Rationalist Society of Australia
@ausrationalist.bsky.social
The Rationalist Society of Australia is Australia's oldest freethought organisation, promoting reason, secularism and evidence-based policy.
Check out our website: rationalist.com.au
Read our online magazine: rationalemagazine.com
Check out our website: rationalist.com.au
Read our online magazine: rationalemagazine.com
NSW councillors who chose to have acts of Christian worship retained in formal govt meetings over the option of holding prayers in private have argued the decision was about “returning spirituality in the community” but “not about pushing any religion”: rationalist.com.au/councillor-c...
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#auspol
Councillor claims observing prayers in meetings “not about pushing religion”, as Oberon keeps prayers | Rationalist Society of Australia
Councillors who chose to have acts of Christian worship retained in formal government meetings over the option of holding prayers in private have argued that the decision was about “returning spiritua...
rationalist.com.au
November 26, 2025 at 8:56 AM
NSW councillors who chose to have acts of Christian worship retained in formal govt meetings over the option of holding prayers in private have argued the decision was about “returning spirituality in the community” but “not about pushing any religion”: rationalist.com.au/councillor-c...
#auspol
#auspol
“Countering extremism means understanding its tactics.” In #Rationale magazine, Awni Etaywe writes on how understanding the language used by extremists can help protect people and communities.
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
How violent extremists wield words as weapons - Rationale Magazine
Words are powerful tools. Violent extremists know this well, often choosing their phrasing extremely carefully to build loyalty among their followers. When wielded just so, they can do enormous harm. ...
rationalemagazine.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:45 AM
“Countering extremism means understanding its tactics.” In #Rationale magazine, Awni Etaywe writes on how understanding the language used by extremists can help protect people and communities.
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
Members of the public have raised concerns about issues of coercive control in religious charities with the national charities regulator, a state parliamentary inquiry examining cults and fringe organised groups has heard. Read more: rationalist.com.au/charities-re...
#SpringSt #auspol
#SpringSt #auspol
Charities regulator confirms allegations raised with it over coercive control | Rationalist Society of Australia
Members of the public have raised concerns about issues of coercive control in religious charities with the national charities regulator, a parliamentary inquiry examining cults and fringe organised g...
rationalist.com.au
November 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Members of the public have raised concerns about issues of coercive control in religious charities with the national charities regulator, a state parliamentary inquiry examining cults and fringe organised groups has heard. Read more: rationalist.com.au/charities-re...
#SpringSt #auspol
#SpringSt #auspol
The Age reports that leaked recordings from the Exclusive Brethren’s Strive 26 conference this week have revealed the church’s leadership swinging back at the Prime Minister's labelling it a cult and discussion on plans to deal with a tax office probe.
www.theage.com.au/national/we-...
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www.theage.com.au/national/we-...
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‘We’re not a cult’ and a call for $250 million: Inside Exclusive Brethren’s rallying call to members
Leaked recordings reveal the church’s leadership swinging back at the prime minister labelling it a cult and how it plans to deal with a tax office probe.
www.theage.com.au
November 22, 2025 at 1:28 AM
The Age reports that leaked recordings from the Exclusive Brethren’s Strive 26 conference this week have revealed the church’s leadership swinging back at the Prime Minister's labelling it a cult and discussion on plans to deal with a tax office probe.
www.theage.com.au/national/we-...
#auspol
www.theage.com.au/national/we-...
#auspol
The Gippsland Times reports that a Sale-based church has, in a submission to an inquiry examining cults and organised fringe groups, responded to a series of allegations against it by a former member who is the daughter of its senior pastor: www.gippslandtimes.com.au/news/2025/11...
#SpringSt
#SpringSt
Church submission to cult inquiry published | Gippsland Times
City Builders Church's submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Cults and Organised Fringe Groups was published on Monday. The […]
www.gippslandtimes.com.au
November 20, 2025 at 11:32 PM
The Gippsland Times reports that a Sale-based church has, in a submission to an inquiry examining cults and organised fringe groups, responded to a series of allegations against it by a former member who is the daughter of its senior pastor: www.gippslandtimes.com.au/news/2025/11...
#SpringSt
#SpringSt
In our #Rationale magazine, David James writes about the form of capital that rarely gets attention but may provide a solution to the housing affordability crisis and Australia’s debt trap.
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
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rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
#auspol
Unlocking equity in property offers escape from Australia’s debt trap - Rationale Magazine
One of the most important features of modern financial systems is rarely discussed and gets almost no attention. The failure to take it into account means there is a distorted understanding of how mon...
rationalemagazine.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:26 AM
In our #Rationale magazine, David James writes about the form of capital that rarely gets attention but may provide a solution to the housing affordability crisis and Australia’s debt trap.
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
#auspol
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
#auspol
The charities regulator has told a parliamentary inquiry into cult groups that some religious charities’ exemptions to reporting requirements and governance standards “significantly impacts” its ability to act when public concerns are raised about charities: rationalist.com.au/charities-re...
Charities regulator tells cult inquiry of “significant impact” on its work due to religious charities’ “reduced” obligations | Rationalist Society of Australia
The nation’s charities regulator has told a parliamentary inquiry into cult groups that some religious charities’ exemptions to reporting requirements and governance standards “significantly impacts” ...
rationalist.com.au
November 16, 2025 at 9:23 AM
The charities regulator has told a parliamentary inquiry into cult groups that some religious charities’ exemptions to reporting requirements and governance standards “significantly impacts” its ability to act when public concerns are raised about charities: rationalist.com.au/charities-re...
In the #Rationale magazine, cartoonist Matt Bissett-Johnson gives his take on what’s happening in current affairs. Check out his other recent cartoons here: rationalemagazine.com/index.php/au...
@mbjcartoonist.bsky.social
#auspol
@mbjcartoonist.bsky.social
#auspol
November 15, 2025 at 4:07 AM
In the #Rationale magazine, cartoonist Matt Bissett-Johnson gives his take on what’s happening in current affairs. Check out his other recent cartoons here: rationalemagazine.com/index.php/au...
@mbjcartoonist.bsky.social
#auspol
@mbjcartoonist.bsky.social
#auspol
The Guardian reports that a bill to restrict access to abortion after 22 weeks and six days – put forward by former One Nation MLC Sarah Game, working with controversial anti-abortion activist Joanna Howe – has been defeated in the South Aust parliament.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
#SApol
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
#SApol
Bill to restrict abortions later in pregnancy defeated in South Australia after emotional debate
Amendment would have watered down law to allow abortion only where it would save life of mother or another foetus, or for significant risk of abnormalities
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:40 AM
The Guardian reports that a bill to restrict access to abortion after 22 weeks and six days – put forward by former One Nation MLC Sarah Game, working with controversial anti-abortion activist Joanna Howe – has been defeated in the South Aust parliament.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
#SApol
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
#SApol
“Humanism offers a path that distinguishes between people and practices, between race and values.” In #Rationale magazine, David Magson writes on how humanism provides a compass for navigating matters of race, migration and integration.
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
A humanist’s compass on matters of race and integration - Rationale Magazine
I was brought up as an Anglican, and many of my values stem from that upbringing. It was, at least as I knew it, a gentle religion. We prayed for the poor, we prayed for peace, and we prayed for all o...
rationalemagazine.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:39 AM
“Humanism offers a path that distinguishes between people and practices, between race and values.” In #Rationale magazine, David Magson writes on how humanism provides a compass for navigating matters of race, migration and integration.
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
When the ACT’s Legislative Assembly passed laws to ensure religious institutions will be vicariously liable for the actions of clergymen – & other organisations similarly for their volunteers & people in positions akin to employment – Shane Rattenbury took aim at those who opposed the move.
#auspol
#auspol
November 12, 2025 at 5:57 AM
When the ACT’s Legislative Assembly passed laws to ensure religious institutions will be vicariously liable for the actions of clergymen – & other organisations similarly for their volunteers & people in positions akin to employment – Shane Rattenbury took aim at those who opposed the move.
#auspol
#auspol
We are seeking answers from the West Australian government on the status of the pilot program that allows a government school to directly hire a wellbeing support worker instead of outsourcing to a religious agency. Read more:
rationalist.com.au/rsa-question...
#WApol
rationalist.com.au/rsa-question...
#WApol
RSA questions WA government about schools wellbeing pilot program | Rationalist Society of Australia
The Rationalist Society of Australia is seeking answers from the West Australian government on the status of the pilot program that allows a government school to directly hire a wellbeing support work...
rationalist.com.au
November 11, 2025 at 8:54 AM
We are seeking answers from the West Australian government on the status of the pilot program that allows a government school to directly hire a wellbeing support worker instead of outsourcing to a religious agency. Read more:
rationalist.com.au/rsa-question...
#WApol
rationalist.com.au/rsa-question...
#WApol
We’re pleased to support a joint statement spearheaded by Go Gentle, Dying with Dignity NSW & a number of medical, legal & seniors’ rights groups to oppose a bill that seeks to restrict access to voluntary assisted dying in aged-care facilities in NSW: www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/opposition_t...
November 9, 2025 at 6:16 AM
We’re pleased to support a joint statement spearheaded by Go Gentle, Dying with Dignity NSW & a number of medical, legal & seniors’ rights groups to oppose a bill that seeks to restrict access to voluntary assisted dying in aged-care facilities in NSW: www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/opposition_t...
At the inquiry into cults, journalist Richard Baker questioned whether ‘advancing religion’ should remain a blanket justification for concessions, suggesting instead a public benefit test to ensure groups demonstrate genuine contribution to society. www.parliament.vic.gov.au/news/society...
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#auspol
Understanding the coercive practices of high-control groups - Parliament of Victoria
www.parliament.vic.gov.au
November 8, 2025 at 3:34 AM
At the inquiry into cults, journalist Richard Baker questioned whether ‘advancing religion’ should remain a blanket justification for concessions, suggesting instead a public benefit test to ensure groups demonstrate genuine contribution to society. www.parliament.vic.gov.au/news/society...
#auspol
#auspol
The ABC reports that the West Australian government is in "advanced negotiations" to take over the Catholic St John of God Mount Lawley Hospital and is creating a fund to help purchase the facility and fund other hospital upgrades. Read more: www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
#WApol
#WApol
WA government to buy private hospital, scraps $1.6b convention centre facelift
A major upgrade of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre is axed to help pay for three major Perth and Mandurah hospital projects under a $1.5 billion health infrastructure fund.
www.abc.net.au
November 7, 2025 at 8:54 AM
The ABC reports that the West Australian government is in "advanced negotiations" to take over the Catholic St John of God Mount Lawley Hospital and is creating a fund to help purchase the facility and fund other hospital upgrades. Read more: www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
#WApol
#WApol
In #Rationale magazine, Eli Alshanetsky writes on the increasing use of artificial intelligence by university students and the need for education institutions to build open systems that keep human judgment at the center.
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
Where does human thinking end and AI begin? - Rationale Magazine
The latest generation of artificial intelligence models is sharper and smoother, producing polished text with fewer errors and hallucinations. As a philosophy professor, I have a growing fear: when a ...
rationalemagazine.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:01 AM
In #Rationale magazine, Eli Alshanetsky writes on the increasing use of artificial intelligence by university students and the need for education institutions to build open systems that keep human judgment at the center.
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
At the Christian prayer breakfast this week, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said that the “principles and values that Jesus lived by underpin the role of Australia’s first law officer” and claimed that “our values and faith” guide lawmakers. Read more: rationalist.com.au/australias-a...
#auspol
#auspol
November 5, 2025 at 6:40 AM
At the Christian prayer breakfast this week, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said that the “principles and values that Jesus lived by underpin the role of Australia’s first law officer” and claimed that “our values and faith” guide lawmakers. Read more: rationalist.com.au/australias-a...
#auspol
#auspol
Speaking at the Christian prayer breakfast at Parliament House on Monday, the Albanese government’s new attorney-general, Michelle Rowland, said the “principles and values that Jesus lived by” underpin her role. Read more: rationalist.com.au/australias-a...
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Australia’s Attorney-General says Jesus’ “principles and values” underpin her role | Rationalist Society of Australia
The Albanese government’s new attorney-general has told a Christian gathering that the “principles and values that Jesus lived by” underpin her role. Speaking at the Christian annual prayer breakfast ...
rationalist.com.au
November 5, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Speaking at the Christian prayer breakfast at Parliament House on Monday, the Albanese government’s new attorney-general, Michelle Rowland, said the “principles and values that Jesus lived by” underpin her role. Read more: rationalist.com.au/australias-a...
#auspol
#auspol
A Christian activist calling for the Moyne Shire Council in Victoria to reinstate prayers to the opening of its meetings has waved the Bible in front of councillors and warned of people being a “tool for the Devil”. Read more: rationalist.com.au/councillors-...
#auspol
#auspol
November 1, 2025 at 4:20 AM
A Christian activist calling for the Moyne Shire Council in Victoria to reinstate prayers to the opening of its meetings has waved the Bible in front of councillors and warned of people being a “tool for the Devil”. Read more: rationalist.com.au/councillors-...
#auspol
#auspol
The ABC reports that the Australian Capital Territory has become the first jurisdiction to pass legislation expanding the liability of churches, sporting groups and other organisations to include the actions of paedophiles. Read more: www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
#auspol
#auspol
ACT closes 'legal loophole' making institutions more liable for child sexual abuse
Survivors and lawyers welcome the nation-leading legislation, with legal action against churches, sporting groups and others to be affected.
www.abc.net.au
October 30, 2025 at 11:46 PM
The ABC reports that the Australian Capital Territory has become the first jurisdiction to pass legislation expanding the liability of churches, sporting groups and other organisations to include the actions of paedophiles. Read more: www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
#auspol
#auspol
“If we have a stable abode of thought, we take that stability into everything we do and have some shelter from life’s storms.” In #Rationale magazine, Alexander Englert writes about philosopher Immanuel Kant’s simple rules for how to think virtuously.
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
Building a stable ‘abode of thought’: Kant’s rules for virtuous thinking - Rationale Magazine
What makes a life virtuous? The answer might seem simple: virtuous actions – actions that align with morality. But life is more than doing. Frequently, we just think. We observe and spectate; meditate...
rationalemagazine.com
October 30, 2025 at 5:50 AM
“If we have a stable abode of thought, we take that stability into everything we do and have some shelter from life’s storms.” In #Rationale magazine, Alexander Englert writes about philosopher Immanuel Kant’s simple rules for how to think virtuously.
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
rationalemagazine.com/index.php/20...
We have called on the New South Wales government to publicly release the minutes for the meetings of its Faith Affairs Council in a timely manner to ensure transparency over the advisory body’s activities. Read more: rationalist.com.au/rsa-calls-fo...
#NSWpol #auspol
#NSWpol #auspol
RSA calls for transparency over the work of privileged NSW faith advisory body | Rationalist Society of Australia
The Rationalist Society of Australia has called on the New South Wales government to publicly release the minutes of its Faith Affairs Council in a timely manner to ensure transparency over the adviso...
rationalist.com.au
October 29, 2025 at 8:27 AM
We have called on the New South Wales government to publicly release the minutes for the meetings of its Faith Affairs Council in a timely manner to ensure transparency over the advisory body’s activities. Read more: rationalist.com.au/rsa-calls-fo...
#NSWpol #auspol
#NSWpol #auspol
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Liberal MPs in New South Wales are pushing to change the state’s voluntary assisted dying laws so as to treat aged-care homes like faith-based hospitals – a move described as “a cruel culture war bill”. www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
#NSWpol
#NSWpol
‘Pits dying people against right-wing religious views’: The push to change NSW’s euthanasia laws
NSW was the last state to pass laws to allow terminally ill people to choose the timing of their death. Now 12 MPs are seeking changes for aged care homes.
www.smh.com.au
October 28, 2025 at 11:29 PM
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Liberal MPs in New South Wales are pushing to change the state’s voluntary assisted dying laws so as to treat aged-care homes like faith-based hospitals – a move described as “a cruel culture war bill”. www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
#NSWpol
#NSWpol
In opposing a petition calling for Christian prayers to be reinstated at the opening of Bass Coast council meetings, one councillor has argued that prayers should be left to churches and another has said that he has “as much religion as a cat”. Read more: rationalist.com.au/councillors-...
#auspol
#auspol
October 28, 2025 at 8:36 AM
In opposing a petition calling for Christian prayers to be reinstated at the opening of Bass Coast council meetings, one councillor has argued that prayers should be left to churches and another has said that he has “as much religion as a cat”. Read more: rationalist.com.au/councillors-...
#auspol
#auspol
The Age reports that Labor minister Lizzie Blandthorn, who leads the Catholic-influenced SDA subfaction, has raised concerns that her government’s proposed reforms to voluntary assisted dying laws will diminish safeguards for vulnerable Victorians: www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
#SpringSt
#SpringSt
Debate over assisted dying reforms reopens old Labor wounds
Labor and the Coalition have granted MPs a conscience vote on the bill, and parliamentarians are bracing for a marathon debate.
www.theage.com.au
October 27, 2025 at 11:53 PM
The Age reports that Labor minister Lizzie Blandthorn, who leads the Catholic-influenced SDA subfaction, has raised concerns that her government’s proposed reforms to voluntary assisted dying laws will diminish safeguards for vulnerable Victorians: www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
#SpringSt
#SpringSt