Articles - TheVocalMinority

Animal

Saving the koala from extinction

Disease, habitat loss and climate change has seen koala numbers plummet all across Australia but particularly in NSW. A new report claims that without urgent protection, the koala will be extinct by 2050. Will the koala’s cute-and-cuddly factor be enough to save it from extinction?

thevocalminority
July 7, 2020

Humanitarian

ABC funding cuts a threat to democracy

At the height of the coronavirus emergency and on the back of devastating bushfires, Australia’s much awarded and trusted national broadcaster has again been forced to make major cuts to staff, services and programs. Here’s why that is really bad news.

thevocalminority
June 28, 2020

Environment

Indigenous culture and ancient heritage sites

With archaic and outdated heritage protection laws, it will only be a matter of time until another ancient site is allowed to be destroyed by a company acting in self-interest rather than that of all Australians. Meet those fighting to preserve history for future generations.

thevocalminority
June 28, 2020

Humanitarian

Closing the education gap for good

After long weeks of remote schooling, students across Australia are finally back at school. While parents are celebrating, teachers are scrambling to assess who surged ahead during the shutdown, and who stagnated.

thevocalminority
June 22, 2020

Humanitarian

Looking for a brighter future

The pandemic is spreading at an alarming rate in developing countries, its leaders facing the now familiar juggling act of public health and the economy. But with many governments unable or unwilling to boost health services or tackle poverty, a real crisis is starting to form. Where to for the poverty stricken?

thevocalminority
June 19, 2020

Environment

Averting the megafires

Whatever 2020 will throw our way next, it won’t be another extreme bushfire season. That doesn’t mean there won’t be any bushfires at all, but they’re not likely to be as extensive and severe – and won’t be for the next three to five years. It’s great and very welcome news.

thevocalminority
June 12, 2020

Humanitarian

HomeBuilder missed opportunity for public housing

The just-announced HomeBuilder package includes stimulus grants of $25,000 for new dwellings or renovations. Good idea or a missed opportunity for community housing?

thevocalminority
June 8, 2020

Humanitarian

Tackling the elephant in the room

George Floyd’s terrible death has turned the spotlight on the treatment of our own indigenous people and on the entrenched racism that exists in Australia. We don’t want to whitesplain, nor do we want to create division or fan hatred. But we can’t stay silent either because Aboriginal Lives Matter.

thevocalminority
June 5, 2020

Humanitarian

Casualties of the COVID crisis

Charities are facing a fundraising crisis as the economic fallout of COVID-19 continues. A new report warns that more than 200,000 charity workers could lose their jobs and force most of Australia's 16,000 charities into deficit if COVID-19 financial supports are not extended.

thevocalminority
June 5, 2020

Humanitarian

Curious case of Celeste Barber’s bushfire money

The fate of Celeste Barber’s fundraiser has been decided. The supreme court ruled the entire sum – all $51.3 million of it – is to be spent by the NSW Rural Fire Service. What does this mean for charities and could it have been handled differently?

thevocalminority
June 1, 2020

Humanitarian

Marking Reconciliation Week during a pandemic

Following National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week represents a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. It is hugely significant because it marks a time to think about relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. We have rounded up some of the best reports for you.

thevocalminority
June 1, 2020

Humanitarian

Late-night message from an old flatmate

Years of domestic violence inaction could not have prepared us for the dumbfounding reports that came out this week. The Senate inquiry into Hannah Clarke’s murder returned empty handed while the NSW government proposed reforms that will force DV victims to gather their own evidence. Yes, seriously.

thevocalminority
May 25, 2020