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Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, we have marvelled at how well the state and federal governments can work together when necessary, but also seen states continue to differentiate themselves. There has not been the usual division along party lines. As Michelle Grattan writes, it was New South Wales (Coalition government) and Victoria (Labor government) that led the way to lockdown in the first place; now we see Queensland and Western
Australia keeping their borders shut, for now, to prevent the risk of the virus taking hold.
The schools debate made the state faultlines clear; now the issue of reopening borders is doing the same. The federal government, with an eye on the economy, has preferred a lighter hand where lockdowns are concerned. As the country cautiously opens up again, it will be “forward-leaning” in an effort to wake up the dormant economy.
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Amanda Dunn
Section Editor: Politics + Society
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Top stories
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Richard Wainwright & Dan Peeld/AAP
Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
In political terms, Palaszczuk is on risky ground whatever she does; depriving the economy through continued border closure, or risking a serious outbreak.
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Wu Hong/EPA
Rowan Callick, Griffith University
Under Xi Jinping, China has tied its national rejuvenation to an aggressive diplomatic stance toward the world. This may come at a cost economically, but politics is paramount in Xi's new China.
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Dean Lewins/AAP
Quentin Grafton, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University; Matthew Colloff, Australian National University; Paul Wyrwoll, Australian National University; Virginia Marshall, Australian National University
Thirty years since Australia’s water reform project began, it's clear our efforts have largely failed. We must find another way.
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Doug Mills/AAP Image
Teresa G. Carvalho, La Trobe University
The US president has reignited controversy over the use of malaria drugs to guard against COVID-19. But there is little reliable evidence so far that this tactic is safe or effective.
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Environment + Energy
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Bruce Mountain, Victoria University; Mark Lintermans, University of Canberra
Snowy 2.0 has been a lightning rod for controversy. From cost-blowouts to climate impacts and threats to native fish, experts say there are many reasons why it should be put on hold.
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Andrea Harvey, University of Technology Sydney; Richard Malik, University of Sydney
Roaming pet cats kill 390 million animals per year in Australia. But keeping cats inside (or contained outside) 24/7 can actually be in their best interest.
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Business + Economy
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Ilan Noy, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Without genuine global leadership the ability of economies to "build back better" after the disaster caused by COVID-19 will unfairly favour wealthier populations and nations.
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Richard Holden, UNSW
China's dumping stoush with Australia isn't just about barley. But it is about trade and unfinished business in global trade rules.
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Dan Musil, Western Sydney University; Katherine Gibson, Western Sydney University; Marcelo Vieta, University of Toronto; Stephen Healy, Western Sydney University
Rather than dreaming about revolutionary fantasies, the movement for worker liberation is proceeding with a quiet grassroots revolution.
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Jessica Vredenburg, Auckland University of Technology; Megan Phillips, Auckland University of Technology
What if lingering in a shop or restaurant is the last thing on your mind? COVID-19 is rewriting the rules of retail.
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Health + Medicine
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Katherine Ravenswood, Auckland University of Technology
Rest homes have been hit hard by COVID-19 deaths and inquiries are looking at possible changes to care. The elephant in the room is that quality care depends on more staff.
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Nigel McMillan, Griffith University
Immunity passports have been touted as a way to reopen the economy. But there are serious concerns they'll create an incentive to intentionally contract the coronavirus.
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Elina Hypponen, University of South Australia
Early research has pointed to a link between severe illness with COVID-19 and vitamin D deficiency. But there's more to the story.
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Helen Dickinson, UNSW; Catherine Smith, University of Melbourne
The federal government keeps fighting attempts to allow people on the NDIS to access sexual supports. But what about their rights to have a rich and fulfilling life?
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Science + Technology
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Cathy Foley, CSIRO; Dominic Banfield, CSIRO
A quantum technology boom is coming, and Australia must act to avoid missing out. A new CSIRO roadmap plots a course for this new industry.
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Arts + Culture
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Yves Rees, La Trobe University
Nestled in the heart of Melbourne's city laneways, Leonardo Art Shop - also known as Nibbi's - provided inspiration and education to a generation of young artists.
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Gerard Reinmuth, University of Technology Sydney; Urtzi Grau, University of Technology Sydney
China's ban on 'copycat' architecture goes to the heart of architectural traditions.
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Politics + Society
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Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Monash University; Silke Meyer, Monash University
The inquiry's final report is thin, adding little to what we already know about the scourge of family violence and missing a chance to demonstrate genuine commitment to combating it.
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Education
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Kate Noble, Victoria University; Jen Jackson, Victoria University; Sarah Pilcher, Victoria University
The government's emergency relief package for childcare centres has kept many from collapsing financially due to COVID-19. The transition to other arrangements must be slow and carefully managed.
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