MARGARET THATCHER

9th April, 2013

Former British PM Margaret Thatcher died on Monday, 8th April, 2013, at the age of 87 following a stroke. A grocer's daughter who rose to become Britain's only female prime minister to date, Mrs Thatcher - nicknamed the Iron Lady - held power from 1979 until 1990. She was hailed by current British PM, David Cameron, as "the greatest British peacetime prime minister" but remains a highly controversial figure to many. What's your view on Mrs Thatcher's legacy? Have Your Say here... |  more... |

WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS (REALLY) MEAN TO YOU?

11th December, 2012

Another Christmas is just around the corner and all over the world people are consumed with the pre-Christmas rush: hurrying to the sales to buy presents; making sure you put aside time to watch the kids perform in the local carols service and decorate the house; juggling all those family commitments you have to meet on the day itself. But, amid all the busyness, what does Christmas really mean to you? Is it a time of celebration or frustration? A time of rejoicing or heartache? Do you feel we need to recapture what Christmas is truly all about - the arrival of our Saviour into a broken world? Or is the joy of Christmas and all that is encompasses something you've never lost?...  | more...|

BARACK OBAMA WINS A SECOND TERM AS US PRESIDENT

7th November, 2012

Barack Obama has won a second term as US president becoming only the second Democrat to do so since World War II. What are your thoughts on what the win means for America - and the world?...  | more...|

HOW DID THE BALI BOMBINGS CHANGE AUSTRALIA?

12th October, 2012

As people around the world pause on Friday, 12th October, to remember the 202 people who died - including 88 Australians - and many injured in the bombings in Bali 10 years ago, we're looking for your thoughts on how you think the event changed Australia?...  | more...|

26th August, 2012

Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, has died at the age of 82 after complications following heart surgery. Tributes have flooded in for the former astronaut, among them that of US President Barack Obama, who said in part: "(W)hen Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten." What are your thoughts on Neil Armstrong's achievement and the moon landing itself? Have Your Say here...  | more...|

29th June, 2012

The issue of asylum seekers arriving by boat has dominated the headlines in Australia for the past couple of weeks following the capsizing of several boats laden with people on their way to Australia. Federal politicians have spent hours debating the issue but left for their mid-winter break early Friday morning without putting a new legislative solution in place. So what do you think? How should Australia handle people claiming asylum who arrive by boat? Is there a solution?...  | more...|

ARE CHRISTIANS SUFFERING 'PERSECUTION' IN WESTERN NATIONS?

24th February, 2012

The leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales - Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster - has said Christians in the UK are not being persecuted and shouldn't claim they are. What do you think? Can Christians living in the West face 'persecution'? ...  | more...|

US TROOPS IN AUSTRALIA?

17th November, 2011

US President Barack Obama is in Australia for a whirlwind visit. On Wednesday he and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced plans to station 2,500 US marines in Darwin as part of America's military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The first 200 to 250 marines will arrive in Darwin next year in what is the largest US deployment in Australia since World War II, building up to a force of 2,500 by 2017. What do you think of the plans and what are your thoughts on Obama's visit?...  | more...|

THE QUEEN'S VISIT

20th October, 2011

Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip are visiting Australia in an 11 day tour. It's the Queen's 16th visit Downunder since 1954 and as well as taking in Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne, she will go to Perth which will next week host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Naturally, the visit has once again led to talk of whether Australian should become a republic - the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has already had to explain why she did not curtsy (instead bowing her head) to the Queen during the official welcome (although the Prime Minister has said talk of a republic is moot while the Queen continues to reign). What are your thoughts on the royal visit?...  | more...|

WOMEN SERVING IN THE FRONTLINE OF THE MILITARY?

3rd October, 2011

Australia is dropping all restrictions on women serving in the frontline of the military, provided they can meet the same required physical standards as men. Both the US and UK currently don't permit women to serve in frontline roles while in Israel women serve in 88 per cent of roles but cannot serve in combat arms units. What do you think of the decision? Follow the link to leave your answer...  | more...|

WHERE WERE YOU ON SEPTEMBER 11?

8th September, 2011

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the attacks in the US on 11th September, 2001, during which almost 3,000 people were killed. The event scarred a nation and shocked people across the globe, irrevocably changing the world as we knew it. Where were you when you first heard about the attacks and how did they affect you? What are your thoughts on the impact of the attacks and the response to them? Follow the link to leave your answer...  | more...|

PRICING CARBON

12th July, 2011

On Sunday, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced plans for the introduction of a new scheme under which the price of carbon will start at $23 a tonne from 1st July next year, rising by 2.5 per cent a year for three years after which the price will be market-driven. About 500 companies - the nation's largest polluters - are expected to be affected. Critics have suggested, among other things, that the new scheme will lead to significant rises in the cost of living. What do you think?...  | more...|

SHOULD AUSTRALIA GET RID OF THE FIVE CENT COIN?

27th June, 2011

The Australian Government is reportedly considering abandoning the five cent coin after the Royal Australian Mint said it was too expensive to make and a nuisance. The proposal, which comes 20 years after Australia dropped the one and two cent coins, has raised fears that charities could suffer as a result. What do you think?...  | more...|

THE DEATH OF OSAMA BIN LADEN

2nd May, 2011

US President Barack Obama has announced to the US and the world that Osama bin Laden, the leader of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group and the most wanted terrorist in the world today, has been killed during a raid by US forces in Pakistan. The death has sparked reaction from across the world. What's your reaction?...  | more...|

7th March, 2011

DESERT REVOLUTIONS

Change (or the demand for it) is sweeping across the Middle East and north Africa as people in countries ranging from Bahrain to Egypt, Libya to Yemen look to a new future. The world is still wondering what all this change will mean, not only for the countries most affected but for the world as a whole. What's your view?...  | more...|

19th December, 2010

THE CHRISTMAS ISLAND TRAGEDY

At least 30 refugees died when their boat sank off the coast of Christmas Island last week. The tragedy has reignited Australia's asylum seeker debate, sparking calls from Opposition Leader Tony Abbott for tougher border controls while the Government has said it is seeking an international agreement on asylum seekers and the Greens have called for a rethink on current policies, saying that they also believe going back to the Coalition's policies would be retrograde step. What are your thoughts on the tragedy and on Australia's policies toward asylum seekers?...  | more...|

UPDATED: 19th October, 2010

MARY MACKILLOP - AUSTRALIA'S FIRST ROMAN CATHOLIC SAINT

Pope Benedict XVI has beatified Mary MacKillop, a nun noted for her work in helping poor children in the Australian outback during the 1800s, as Australia's first Roman Catholic saint. What are your thoughts on Mary MacKillop and on the Roman Catholic process of 'sainthood'? What does the idea of a 'saint' mean to you? Is it relevant in today's society?... | more...|

7th September, 2010

AUSTRALIA'S NEW MINORITY GOVERNMENT
Having won the support of three of the four independent MPs along with that of Greens MP Adam Bandt, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced to the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, that she could form a government, the first minority federal government since the 1940s. Have your say on the result here...  | more...|

26th July, 2010

THE LEADERS' TV DEBATE

OK, so we all know that Adam Liaw won the MasterChef final. But what about the leaders' TV debate between PM Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott? While Channel 7 and Nine's worms both pointed to Ms Gillard as the winner, who do you think performed best on the night and why?...  | more...|

24th June, 2010

AUSTRALIA'S FIRST FEMALE PRIME MINISTER

In a momentus 24 hours, Julia Gillard has become Australia's first female prime minister after a leadership spill within the Labor Party saw her take the mantle from former PM Kevin Rudd. What's your reaction?...  | more...|

29th May, 2010

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

It was recently the National Day of Thanksgiving once again. Among those being specially honored this year are small business owners, tradespeople, farmers and grandparents. So what are you thankful for?...  | more...|

11th May, 2010

BANNING THE BURQA?

Following news that Belgium has banned the public wearing of full face veils, Amnesty International has said such a move sets a "dangerous precedent" and is in violation of people's freedom of expression and religion. In Australia, meanwhile, Liberal Party Senator Cory Bernardi has called for the burqa to be banned, saying it represents the "repressive domination of men over women" and establishes a "different set of rules and societal expectations" for some - a call which has led some sharp responses with claims it would needlessly curb religious freedom in Australia. What do you think? Should the burqa be banned? How does this sit with the public wearing of other religion-related items, such as crucifixes?...  | more...|

26th April, 2010

ANZAC DAY

Australians all around the world have just marked another ANZAC Day with traditional parades, services and a public holiday. What do you do on ANZAC Day? What do you think the day is all about? Is it a day of significance for you?...  | more...|

6th April, 2010

NOT PERSECUTION BUT WORTH MAKING A STAND OVER?

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has used his Easter message to hit out at "wooden-headed bureaucratic silliness" which, he says, has combined with "well-meaning and completely misplaced anxiety about giving offence to non-Christians" to create legal wrangles over such issues as whether people should be able to wear crosses when at work. While noting such issues should not be equated with the "real persecution" faced by Christians in some countries, Archbishop Williams added that there nonetheless remains a problem in countries such as the UK where there has arisen a "strange mix of contempt and fear towards the Christian faith" and went on to say that Christians should perhaps use such opportunities to explain "what the cross actually means". What do you think?...  | more...|

20th February, 2010

MARY MACKILLOP - AUSTRALIA'S FIRST ROMAN CATHOLIC SAINT

The Vatican has announced that Mary MacKillop, a nun noted for her work in helping poor children in the Australian outback during the 1800s, is to become Australia's first Roman Catholic saint. What are your thoughts on Mary MacKillop and on the Roman Catholic process of 'sainthood'? What does the idea of a 'saint' mean to you?...   | more...|

25th January, 2010

SHOULD THE AUSTRALIAN FLAG BE CHANGED?

It's Australia Day and the usual debate is happening over what makes an Australian. What do you think? And do you support the push by former TV personality Ray Martin for a new Australian flag - one without the Union Jack?...   | more...|

1st January, 2010

THE NOUGHTIES REVISITED

2010 has arrived which makes it an opportune time to take a look back at the decade that's become known as the Noughties. What for you were the highlights and lowlights of the 10 years that were?...   | more...|

2nd December, 2009

TONY ABBOTT ELECTED FEDERAL OPPOSITION LEADER

Australia has a new Federal Opposition leader this week after a spill saw Tony Abbott elected ahead of Joe Hockey and the former leader Malcolm Turnball. Some have suggested it represents a turning point for the Liberal party. What are your thoughts on the changes?...  | more...|

16th November, 2009

APOLOGY TO THE 'FORGOTTEN AUSTRALIANS' AND FORMER CHILD MIGRANTS

In an historic speech in Canberra, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today apologised to the 500,000 'Forgotten Australians' and former child migrants for the abuse, neglect and suffering they experienced in institutions, orphanages and foster care between the 1920s and 1970s. You can read the full text of Mr Rudd's speech here and that of the Opposition Leader, Malcolm Turnbull, here. What did you think of the apology? Do you support calls for compensation?...  | more...|

26th October, 2009

SHOULD AUSTRALIA CHANGE ITS POLICY TOWARD "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS"?

Asylum seekers are again making headlines in Australia as the debate over how this country deals with those termed "illegal immigrants" continues with a recent Australian Human Rights Commission report saying the current use of Christmas Island - where illegal immigrants are detained - violates their human rights. What do you think? Should Australia change its policy toward refugees? If so, how?...  | more...|

9th October, 2009

SHOULD ILLICIT DRUGS BE LEGALISED?

Retired American police chief Norm Stamper told a Sydney audience recently that he believed the 'war on drugs' had failed and, as a result, illicit drugs should be decriminalised and regulated in the same way as alcohol. His is one of a number of voices in Australia recently which have called for a re-evaluation of Australia's drug policies. What do you think? Would decriminalisation help? Or do you support the current approach?... 

| more...|

24th August, 2009

SHOULD SMACKING BE BANNED?

New Zealand citizens have recently voted overwhelming in favor of relegalising the smacking of children in a national referendum. In Australia, meanwhile, there are moves to introduce a ban on corporal punishment for children. What do you think? Should smacking be banned?...   | more...|

6th August, 2009

SHOULD RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS BE REMOVED FROM VICTORIA'S EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT?

The Parliament of Victoria's Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee has been holding public hearings in its inquiry into whether there should be any amendments made to the exceptions and exemptions contained in the state's Equal Opportunity Act 1985. Christian groups this week told the committee that religious groups should continue to have exemptions with one group, the Presbyterian Church in Victoria, saying it would defy the law if changes are made. What do you think? Should religious groups be exempted under the act?...  | more...|

28th July, 2009

REFORMING AUSTRALIA'S HEALTHCASE SYSTEM

The National Health and Hospital Reforms Commission has recommended a number of substantial changes to Australia's health system in a report released publicly on 27th July. What do you think of the proposed reforms? Do you think Australia's health system even needs such major reform? What issues are you most concerned about what it comes to healthcare?...  | more...|

20th July, 2009

40 YEARS SINCE MAN FIRST STEPPED ONTO THE MOON

This week marks 40 years since US astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the moon, uttering those now famous words - "That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind". An event worth celebrating? Have Your Say here... | more...|

26th June, 2009

MICHAEL JACKSON DIES
The 'King of Pop', Michael Jackson, has died in Los Angeles at the age of 50, after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest. His death comes as the troubled singer was about to embark on a series of concerts dubbed the 'This is It' tour. He wasn't the only star to pass away this week with former Charlie's Angel Farrah Fawcett dying at the age of 62...  | more...|

IS AUSTRALIA A RACIST COUNTRY?
Racism has hit the headlines again in Australia so we've decided to ask what you think. Is Australia a racist country? What have been your experiences? If you do believe racism is a problem, what can be done to help overcome this? To have your say, just follow the link... | more...|

NINE 'BRIGHT IDEAS' FOR AUSTRALIA'S FUTURE?

Last year the Federal Government's much publicised 2020 Summit generated 962 ideas to help better Australia's future. This week, the Rudd Government announced it would immediately begin work on nine of them, ranging from the establishement of a new dedicated ABC children's channel through to the creation of a civilian body which will be involved in emergency response in the region. What do you think of these ideas? To have a look at the nine ideas and have your say, follow the link...  | more...|

WHO IS JESUS CHRIST TO YOU?

As millions of Christians reflect on the death and ressurrection of Jesus Christ this Easter, we're asking the question: 'Who is Jesus Christ to you?' To have your say or to see the image we created out of the responses, follow the link...   | more...|

KEEPING GOOD FRIDAY SACRED?

Tabcorp has reignited debate about keeping Good Friday as a day set apart with its announcement it will open its doors for betting on the day this year in Victoria and New South Wales. What do you think - should Good Friday remain as a day set apart? Have Your Say... | more...|