Articles
Welcome to Vocal Minority’s articles page—your hub for insights on social and political issues. Explore, engage, and join the movement for change.
Citizens’ Assemblies: A Democratic Renewal for Australia
Citizens' assemblies empower everyday Australians to tackle complex issues like climate change and housing by fostering inclusive, informed decision-making. Proven successful in countries like Ireland and France, they offer a path to restore trust in democracy and drive meaningful change.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- December 9, 2024
Why we need a Federal Minister for Children
A Federal Minister for Children is essential to address pressing issues like child poverty, mental health, and protection services across Australia. While some states like NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and WA have dedicated ministers for children, a national role would ensure consistent policies, equitable funding, and coordinated responses. This unified leadership is vital to safeguard the well-being and future of all Australian children.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- December 9, 2024
Extreme weather is here
Ecosystems on land absorb almost 30 percent of the carbon dioxide humans release into the atmosphere. Now a new report confirms the role rainforests and savannas play in achieving net-zero – but it also warns that climate change could change it all.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- March 28, 2022
The week in images
Sometimes it’s worth turning off the news and viewing the world through a photographer’s lens. This collection of images shows what went on this week: the good, the bad and extremely beautiful. Enjoy.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- February 28, 2022
What just happened?
The brazen invasion of Ukraine by Russia has shocked the world. While it may feel we are powerless, there are some powerful ways in which you can help. Here’s how…
Read More »- thevocalminority
- February 26, 2022
Would you choose food or a RAT test?
It started in January when a Sydney charity said its call for 500 RAT tests per week went unanswered by the state government. Today the problem is much larger with reports that low-income Australians are skipping meals because of the costs of RAT tests.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- February 14, 2022
Leading cause of death
Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians. This week’s annual End Youth Suicide campaign aims to destigmatise mental health problems and save lives by encouraging people to talk. But much more is needed, particularly increased government funding. Here’s how you can help.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- February 14, 2022
Barrier reef benefits from huge funding boost
The federal government has announced its largest-ever investment in saving the Great Barrier Reef, promising $1 billion towards improving water quality, reef management and research. The move follows years of degrading conditions and devastating bleaching events, and the threat of an “in danger” listing by the World Heritage Committee.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- January 31, 2022
Our most vulnerable still not protected
Omicron may have peaked, but many of the groups most vulnerable to the disease are still not adequately protected. The decision by National Cabinet to allow disability support workers to skip quarantine and work when they have been exposed to COVID-19 has been slammed as unacceptable by disability advocacy organisations.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- January 31, 2022
Stay safe, stay cool
Welcome to 2022! Many of us are on leave and we’re spending long happy days lazing on the beach or poolside with family and friends. What can go wrong? Well… quite a bit – particularly when alcohol is involved. Here’s our guide to summer water safety.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- January 11, 2022
Not out of the woods
Earlier this year Australia managed to avoid a Unesco recommendation urging the Great Barrier Reef’s status be moved to “in danger”. A dozen countries called the move “highly inappropriate” and are pushing to have the reef’s world heritage status review – again.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- December 6, 2021
Indigenous artifacts stuck in museums
With 39,000 Indigenous artifacts identified in UK museums, the call to return them to Australia is gaining traction. But the process to get them back is not as simple as you might think. Here, we look at Australia’s long-lost artifacts that are stuck in limbo…
Read More »- thevocalminority
- December 6, 2021
