Opinion

You might think switching to an electric vehicle is the natural step towards a greener future. However for short trips, an electric bike or moped might be better for you – and for the planet.

Understanding the experience of Indigenous men in higher education could help us understand how to make higher education a better option for more young people.

LockBit is being deliberately deployed inside organisations to find valuable data and steal it.

DP World, which operates container ports in Australia and the region, was hit by a suspected cyber attack on Friday. While the cause is still being examined, the question is being asked - is Australia's trade at risk?

A recent national prevalence study revealed one in six older Australians living at home experiences elder abuse. Despite elder abuse being such a common problem, older people often don't get the help they need.

The Optus outage, one of the largest in Australia’s history, sent alarm bells ringing across the country. The scale and speed with which the impact hit indicates the culprit was likely a problem in the core network.

Previous research has focused on individuals with depression, however there is an estimated 3.7 million Australians - 15 per cent of the population - considered informal caregivers to people with mental illness.

Tech giant Microsoft and other companies want to relocate data centres into the world's oceans, submerging computers and networking equipment to take advantage of cheap real estate and cool waters. Is this a good thing?

The $12.6 billion agreement promises a new era of cooperation between governments, the vocational education and training sector, business and the community.

When a lithium-ion battery fire breaks out, the damage can be extensive. These fires are not only intense, they are also long-lasting and potentially toxic.

The Federal Government has set aside $9.1 million to prepare a business case for the initiative to "help workers promote their qualifications and businesses find more skilled workers". So what might this involve — and is it a good idea?

As Australia's housing affordability crisis worsens, governments are investing significantly at a State and Federal level. But is Australia ready for a house construction boom?

Conventional wisdom is to blame chlorine however, while it does play a part, it is not the main culprit.

They play an important role in how we interact with our kids. But dad jokes may also help prepare them to handle embarrassment later in life.

With minor exceptions, for most of the last century wages have consistently climbed faster than prices - but since March 2021, that's all changed.

How long does a solar household battery system take to pay for itself, in the form of lower power bills? The answer varies. It can depend on where you live, your solar system size, how much electricity you use, and when.

The stories told on the operatic stage have received critical attention for their representation of gender, particularly the often violent fate of their heroines. But little attention has been paid to women's representation behind the scenes in Australia.

The State Government's Mining Industry Summit: Driving Respect conference last week showed leaders are taking issues such as workplace sexual harassment and assault seriously, it also remains clear we must promote preventive approaches, rather than just reacting.

Despite common misconceptions among students and staff, school nurses are qualified and registered health professionals.

It's created a stir, but research shows the controversial new sex education book is aimed at kids who are the right age to be introduced to such material.

It is time to rethink how we measure differences in outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

An extra day off without a pay cut must be a good thing, right? In fact, the reality is much different.

Debates with wide-ranging opinions can distract from the real issues at hand, becoming divisive and harmful. This can lead to spreading misinformation and worsen a lack of understanding across political views.

School holidays become a very different challenge when kids leave primary school. Success lies in planning together and keeping the lines of communication open. Remember, not every day needs to be packed with activities, but it's important for everyone to have a clear sense of structure and purpose.

It's a concern many parents face, but 'wait and see' approach to delayed speech recommended by previous generations has shifted as we learn more about early childhood and how intervention can help.

Australian primary schools are becoming increasingly reliant on commercial programs for teaching students. This means the content and the way students are being taught is outsourced to a third-party provider.

Most of us will experience incivility at some point at work. However, being less severe and more difficult to prove than harassment, it often flies under the radar. Andrei Lux offers some timely advice on how to navigate it.

Cultivating an ability to let go of possessions in childhood may have positive implications well beyond simply avoiding clutter.

Around one in ten Australians are informal carers, yet little is understood about their experiences. ECU research reveals this group lacks the necessary support for their own wellbeing.

Drag is an ever-evolving art form, which has emerged from underground clubs to the spotlight.

In new interview research, young people say sex education most often occurs without discussing actual sex.

In order to combat racism and misinformation, it is vital for non-Indigenous people to have informed conversations about the referendum with those around you.

Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has just been hit with an eye-watering €1.2 billion fine (about A$1.9 billion) for breaches of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Unfortunately for Meta and its shareholders, earlier penalties mean it now faces a total fine amount close to A$4 billion.

Immigration is being increased to make up for COVID-related labour shortages, but difficulty finding accommodation has long been an obstacle for new arrivals.

Injured limbs need rest, but immobilisation can mean smaller and weaker muscles over time. Thankfully, the 'cross-education effect' can help.

Mother's Day is coming up in Australia and that means a surge in perfume sales. Of course, scents are purchased year-round and not just for mothers. Fragrance sales in Australia will amount to over A$1 billion this year.

Knowing the services and data held by these organisations are critical, it's not surprising to see so many ransomware attacks are launched against critical health-care infrastructure.

It's naturally very concerning, but before parents panic they need to consider why their child may have taken something that doesn’t belong to them.

The nuances of consent and sexual violence are anything but simple, however SBS' Asking for It explores these complexities well — while revealing some uncomfortable truths about us as a society.

Social media child influencers are increasingly marketing products normally targeted at adults, such as beauty and skincare items.

It's important to know the difference between taking out a loan and salary sacrificing when getting a car, as there are plenty of tax implications and what’s right for one person won’t be for another.

Memes are simultaneously a fascinating historical record of digital culture as well as the detritus of the cyber age.

Many Year 10 students are beginning to think seriously about what subjects they might pick for years 11 and 12. Here are some ideas for parents and carers who want to help their children navigate what’s best for them in the final years of school.

The tech giants are on a mission to remove the drudgery from computing for millions of people, but security mustn't be an afterthought.

Australian businesses are struggling to find workers with the skills they need, while workers struggle to get jobs because of the mismatch between available training and occupations. The role of vocational education and training in addressing the problem needs more attention.

With an African-European cast led by Blick Bassy, as a transcultural museological performance Bikutsi 3000 was nearly unique.

he past three years of supermarket shortages have taught us it pays to stock up on a few favourite items at all times, be flexible in our choices of products and brands — and don’t panic. It's worth remembering this as Australia faces another potential post-COVID supermarket shortage.

The newly published You Talk, We Die describes the community activist's involvement in the battle for Melbourne’s first safe injecting facility.

A recent decision to neither compile nor publish schools’ median ATAR scores has come under criticism from some, however it was a sound move based upon mathematically justifiable reasoning.

There is a valid ongoing debate among education researchers about the use of standardised testing. Dr Sarah Jefferson explores a welcome shift towards developing lifelong creative learners, rather than kids who focus on tests.

New research shows the way a person with chronic pain responds to limitations to the activities or goals they value can impact their mental wellbeing – even more so than their pain levels.

Foreign students have had a tougher time than many and may still be feel the effects of a tumultuous few years as the new university year kicks off.

Irrespective of whether it’s daycare, preschool, primary or high school, the news your child doesn’t like their new school or teacher is tough. Research also shows a child’s sense of belonging at school affects their motivation and wellbeing. So, how should parents approach this situation?

Twists and surprises in stories are more than just gimmicks – they tell us important clues about the way that people think.

When it comes to grit, resilience and kids sport, the question around their enrolment, ongoing participation and right to quit is often the topic of much conversation – and consternation. As parents, what should we do when kids announce they want to “take a break” or quit altogether?

By now, you’ve probably heard about a tiny radioactive capsule that went missing from the back of a truck somewhere in Western Australia. Should it not be found, a long-term system of sampling will be needed to monitor for radiation to protect humans and the environment.

As with so many staples and fresh produce items in the past two years, the problem is a temporary imbalance between supply and demand

The Fogarty EDvance School Improvement Program challenges communities by enhancing the capacity of educational leaders to address the complexity in their schools.

More than 70,000 people globally have been laid off in the industry over the past year — what exactly led to this massive shakeout, and what does it mean for us?

New Zealand's Prime Minister is stepping down of her own accord, a fitting end to a tenure marked by self-awareness, transparency and humility.

Viewers of the Golden Globes noticed the actor can’t seem to shake his Elvis voice – but apparently that’s a real issue for performers.

In her essay on the work of Tim Winton, Geraldine Brooks is looking for a punch-up with academics and critics.

It will take time for the benefits of additional trainees to flow through to employers, depending on the enrolment rates and duration of the programs.

In many cultures, welcoming the new year means setting goals for the following 12 months — and we've been doing it for 4000 years.

Starting off small can make it easier to stick to your new routines, while still having an effect on your health.

ECU research has focused on finding out why offenders commit burglary, what they’re looking for, and how they decide which house to target. Here’s what you need to know.

A country of plenty like Australia should be able to ensure no one is denied their right to adequate food. But food insecurity is on the rise, and we aren’t even properly monitoring the problem.

Since the world’s second-largest crypto exchange, FTX, declared bankruptcy earlier this month, the flow-on effects have been felt far and wide. But among the many victims are also some not-so-innocent parties.

Natural talent and years of very hard training account for much of the brilliant play we see at the highest level - but there are certainly some physical features which also help a lot.

Around half of the world’s population are women or people who menstruate – yet the way their body works can be a mystery — even to them.

It’s natural to wonder if all animals, including humans, should be herbivores – in other words, only eat plants.
To answer this question, we first need to understand a little about animals, and herbivores.

The largest international sporting event ever held in a Muslim country has shone a spotlight it seems both the host nation and the organising body are finding far too bright. But what did they expect?

A 2021 study revealed 74 per cent of early childhood workers want to leave the sector in the next three years, but a program piloted in British Columbia may provide a solution.

Coles has reduced time on its click-and-collect service - but when can we expect a similar timeframe for our shopping to be delivered to our door?

While schools are responsible for ensuring a safe environment, parents are likely to be distressed and unsure about what to do if their child is being bullied.
What exactly is bullying? And how can you help your child if you are concerned?

Choreographer Krzysztof Pastor reproduces something familiar with a dash of local flavour.

Medibank’s chief executive said the company won’t be paying a ransom to cybercriminals, a decision endorsed by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil. But what does the evidence say?

In the September Optus attack data including names, birth dates, email addresses, driver’s licence numbers, and Medicare and passport details were taken. One quick way to turn these data into money is to use them to apply for credit cards.

We interviewed 50 children between the ages of 11 and 17 years who told us why they stole, what they stole, and how they learned how to burgle.

In the past few years, a swathe of anti-protest legislation has been enacted at both state and federal levels, imposing extremely tough sentences on those falling foul of the law.

While it’s risky to “bite the hand that feeds you”, athlete advocacy is reflective of activism within broader society.

One litre of home-brand milk in an Australian supermarket was about $1.30 at the end of 2021. It’s now about $1.60 — what will it cost at the end of 2022?

Almost one-in-three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children commence school in WA with at least two developmental vulnerabilities. So what can be done?

ECU research shows people already experiencing marginalisation are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It's known as 'climate injustice' — but importantly, groups are leading social movements to demand equity and fairness for current and future generations.

The insistence that we must mourn the Queen is cringeworthy. Such a mindset is befitting of a colony, not a culturally diverse, modern nation. But more to the point, such a mindset is disrespectful to First Nations people, writes Professor Braden Hill.

Over the years several replacements for the humble password have been proposed, however none have come close to the ease of using the traditional method. But this could change with the introduction of Passkeys – an update in Apple’s latest iOS 16 operating system. Passkeys could be the long-awaited solution to password malpractice, and the near-constant problem of compromised credentials.

While Stan should be lauded for consulting with attack survivors, the dramatization highlights the very public nature of terrorism, which can have highly personal impacts.

Australia’s flag carrier Qantas has survived the pandemic, but its return to normal service — and profitability — is proving to be a bumpy ride. It could well get worse before it gets better.

The profession's origins in religion, the military and misogyny continue to be felt and have led to many of the problems faced today.

Prices are up, finding materials and getting them on time is a challenge and builders are grappling with too much work and stress. So what exactly is happening here, and what’s the outlook?

One is the largest animal known to have ever existed. The other is a revered predator at the top of its food chain. But would a blue whale and a great white shark ever find themselves at odds with each other in the wild?

We hear the term all the time in media and policy debates about jobs and the economy — but what skills do we need and how do we get them?

Children of veterans can suffer when their military family member has service-related physical or mental health conditions. Researchers have developed age and culturally appropriate resources to help children, parents and educators to navigate these unique challenges.

Technology is often seen as the engine of social change. But this ignores the cultural forces and changes that enable technological shifts, as well as the fact that technology is often used to preserve the status quo, rather than usher in change, argues Professor Lelia Green.

To decarbonise by 2050, Australia must build more than 10,000 kilometres of new high-voltage transmission lines to carry renewable energy. That’s according to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s new plan for the energy system. However, the plan is facing a firm push back by communities and farmers.

Netflix's "How to Build a Sex Room" offers a compelling and voyeuristic insight into the sex lives of others, and is also valuable in educating and enlightening its audience - particularly older viewers.

'Culture' is the perfect scapegoat for many problems as it can seem as if no one is truly responsible for remedying the issue. In truth, it's up to leadership to make the necessary changes, so we need to make sure our business leaders are suitably trained to do so.

Australian governments play down the difference between child and adult offenders, and the costs are high.

Prices are rising, supermarket stocks are patchy and some cafes are reportedly serving breakfast with one egg instead of two.

A new documentary tells the story of WA artist Ross Seaton, the 'Walking Man', through the eyes of ECU Honorary Professor Ted Snell.

Google’s brief disappearance from the internet felt, for many, like an almost-apocalyptic moment.

The former AFL star's revelations about the 2018 Adelaide Crows training camp raises all sorts of questions — most obviously, how could an elite organisation treat its most valuable assets so badly?

In the development of ever smarter homes, Amazon could soon have access to the maps of our houses created and stored by Roomba vacuums.

Job sharing in the film industry could potentially give industry experience to new talent while also easing the burden on overworked and exhausted existing talent, writes PhD candidate and sessional lecturer Brad Nisbet.

The first Aboriginal woman to legally marry under colonial law in South Australia has descendants including prominent Kaurna people such as Gladys Elphick and Michael O'Loughlin.

The Manly Pride jumper furore has shown making inclusivity mandatory may not be the best approach to promote acceptance.

Amazon has announced plans to fork out US$3.9 billion (A$5.6 billion) to acquire US healthcare company One Medical. The move means Amazon is moving further in on the US healthcare market, sparking major concerns and questions as to whether it could happen in Australia.

Australia’s offshore detention policies have helped to produce indifference to the suffering of refugees. Pushing refugees out of sight, and out of mind, has now placed them beyond moral concern.

Learning how to be a confident and communicative writer is one of the most important skills students learn at school. But NAPLAN results show a significant decline in Australian students’ writing performance.

Scam artists' age-old hustles are increasingly being supplemented by digital chicanery, resulting in Australians losing an estimated $2 billion to fraudsters in 2021. Here are some of their most lucrative modern tricks.

While the immediate priority is to fill current labour vacancies, the government needs to ensure it is also preparing Australia for future skill needs and opportunities.

For tens of thousands of years, First Nations people have successfully addressed changing weather in Australia - it’s time to listen to their extensive knowledge of Country.

It's been 15 years since Apple released what’s arguably its flagship device: the iPhone. A decade and a half later, there are few products that have managed to reach a similar level of brand recognition. Announced to an eager audience in 2007, the iPhone has revolutionised how we communicate and even how we live day to day.

The transport giant has largely treated its workforce as independent contractors rather than employees with rights to benefits, but it has now agreed to a statement of principles that re-regulate work in the Australian rideshare and food delivery industry.

Australia’s builders are struggling to find lumber, reportedly waiting up to nine months for some materials - and the pain of delays and escalating price is real for tradies and clients.

After 27 years, Microsoft has finally bid farewell to the web browser Internet Explorer, and will redirect users to the latest version of its Edge browser. Microsoft has ended support for Explorer on several versions of Windows 10. Explorer will remain a working browser, but won’t be protected as new threats emerge.

With nine Broadway musicals currently playing on Australian stages – and a further three set to open or reopen in coming months – audiences could be forgiven for thinking “what pandemic?”

Our favourites from decades past absolutely have their place in today's homes and classrooms - however, we also need books reflecting today’s world for today’s children.

Twitter users are posting photos of icebergs lettuces for A$10 or more - well above the usual $2.80. It’s not new, and it’s not only lettuce.

The sexual desire of women over 50 is often unrepresented, misrepresented, and shown as comedic in culture – a new Australian film depicts a different reality.

There is little evidence organisations consider digital accessibility by default. It usually happens if they have a senior accessibility champion in their ranks, or when they get sued.

Does what we know of Australian relationships still apply today, particularly among millennials and Generation Z whose partnerships and dating behaviours are charting new territories?

No wonder children and young people are feeling anxious about climate change. They need validation and support, not a mental health disorder diagnosis, writes Professor Navjot Bhullar.