Pearls and Irritations
@johnmenadue.com
Progressive analysis on politics, foreign policy, the economy, media, and culture, with a focus on peace and justice. John Menadue, Publisher & Editor in Chief
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Australia’s offset markets treat ecosystems as interchangeable – but nature is not fungible. Biodiversity laws built on this fiction can't protect what is unique and irreplaceable. #AusPol #Environment #Biodiversity #Conservation #ClimatePolicy #NatureRepair #PublicPolicy
Nature doesn't have an offset account
Australia’s climate and biodiversity laws rely heavily on offset markets that treat ecosystems as interchangeable. But nature is not fungible, and the growing evidence of unique, localised species shows why offset systems are structurally incapable of protecting what is irreplaceable.
johnmenadue.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Australia’s offset markets treat ecosystems as interchangeable – but nature is not fungible. Biodiversity laws built on this fiction can't protect what is unique and irreplaceable. #AusPol #Environment #Biodiversity #Conservation #ClimatePolicy #NatureRepair #PublicPolicy
As Australia heads into Christmas, people in Gaza face another winter of displacement and bombardment — and the federal government remains silent. Recognition of Palestine means little without action grounded in international law. #AusPol #Gaza #Palestine #HumanRights #InternationalLaw #MiddleEast
Australia’s Christmas double standards on Palestine
As Palestinians face another winter of displacement and bombardment, Australia celebrates Christmas while ignoring its own obligations under international law. If recognition of Palestine is to mean anything, the government must act – not look away.
johnmenadue.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:46 PM
As Australia heads into Christmas, people in Gaza face another winter of displacement and bombardment — and the federal government remains silent. Recognition of Palestine means little without action grounded in international law. #AusPol #Gaza #Palestine #HumanRights #InternationalLaw #MiddleEast
Talk of “peace” masks a widening war. As Sudan suffers and US–Israel rhetoric shifts toward Iran, Australia risks being dragged into another conflict. #MiddleEast #Iran #Gaza #Sudan #AusPol #USForeignPolicy #Geopolitics
After Gaza, the next target is Iran
US–Israel manoeuvring over Gaza is already widening the conflict. As Sudan burns and propaganda intensifies, Iran may be the next target — with Australia again at risk of being drawn in.
johnmenadue.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Talk of “peace” masks a widening war. As Sudan suffers and US–Israel rhetoric shifts toward Iran, Australia risks being dragged into another conflict. #MiddleEast #Iran #Gaza #Sudan #AusPol #USForeignPolicy #Geopolitics
Trump’s Ukraine peace plan echoes Russian demands – and Kyiv has refused to accept it in its current form. Europe’s counter-proposal highlights the widening rift. #Ukraine #Russia #USPolitics #Europe #Diplomacy #Geopolitics
How Trump tried to sell Ukraine a diplomatic debacle
Two rival peace proposals for Ukraine have emerged – one from the US, echoing long-standing Russian demands, and another from Europe. Kyiv has rejected the US plan as written, insisting its sovereignty cannot be bargained away.
johnmenadue.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Trump’s Ukraine peace plan echoes Russian demands – and Kyiv has refused to accept it in its current form. Europe’s counter-proposal highlights the widening rift. #Ukraine #Russia #USPolitics #Europe #Diplomacy #Geopolitics
As Australia signs a new security pact with Indonesia, that country's long non-aligned tradition offers a clear lesson: you don’t need a superpower alliance to safeguard your interests. #AusPol #Indonesia #ForeignPolicy #NAM #AUKUS #ANZUS
Non-aligned and successful: Indonesia’s lesson for Australian foreign policy
Australia’s new security agreement with Indonesia comes at a critical moment. Jakarta’s non-aligned tradition offers lessons for a country still tied to a lopsided alliance with the US.
johnmenadue.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
As Australia signs a new security pact with Indonesia, that country's long non-aligned tradition offers a clear lesson: you don’t need a superpower alliance to safeguard your interests. #AusPol #Indonesia #ForeignPolicy #NAM #AUKUS #ANZUS
Gaza is facing one of the worst economic collapses ever documented – 90 per cent displaced, 70 years of development wiped out, and famine conditions spreading. #Gaza #Palestine #HumanRights #MiddleEast #UNCTAD #InternationalLaw #GazaEconomy
Gaza’s economy has collapsed beyond recognition
Gaza’s economy, society and basic infrastructure have been almost entirely wiped out. With 90 per cent of people displaced, food systems destroyed and schools and hospitals in ruins, reconstruction is becoming harder by the day.
johnmenadue.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Gaza is facing one of the worst economic collapses ever documented – 90 per cent displaced, 70 years of development wiped out, and famine conditions spreading. #Gaza #Palestine #HumanRights #MiddleEast #UNCTAD #InternationalLaw #GazaEconomy
Albanese condemned the 1975 Dismissal as a partisan ambush – yet he refuses to pursue the reforms needed to prevent another vice-regal intervention. Australia remains exposed.#AusPol #AustralianRepublic #Constitution #1975Dismissal #PublicPolicy #Democracy
The Dismissal at 50: Albanese condemns the past but avoids real reform
Anthony Albanese condemned the 1975 Dismissal as a partisan ambush. Yet he refuses to pursue the constitutional reforms needed to prevent another vice-regal intervention. Australia remains exposed, and neither government nor public sentiment seems ready for the changes required.
johnmenadue.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Albanese condemned the 1975 Dismissal as a partisan ambush – yet he refuses to pursue the reforms needed to prevent another vice-regal intervention. Australia remains exposed.#AusPol #AustralianRepublic #Constitution #1975Dismissal #PublicPolicy #Democracy
Independent media is essential – and we urgently need your help
Independent media is essential – and we urgently need your help
We urgently need your financial support. We have raised only $78,000 towards our goal of $250,000 by mid-December.
johnmenadue.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Independent media is essential – and we urgently need your help
Private schools routinely blame inflation for rising fees – but indexation shields them from most cost increases while widening the resource gap. The inflation myth keeps private school privilege intact.
#AusPol #Education #Schools #Inequality #Inflation #PublicPolicy
#AusPol #Education #Schools #Inequality #Inflation #PublicPolicy
The inflation myth propping up private school privilege
Private schools regularly blame inflation for rising fees, yet funding arrangements mean they are largely compensated for cost increases. Their fee-setting power widens the resource gap while feeding back into inflation itself.
johnmenadue.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Private schools routinely blame inflation for rising fees – but indexation shields them from most cost increases while widening the resource gap. The inflation myth keeps private school privilege intact.
#AusPol #Education #Schools #Inequality #Inflation #PublicPolicy
#AusPol #Education #Schools #Inequality #Inflation #PublicPolicy
Indonesia’s criminal procedure overhaul risks expanding police powers and weakening judicial oversight – a shift that could reshape civic life and democracy itself, writes @dikurniawanarif.
#Indonesia #RUUKUHAP #HumanRights #RuleOfLaw #Democracy #PublicPolicy
#Indonesia #RUUKUHAP #HumanRights #RuleOfLaw #Democracy #PublicPolicy
Why Indonesia’s new criminal rules matter
Indonesia’s overhaul of its Criminal Procedure Code could modernise justice – or entrench a system where police power expands, judicial oversight shrinks and civic life becomes riskier. With the clock ticking towards implementation, the choices made now will shape Indonesia’s democratic identity for decades.
johnmenadue.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Indonesia’s criminal procedure overhaul risks expanding police powers and weakening judicial oversight – a shift that could reshape civic life and democracy itself, writes @dikurniawanarif.
#Indonesia #RUUKUHAP #HumanRights #RuleOfLaw #Democracy #PublicPolicy
#Indonesia #RUUKUHAP #HumanRights #RuleOfLaw #Democracy #PublicPolicy
Britain has strong strategic reasons to stay engaged in the Indo-Pacific – but its commitment is wavering. Defence partnerships like AUKUS and GCAP may be the only forces keeping the UK anchored in the region. #UKPolitics #IndoPacific #AUKUS #ForeignPolicy #AsiaPacific #GCAP
Self-interest is now the main driver of Britain’s Asia policy
There are a great many reasons why the UK government should pay more attention to the Asia-Pacific, but that does not mean that it will.
johnmenadue.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Britain has strong strategic reasons to stay engaged in the Indo-Pacific – but its commitment is wavering. Defence partnerships like AUKUS and GCAP may be the only forces keeping the UK anchored in the region. #UKPolitics #IndoPacific #AUKUS #ForeignPolicy #AsiaPacific #GCAP
Incarcerated First Nations people remain politically invisible in WA – and that invisibility is driving the state’s incarceration crisis.
Real reform demands lived-experience voices.
#AusPol #WApolitics #ClosingTheGap #FirstNations #Justice #HumanRights
Real reform demands lived-experience voices.
#AusPol #WApolitics #ClosingTheGap #FirstNations #Justice #HumanRights
Making First Nations prisoners visible in Labor politics
Despite Western Australian Labor’s rhetoric on equality and Closing the Gap, incarcerated First Nations people remain politically invisible. Without formal representation and lived-experience voices in party deliberations, meaningful reform is impossible. The 2027 State Labor Conference is the moment to change that.
johnmenadue.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Incarcerated First Nations people remain politically invisible in WA – and that invisibility is driving the state’s incarceration crisis.
Real reform demands lived-experience voices.
#AusPol #WApolitics #ClosingTheGap #FirstNations #Justice #HumanRights
Real reform demands lived-experience voices.
#AusPol #WApolitics #ClosingTheGap #FirstNations #Justice #HumanRights
Climate change isn’t a matter of opinion – it’s evidence. But conservative denial and short-term thinking are still blocking urgent action. If we keep ignoring the long term, our grandchildren will pay the price.
#ClimateCrisis #ClimateAction #AusPol #ClimateDenial #Renewables #ScienceMatters
#ClimateCrisis #ClimateAction #AusPol #ClimateDenial #Renewables #ScienceMatters
Conservatism, denial and the climate crisis: why short-term thinking is holding us back
Human societies are generally conservative, averse to substantial change – and they are getting in the way of the necessary intervention on climate change and emissions reduction.
johnmenadue.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Climate change isn’t a matter of opinion – it’s evidence. But conservative denial and short-term thinking are still blocking urgent action. If we keep ignoring the long term, our grandchildren will pay the price.
#ClimateCrisis #ClimateAction #AusPol #ClimateDenial #Renewables #ScienceMatters
#ClimateCrisis #ClimateAction #AusPol #ClimateDenial #Renewables #ScienceMatters
WA leaders keep calling their state the economic “powerhouse” – but ABS data tell a different story. A decade of weak growth, zero per-capita gains and a costly GST windfall that rewards under-performance. #AusPol #WApolitics #GST #Economy #PublicPolicy #StateFinance
Western Australia is rich, but it's not the economic powerhouse it claims to be
Western Australian politicians claim the state is the “powerhouse” of the national economy and deserves an outsized share of GST revenue. The ABS State Accounts for 2024–25 tell a different story, revealing a decade of weak growth, falling per capita output and a system that rewards WA despite clear under-performance.
johnmenadue.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:45 PM
WA leaders keep calling their state the economic “powerhouse” – but ABS data tell a different story. A decade of weak growth, zero per-capita gains and a costly GST windfall that rewards under-performance. #AusPol #WApolitics #GST #Economy #PublicPolicy #StateFinance
Pearls and Irritations has continued to push the issues ignored by mainstream media, building our voice as a trusted source for local and global issues. Please support our work with your tax-deductible donation. #auspol #PearlsandIrritations #donate
Without peer in Australian media – Geoff Raby
Former Australian Ambassador to China and senior diplomat Geoff Raby commends Pearls and Irritations
johnmenadue.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Pearls and Irritations has continued to push the issues ignored by mainstream media, building our voice as a trusted source for local and global issues. Please support our work with your tax-deductible donation. #auspol #PearlsandIrritations #donate
Gaza is living through unimaginable psychological harm – yet much of the global trauma community stays silent. Healing requires truth, not silence. #Gaza #Trauma #MentalHealth #HumanRights #EMDR #Therapy #PublicPolicy
Why the trauma community must break its silence on Gaza
As Gaza reels from unimaginable physical and psychological harm, the global trauma healing community has remained largely silent. Breaking that silence is essential if therapeutic work is to remain honest, ethical and grounded in the reality clients bring into the room.
johnmenadue.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Gaza is living through unimaginable psychological harm – yet much of the global trauma community stays silent. Healing requires truth, not silence. #Gaza #Trauma #MentalHealth #HumanRights #EMDR #Therapy #PublicPolicy
The Liberals’ new energy plan recycles climate denial talking points and flat-out falsehoods. It’s not policy – it’s a fossil-fuel fantasy. Voters deserve better than fearmongering and misinformation. #ClimateCrisis #AusPol #EnergyPolicy #PearlsandIrritations #NetZero #ActOnClimate
Senate committee on disinformation should look into the Liberals' energy policy: It is full of it
The Liberal Party’s new energy policy recycles discredited claims and fossil fuel talking points, undermining public trust and delaying the essential task of real action.
johnmenadue.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:16 PM
The Liberals’ new energy plan recycles climate denial talking points and flat-out falsehoods. It’s not policy – it’s a fossil-fuel fantasy. Voters deserve better than fearmongering and misinformation. #ClimateCrisis #AusPol #EnergyPolicy #PearlsandIrritations #NetZero #ActOnClimate
While scientists issued final warnings, the billionaires built bunkers and doubled down on delusion.
It’s time to stop listening to tech bros and start listening to the science elders.
#ClimateEmergency #ActOnClimate #GreedVsPlanet #PearlsandIrritations
It’s time to stop listening to tech bros and start listening to the science elders.
#ClimateEmergency #ActOnClimate #GreedVsPlanet #PearlsandIrritations
The wisdom of the elders, the greed of the rich
As the planet spirals toward environmental collapse, elders like Attenborough, Earle, Hansen and Suzuki have spent decades warning us – and offering hope. But the billionaires in bunkers aren't listening. They are too busy getting rich off our destruction.
johnmenadue.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:01 PM
While scientists issued final warnings, the billionaires built bunkers and doubled down on delusion.
It’s time to stop listening to tech bros and start listening to the science elders.
#ClimateEmergency #ActOnClimate #GreedVsPlanet #PearlsandIrritations
It’s time to stop listening to tech bros and start listening to the science elders.
#ClimateEmergency #ActOnClimate #GreedVsPlanet #PearlsandIrritations
Australia’s longest and deadliest conflict is no longer deniable. The Australian Wars gathers generations of research and testimony into one defining volume — and makes clear that the truth is here. Time to reckon with it. #FrontierWars #TruthTelling #TheAustralianWars #PearlsandIrritations
Massacres, memory and the Memorial: facing our most deadly war
The evidence is overwhelming – Australia’s Frontier Wars were real, deadly, and long, and a landmark new book lays it out in full. So when will the Australian War Memorial fully face the truth?
johnmenadue.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Australia’s longest and deadliest conflict is no longer deniable. The Australian Wars gathers generations of research and testimony into one defining volume — and makes clear that the truth is here. Time to reckon with it. #FrontierWars #TruthTelling #TheAustralianWars #PearlsandIrritations
Generative AI is already changing journalism. From biased data to unverifiable outputs, the risks are real. Without transparency and oversight, truth itself is under threat. #AIandJournalism #MediaEthics #Democracy #PearlsandIrritations
AI in journalism and democracy: can we rely on it?
GenAI tools are reshaping the information environment in ways most audiences never see. From the data that trains them to the labour that maintains them, their inner workings raise urgent questions for journalism and democratic accountability.
johnmenadue.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Generative AI is already changing journalism. From biased data to unverifiable outputs, the risks are real. Without transparency and oversight, truth itself is under threat. #AIandJournalism #MediaEthics #Democracy #PearlsandIrritations
Instead of looking to recruit from afar, providers and policymakers need to shift their focus to opportunities for increasing the capacity and quality of the workforce that are right in front of them. #auspol #agedcare
Where will the aged care workforce come from?
CEDA’s report on how to fix the aged care worker shortage claims migration is key – but a closer look at the data reveals a very different picture. Before we reach for new visa schemes, we need to focus on the workers already here: most are permanent residents or citizens, and many want more hours. The answers are hiding in plain sight.
johnmenadue.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
No referendum? No problem.
Mark Dreyfus points to bold federal action within constitutional limits as a true Labor tradition, from banks to climate and housing.
#AusPol #ConstitutionalReform #PearlsandIrritations
Mark Dreyfus points to bold federal action within constitutional limits as a true Labor tradition, from banks to climate and housing.
#AusPol #ConstitutionalReform #PearlsandIrritations
Axed AG tells how Labor really changes the Constitution
Despite Labor’s longstanding appetite for constitutional reform, former Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus now points to a different path: bold, nation-shaping change without the need for a referendum.
johnmenadue.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:45 PM
No referendum? No problem.
Mark Dreyfus points to bold federal action within constitutional limits as a true Labor tradition, from banks to climate and housing.
#AusPol #ConstitutionalReform #PearlsandIrritations
Mark Dreyfus points to bold federal action within constitutional limits as a true Labor tradition, from banks to climate and housing.
#AusPol #ConstitutionalReform #PearlsandIrritations
The Liberals have dumped net zero. The leader is unclear, the policy is vague, and the public isn’t buying it.
If this is the alternative government, what exactly is the plan?
#auspol #NetZero #ClimatePolicy #LiberalParty
If this is the alternative government, what exactly is the plan?
#auspol #NetZero #ClimatePolicy #LiberalParty
Will there be Liberals around to take power in 2034?
The Liberal Party’s rejection of net-zero and its lack of compelling leadership or clear policy vision has left it floundering with key voter groups. Without a coherent plan to make a difference, it risks a long spell in opposition.
johnmenadue.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
The Liberals have dumped net zero. The leader is unclear, the policy is vague, and the public isn’t buying it.
If this is the alternative government, what exactly is the plan?
#auspol #NetZero #ClimatePolicy #LiberalParty
If this is the alternative government, what exactly is the plan?
#auspol #NetZero #ClimatePolicy #LiberalParty
Intimidation, harassment and standover tactics were widespread at the 2025 election, say polling day volunteers. The “democracy sausage vibe” is under threat. #AusVotes #AustralianPolitics #Democracy #ElectoralReform
Losing the democracy sausage vibe
The last federal election saw a sharp rise in harassment and aggression at polling places, according to submissions from around the country. From death threats to deception, the once-peaceful ritual of casting a vote is under threat – and Australia needs to act.
johnmenadue.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Intimidation, harassment and standover tactics were widespread at the 2025 election, say polling day volunteers. The “democracy sausage vibe” is under threat. #AusVotes #AustralianPolitics #Democracy #ElectoralReform
As both major parties fumble their messaging on migration, misinformation fills the gap. Without a credible long-term plan, policy confusion will only deepen. #AusPol #MigrationPolicy #LeadershipVoid #PearlsandIrritations
Our politicians continue to fail us on immigration policy
As One Nation rises by recycling anti-immigration rhetoric, both major parties are fumbling their response – missing the chance to offer a clear, credible and principled long-term plan.
johnmenadue.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:00 PM
As both major parties fumble their messaging on migration, misinformation fills the gap. Without a credible long-term plan, policy confusion will only deepen. #AusPol #MigrationPolicy #LeadershipVoid #PearlsandIrritations