Freedom of the press and Australian democracy

Freedom of the press is one of the foundational principles of a democratic society. It refers to the ability of journalists and media organisations to investigate, report, publish, question those in positions of authority, and express opinions without intimidation, censorship, retaliation, or undue interference. Yet press freedom is not primarily a privilege exclusive to journalists. …

Why press freedom matters more than ever

Recent events at the National Press Club have prompted renewed reflection on freedom of the press, one of the foundations of democratic society. The immediate catalyst was an exchange between One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Guardian Australia journalist Sarah Martin. During questioning following Hansonโ€™s National Press Club address, Martin asked about the employment of Hansonโ€™s daughter …

What would George do? (part 7)

G. H. Morling on suffering, providence and prayer   In my previous post, I discussed some aspects of Morlingโ€™s thought on suffering and divine providence. In this post, I want to look at his reflections on human freedom, experience, and prayer for healing and deliverance from suffering โ€“ and how these themes relate to the …

Dare to think differently

โ€œIn this age, the mere example of nonconformity, the mere refusal to bend the knee to custom, is itself a service. Precisely because the tyranny of opinion is such as to make eccentricity a reproach, it is desirable, in order to break through that tyranny, that people should be eccentric. Eccentricity has always abounded; and …