Opponents of the sexualisation of women applauded news this week that men’s magazine FHM is to cease publication. Meanwhile, leading psychiatrist Professor Louise Newman has warned that the emphasis on “sexiness” among children (linked to self-esteem and the ability to make friends) can cause emotional damage. “I have seen young children becoming quite confused about how …
Orwellian media inquiry recommendations
On March 2, Federal Communications Minister Senator Stephen Conroy released the findings of an independent inquiry into the regulation of Australia’s media. The Finkelston Report recommended the establishment of a News Media Council to oversee all print, radio, television and online media, including personal blogs and Twitter. The super-regulator would be empowered to impose a …
Ethics needs a strong philosophical foundation
The NSW Government is conducting an inquiry into the proposed repeal of legislation to allow ethics classes to be taught in state schools. The NSW Council of Churches has called for significant legislative reforms including an independent review of the controversial classes with a report to Parliament before the date of the next state election. …
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Iranian pastor faces execution
Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was the spiritual leader of a 400-member Christian congregation, and a network of Christian house churches in the city of Rasht in northwestern Iran. But in October 2009, Pastor Nadarkhani was arrested for changing his religion, evangelising Muslims, and a number of moral offences that have since been dismissed. His punishment …
Time to force action on gambling
In recent years we have seen: an expansion of gambling facilities in all Australian states the entrance of significant commercial players to the industry increasing reliance on gambling revenue for state budgets diversion of resources from families to the gambling industry increased access to gambling for people at risk of addiction In 2010, the Productivity …
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