Could we randomly select a citizen as our head of state?
By Chas Underwood This piece first appeared as a featured article in volume 95, issue six of Pelican. You can view our print archive here. It’s the final politics column…
An Interview with Senator Fatima Payman
Fatima Payman is one of twelve senators representing Western Australia in the federal parliament. Elected in 2022 as a member of the Labor Party, Payman made international headlines when she…
Good artists copy, Kate artists teal: an interview with Kate Chaney MP
Kate Chaney is nearing two years as Member for Curtin in the House of Representatives. Her victory in the 2022 election broke a 24-year Liberal hold on the seat. I…
The Royal Australian Navy’s Surface Fleet Review: Why it matters
In late February, the long-awaited Independent Analysis into Navy's Surface Combatant Fleet (the Surface Fleet Review) was released. Although the full report is classified, we can glean considerable material from…
Wilson Tucker was flung into Parliament. Is he finding his feet?
To say Wilson Tucker was “elected to the WA Legislative Council” in 2021 attributes a certain intentionality to the good folk of the Mining and Pastoral Region that is perhaps…
In defence of Argentina’s economic reforms
A century ago, Argentina was one of the richest countries in the world. In fact, it was widely seen to be a future economic superpower on par with the United…
Why we voted No: Analysing the Voice referendum polls
Support for Yes dropped fifteen per cent from its peak, falling a further ten per cent leading into 14 October. No’s eventual victory with 60% of the national vote was…
A Critical Look at the ‘No’ Campaign: The Indigenous Voice to Parliament
The referendum on whether to enshrine the Voice in Australia’s Constitution will be held today on the 14th October 2023. The ‘No’ campaign is ahead in the polls. My sincere…
The Australian Dream?
Utopia describes the play of politics and the influence of political conflicts on civilians through the use of arts, language, songs, and colours.
Justice for Cassius
The murder of Cassius is not an isolated incident. Over 400 Indigenous people have died in custody at the hands of a policing system that fails them. Cassius deserves better,…