. read now...
Wed, 13 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Social media fueled the Capitol insurrection — but it wasn't the sole cause
There is a lot of focus on the contribution social media has made to the current political crisis in America. read now...
Tue, 12 Jan 2021 09:00:00 +1000 Gutsy India force Gabba decider
After India produced one of the gutsiest test match cricket performances on Australian soil on Monday, all eyes turn to Brisbane on Friday for the decisive final test. read now...
Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 America's global authority disgrace as leaders condemn Trump
The once-mighty United States of America is now being openly mocked by its rivals, its adversaries and even its friends. read now...
Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Even the U.S. Capitol attack is an opportunity for climate deniers
Prominent climate science deniers moved rapidly to spread false and misleading conspiracy theories after the attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. read now...
Sun, 10 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +1000 Australia's racism: Changing the anthem won't cut it
Until the mainstream stops demanding that Aboriginal people be proud, on its terms, then nothing is going to change, as evidenced by this article written five years ago. read now...
Tue, 12 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Scott Morrison's 'distress', not condemnation of U.S. Congress attack
If the PM does not make his allegiances clear, we must assume he supports the seditious actions of outgoing President Trump and his QAnon followers. read now...
Sun, 10 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +1000 Students suffer under sluggish welfare system
Centrelink payments aren't doing enough to support University students, who are having to work longer hours and drop down to part-time study in order to live. read now...
Mon, 11 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Trump's legacy: A global fascist movement
Donald Trump’s base has become increasingly radical and violent and the expansion of this fascist movement will be his only lasting legacy. read now...
Mon, 11 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Treasury’s latest population projections seem hard to believe
While the Treasury’s December 2020 population forecasts seem unrealistic, they're still more believable than those from the 2019 Budget. read now...
Mon, 11 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 America's dilemma: 147 lawmakers still support a delusional madman
Where do the disunited states of America go now, with 147 Republican lawmakers still supporting a delusional madman who incited an insurrection? read now...
Wed, 06 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Government and companies must do more to protect delivery drivers
Rather than spending millions on advertising, companies like Menulog should be prioritising the welfare of their workers, writes Patrick Lukins. read now...
Thu, 07 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Australia v India Test series providing entertainment on and off the field
We’re only halfway through the four-match test series between Australia and India and already it’s provided more drama and entertainment than a Hollywood blockbuster. read now...
Sun, 10 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 An open letter to President Donald Trump after inciting domestic terrorism
Dr Lee Duffield penned a message to the man responsible for the rioters who broke into Washington's Capitol building, President Donald Trump. read now...
Sat, 09 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Wren's week: Victoria leads way in managing COVID-19 infections
The Victorian Government has used best practice to contain COVID-19, which other states and countries could learn from, writes John Wren. read now...
Sat, 09 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Julian Assange still not in the clear from prosecution or persecution
District Justice Vanessa Baraitser gave supporters of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange a surprise on Monday in blocking the request for extradition by the U.S. read now...
Sat, 09 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Daylight saving in the sunshine state of Queensland
On 1 January 2021 the 1990 Queensland Cabinet Papers were released, including a Cabinet Minute on “Options in Relation to Daylight Saving”. read now...
Wed, 06 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Trump and U.S. betray the people of Western Sahara
On December 10, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would recognise Morocco's claim to Western Sahara in return for it establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. read now...
Fri, 08 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Compliance is a must: What we can learn about COVID-19 safety from Toronto
Australia's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is to be praised when compared to cities still suffering such as Toronto. read now...
Fri, 08 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Julian Assange's denial of freedom an affront to human rights
Hopes for the freedom of Julian Assange have hit a hurdle as his application for bail was denied by the Court. read now...
Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Australia, China and the weaponising of trade
Australia seems hell-bent of damaging its economic security in the interests of being in the vanguard of a growing international anti-China “cabal”. read now...
Tue, 03 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +1000 Hillsong claims Melbourne's iconic Festival Hall
Hillsong Church has outraged the music community by purchasing Melbourne's historic Festival Hall. read now...
Thu, 07 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Assange extradition denial: How human rights experts have responded
Even after the victory of Julian Assange's extradition denial, work still needs to be done to protect freedom of press and investigative journalism. read now...
Wed, 06 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 New European legislation aims to control digital platforms
Europe is taking the lead in digital market regulation with new proposed legislation designed to prevent illegal content and disinformation. read now...
Sun, 03 Jan 2021 17:00:00 +1000 AUDIO: New Year's Day message to the nation from the Morrespins (who are definitely not in Fiji)
EXCLUSIVE ZOOM INTERVIEW: Prime Minister Scott Morrespin and his wife Jennifer join Samantha Armasuckup on 'The Sun Rises' to discuss plans for 2021. read now...
Tue, 05 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Assange case: The 'right decision for the wrong reason'
Why did a British judge reject the U.S. Government's attempt to extradite Assange, despite accepting "virtually all of the allegations" against him? read now...
Tue, 05 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Scotty from Photo Ops enjoys some me time
Independent Australia is granted access to document Scotty Morrison taking time out from his gruelling Photo Ops schedule to relax at home. read now...
Tue, 05 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 The Morrison Government and the biggest withdrawal of spending since World War 2
As Jobkeeper, JobSeeker and other stimulus measures are wound back, it is doubtful the Morrison Government will rise to the economic challenges ahead. read now...
Mon, 04 Jan 2021 15:30:00 +1000 Double standards on research cooperation with China
The Government is hypocritical in its approval of Australia's nuclear research body to work with China on the development of nuclear reactors. read now...
Mon, 04 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +1000 Terrorism: Some lessons for Australia from the New Zealand Royal Commission
Findings from the Royal Commission into the Christchurch terror attack can be used to better Australia's attitudes towards ethnic diversity. read now...
Mon, 04 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1000 Australian sovereignty: The long and short of it
Projections on Australia’s future are bleak if it maintains its hostility to China and cloying dependence on America. read now...
Sun, 03 Jan 2021 13:00:00 +1000 #3 TOP IA STORY OF 2020: Foxtel pay-TV faces slow death
The Murdoch stranglehold over Australian media was, as ever, a popular topic on IA during 2020, with this February glimmer of hope from Paul Budde receiving nearly 40,000 unique views. read now...
Sat, 02 Jan 2021 18:30:00 +1000 #4 TOP IA STORY OF 2020: What's happening with ABC 'Insiders'?
The capture of ABC Insiders by Murdoch's minions was a topic of debate all year, with this April Alan Austin piece attracting in excess of 35,000 unique views. read now...
Fri, 01 Jan 2021 15:24:00 +1000 #5 TOP IA STORY OF 2020: Scott Morrison's Pentecostal beliefs have affected Liberal Party policies
The impact of Scott Morrison's Pentacostal beliefs concern many Australians, as shown by this January article, which was read by near 45,000 people. read now...
Wed, 30 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +1000 #7 TOP IA STORY OF 2020: Drop Bears feared extinct due to Australian bushfires
Much fauna perished in the bushfires that stripped the nation early in the year — and the fearsome dropbear was no exception. This troubling January article from Chris Richards received more than 25,000 unique visits. read now...
Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +1000 #6 TOP IA STORY OF 2020: No action from Morrison Government as NBN continues downward trend
The Coalition's scorchingly expensive copper-based "steam punk" NBN continued to buffer during 2020, with this January report by IA's tech expert Paul Budde receiving around 30,000 viewers. read now...
Mon, 28 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +1000 #9 TOP STORY OF 2020: World’s largest economy in free fall
Star IA reporter Alan Austin collects his second top 10 article of 2020, with this June piece being read by close to 22,000 fans. read now...
Tue, 29 Dec 2020 18:00:00 +1000 #8 TOP IA STORY OF 2020: How your donated clothes end up in Fijian superstores
When you fill those pink bags in your letterbox with clothes, where do they end up? This August investigation by Steve Bishop was read by close to 24,000 readers. read now...
Sat, 12 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +1000 Farewell to 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' screenwriter Cliff Green
The Australian film and television industry has lost one of its luminaries, Picnic at Hanging Rock screenwriter Cliff Green. read now...
Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:30:00 +1000 How your donated clothes end up in Fijian superstores
Thousands of Australians and New Zealanders are donating “good used clothing” to a secondhand clothing empire, rather than to charities. read now...
Sun, 27 Dec 2020 19:00:00 +1000 #10 TOP IA STORY OF 2020: The new coronavirus threat to the world is the USA
COVID-19 had the biggest impact on the world in 2020 and, as the virus struck the USA with force in April, this prescient report received over 21,000 unique views. read now...
Tue, 27 Oct 2020 06:00:00 +1000 IA Talks Ep 1: Gold standard premiers and elections galore
A new podcast series about news and the world of politics, featuring special guests getting brutally honest about everything. read now...
Wed, 23 Dec 2020 15:00:00 +1000 Bloody Idiot of the Week — Episode 19: Gold standard edition
Rolled gold standards abound in our final idiot edition for 2020. read now...
Wed, 23 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +1000 Victoria's secrets: What we know about Lawyer X
A Victorian Police Royal Commission has revealed that use of gangland lawyer Nicola Gobbo as an informant may have contaminated numerous convictions. read now...
Wed, 23 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +1000 IA Talks: Exclusive interview with Scott Morrespin on 'The Sun Rises'
In an exclusive interview, Prime Minister Scott Morrespin joins Samantha Armasuckup on 'The Sun Rises'. read now...
Thu, 17 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +1000 2020 in review: Rorts, fires, a plague and more rorts
IA looks back over a year of climate-driven calamities and political scandals. read now...
Wed, 23 Dec 2020 15:30:00 +1000 The COVID-19 vaccine and the perils of political advertising
Politicians are poorly positioned to encourage us to get the COVID-19 vaccine, writes Dr Binoy Kampmark. read now...
Sun, 20 Dec 2020 15:30:00 +1000 Give the ADF a chance to do the right thing
The Prime Minister and Liberal MP Andrew Hastie have perpetuated tension between the Government and ADF during the Brereton investigation. read now...
Wed, 23 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +1000 How Australia can learn from Scandinavian countries
It's interesting to compare the major economic models in the Western world: the Anglo-Saxon model, the Rhineland model and the Scandinavian model. read now...
Tue, 22 Dec 2020 15:30:00 +1000 The Morrison Government's program of class warfare
Australians like to think of themselves as living in a classless society where anyone can succeed, unimpeded by socio-economic barriers. read now...
Tue, 22 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +1000 No favourable economic winds for Morrison's Australia
While Australia continues to float aimlessly without a clear recovery plan, no economic winds will be favourable. read now...
Tue, 22 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +1000 Berejiklian commands virus not to spread by not mandating masks or travel bans
The NSW Government will have to answer for not mandating masks and travel to prevent the spread of infection from the current COVID-19 outbreak. read now...
Mon, 21 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +1000 Donald Trump: A great man of history or a Wizard of Oz
U.S. President Donald Trump used his abilities as a conman to win over the public and key political figures during his time in office. read now...