Doug
@dougincanberra.bsky.social
Interested in public policy, irregular theology, Geelong Cats, Green politics. Also found on @Dougincanberra
Reposted by Doug
My post on why blaming childcare subsidies (and govt spending generally) for inflation is absurd #OffTheCharts #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
Why blaming childcare for inflation is absurd
In the aftermath of the Reserve Bank’s decision to raise rates, the various parties that now make up the non-government side of things (“Opposition” feels far too a cohesive term) have taken to trying...
thepoint.com.au
February 4, 2026 at 11:30 PM
My post on why blaming childcare subsidies (and govt spending generally) for inflation is absurd #OffTheCharts #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
Reposted by Doug
It's only 10.30 and Penny Wong can't explain why we don't have the legal responsibility to arrest Herzog, CGT changes on the table, 3 indies voice concerns about what his visit will do to cohesion, Hanson is back after her senate suspension and the Libs/Nats are still a mess.
live.thepoint.com.au
live.thepoint.com.au
The Point Live: Future of Coalition still up in the air, Labor facing internal 'discomfort' over Herzog visit.
The final day of this week's sitting still has the focus on what is happening outside the chambers, with Sussan Ley and David Littleproud still scrapping over the Coalition's future, while Ed Husic vo...
live.thepoint.com.au
February 4, 2026 at 11:30 PM
It's only 10.30 and Penny Wong can't explain why we don't have the legal responsibility to arrest Herzog, CGT changes on the table, 3 indies voice concerns about what his visit will do to cohesion, Hanson is back after her senate suspension and the Libs/Nats are still a mess.
live.thepoint.com.au
live.thepoint.com.au
Taking a break for three weeks in New Zealand - off social media & most news, minimal checking of email - take care everyone - keep compassion alive, grieve with those who grieve & hold the truth up against the powerful
February 4, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Taking a break for three weeks in New Zealand - off social media & most news, minimal checking of email - take care everyone - keep compassion alive, grieve with those who grieve & hold the truth up against the powerful
Universities in governance crisis and this is dumped into the mix? This will not end well for anyone
February 4, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Universities in governance crisis and this is dumped into the mix? This will not end well for anyone
Reposted by Doug
Public faith in anti-corruption institutions is fragile and hard won. Commissioner Brereton’s handling of his Defence connections, and his inability to clearly account for them over time, has weakened confidence in the NACC.
He should consider stepping aside to rebuild public trust in the NACC.
He should consider stepping aside to rebuild public trust in the NACC.
Anti-corruption boss given 'please explain' by government over Defence ties
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland asked Paul Brereton to explain why his ongoing ties to Defence had not been "adequately" disclosed in a letter sent last year.
www.abc.net.au
February 4, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Public faith in anti-corruption institutions is fragile and hard won. Commissioner Brereton’s handling of his Defence connections, and his inability to clearly account for them over time, has weakened confidence in the NACC.
He should consider stepping aside to rebuild public trust in the NACC.
He should consider stepping aside to rebuild public trust in the NACC.
Reposted by Doug
Probably will also judge them on how much support they give to the bigots in Advance.
This is truly gross stuff.
This is truly gross stuff.
February 4, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Probably will also judge them on how much support they give to the bigots in Advance.
This is truly gross stuff.
This is truly gross stuff.
Something to talk about with Mr Herzog? www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Revealed: Israel bulldozed part of Gaza war cemetery containing allied graves
Satellite images and witness testimony show destruction as IDF claims it was forced to take defensive measures
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Something to talk about with Mr Herzog? www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Reposted by Doug
Living in suburban Dublin, showing up anywhere having walked, cycled, or taken the bus is often seen as so odd, it becomes a topic of conversation. You're a little quirky for just strolling places.
I'm such a culture, this lad is basically a biblical prophet: www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...
I'm such a culture, this lad is basically a biblical prophet: www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...
Learning not to drive
Far from holding me back, I have only ever considered the benefits of this decision
www.irishtimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:35 AM
Living in suburban Dublin, showing up anywhere having walked, cycled, or taken the bus is often seen as so odd, it becomes a topic of conversation. You're a little quirky for just strolling places.
I'm such a culture, this lad is basically a biblical prophet: www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...
I'm such a culture, this lad is basically a biblical prophet: www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...
Reposted by Doug
"The blues demand a theology of prophetic criticism that contests all arbitrary uses of power or coercion... and that cherishes the lives of ordinary everyday children, women and men of all cultures and races."
M. Shawn Copeland
M. Shawn Copeland
February 4, 2026 at 9:06 AM
"The blues demand a theology of prophetic criticism that contests all arbitrary uses of power or coercion... and that cherishes the lives of ordinary everyday children, women and men of all cultures and races."
M. Shawn Copeland
M. Shawn Copeland
Reposted by Doug
And the outside of Kinchega Woolshed near Menindee.
February 4, 2026 at 9:39 AM
And the outside of Kinchega Woolshed near Menindee.
Reposted by Doug
This is a fascinating story. ICE tried to buy a warehouse in VA from a Canadian company, to turn into a detention center. One of the company’s advertising partners basically told them that if they sold, they could kiss their ads goodbye.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/u...
Canadian Company Cancels Sale of Virginia Warehouse to ICE
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:23 AM
This is a fascinating story. ICE tried to buy a warehouse in VA from a Canadian company, to turn into a detention center. One of the company’s advertising partners basically told them that if they sold, they could kiss their ads goodbye.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/u...
Reposted by Doug
"Punishment Pays: The reason why the Government won’t bin Mutual Obligations" by @jeremypoxon.bsky.social for @thepointau.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
Punishment Pays: The reason why the Government won’t bin Mutual Obligations
The Labor Government is dragging the public into another unlawful welfare scandal, because it refuses to walk away from an ideology and industry built around punishment
thepoint.com.au
February 4, 2026 at 3:17 AM
"Punishment Pays: The reason why the Government won’t bin Mutual Obligations" by @jeremypoxon.bsky.social for @thepointau.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
Reposted by Doug
Why are we still going on about the "friendless" FOI bill? Isn't it doomed?
When even the Liberals tell us "Never say never", it would be a mistake to let up now.
More from me on The Point live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
When even the Liberals tell us "Never say never", it would be a mistake to let up now.
More from me on The Point live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
Why the “bitch and fold” strategy could mean Liberals still vote for “dog” FOI bill
live.thepoint.com.au
February 4, 2026 at 3:55 AM
Why are we still going on about the "friendless" FOI bill? Isn't it doomed?
When even the Liberals tell us "Never say never", it would be a mistake to let up now.
More from me on The Point live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
When even the Liberals tell us "Never say never", it would be a mistake to let up now.
More from me on The Point live blog. live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
Reposted by Doug
A good read from @richarddenniss.bsky.social "My advice? There's no such thing as the 'centre right'" for @thepointau.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
My advice? There's no such thing as the 'centre right'
Leaving aside the fact that it was John Howard who buried so many of the landmines blowing up the Modern Liberals' backyard, he was right about a few things, including his observation that ‘politics i...
thepoint.com.au
February 4, 2026 at 4:40 AM
A good read from @richarddenniss.bsky.social "My advice? There's no such thing as the 'centre right'" for @thepointau.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...
Reposted by Doug
“Constituents are watching closely. History will remember whether their elected representatives acted with bravery in the public interest, or once again chose to extend the life of fossil fuel interests that should be wound down.” - Louise Morris
Read more on The Point: https://theaus.in/4rxy46N
Read more on The Point: https://theaus.in/4rxy46N
February 4, 2026 at 5:20 AM
“Constituents are watching closely. History will remember whether their elected representatives acted with bravery in the public interest, or once again chose to extend the life of fossil fuel interests that should be wound down.” - Louise Morris
Read more on The Point: https://theaus.in/4rxy46N
Read more on The Point: https://theaus.in/4rxy46N
Reposted by Doug
A Brewery called Maslow's Hierarchy of Meads
A saxophone shop called Maslow's Hierarchy of Reeds
A gardening store called Maslow's Hierarchy of Seeds
February 4, 2026 at 4:16 AM
A Brewery called Maslow's Hierarchy of Meads
Reposted by Doug
Two good pieces on the Aus Greens and how they should be pushing way harder towards seizing on public discontent with elites right now
www.jonathansri.com/greensdeadend/
www.deepcutnews.com/p/the-greens...
www.jonathansri.com/greensdeadend/
www.deepcutnews.com/p/the-greens...
February 4, 2026 at 6:15 AM
Two good pieces on the Aus Greens and how they should be pushing way harder towards seizing on public discontent with elites right now
www.jonathansri.com/greensdeadend/
www.deepcutnews.com/p/the-greens...
www.jonathansri.com/greensdeadend/
www.deepcutnews.com/p/the-greens...
Reposted by Doug
Chris Sidoti, our UN Enquiry Commissioner, says on ABC24 that 'it is nuts' to have Herzog come to Australia and that it's not too late for the PM to rescind the invitation. #auspol
February 4, 2026 at 6:43 AM
Chris Sidoti, our UN Enquiry Commissioner, says on ABC24 that 'it is nuts' to have Herzog come to Australia and that it's not too late for the PM to rescind the invitation. #auspol
Reposted by Doug
In this week's column I seek to explain Keir Starmer's flat refusal to change our electoral system, even though its gross unfairness could put Reform UK in power on <30% of the vote. The reasons, I believe, are deeply cynical and disturbing. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
If Reform ever wins power in Westminster, it will be because of Labour’s cowardice | George Monbiot
Starmer could improve our unfair electoral system to stop the hard right, but he won’t. All the party has left are threats about ‘splitting the vote’, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:26 AM
In this week's column I seek to explain Keir Starmer's flat refusal to change our electoral system, even though its gross unfairness could put Reform UK in power on <30% of the vote. The reasons, I believe, are deeply cynical and disturbing. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Doug
Great to see politicians show conviction www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
‘I don’t think this was a good decision’: Labor’s Ed Husic holds ‘deep concerns’ over Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s visit
MP also tells Guardian Australia’s Full Story podcast he backs peaceful protests against country’s actions in Gaza
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:41 AM
Great to see politicians show conviction www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Reposted by Doug
Pink cockatoos at Kinchega National Park, New South Wales.
February 4, 2026 at 8:25 AM
Pink cockatoos at Kinchega National Park, New South Wales.
False Alarm
open.substack.com/pub/johnquig...
open.substack.com/pub/johnquig...
False Alarm
Nine's Red Alert on China was never credible
open.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:40 AM
False Alarm
open.substack.com/pub/johnquig...
open.substack.com/pub/johnquig...