The Latest Breaking News from Australian Research Council

We asked Melburnians about shared e-scooters. Their responses point to alternatives to the city council’s ban

Melbourne City Council recently decided to ban shared e‑scooters. The council cited concerns for the safety of e‑scooter riders, other road users and pedestrians. The city still permits private e‑scooters.

The Conversation · Sep 4, 2024

First Nations people are 3 times more likely to die on the road. Here’s how to fix Australia’s transport injustice

Last year, more than 1,200 people died in road crashes across Australia. But not all Australians face the same level of risk on our roads.

The Conversation · Sep 2, 2024

What a ‘forgotten’ Torres Strait Island Paralympian teaches us about representation, achievement and history

The full significance of Harry Mosby’s silver-medal win in the men’s discus at the 1976 Paralympic Games in Canada was unrecognised for 45 years: Paralympics Australia thought he was a Western Australian.

The Conversation · Sep 2, 2024

Rafts of garbage, kelp and other debris could transport alien invaders to a warming Antarctica

The remote icy wilderness at the bottom of the world is exposed to pollution and foreign organisms on floating ocean debris.

The Conversation · Aug 22, 2024

Preparation, cooperation, adaptation: what Australia’s music festivals are thinking about in an era of climate change

Cancellations of music festivals due to climate-related events have increased dramatically in the last five years. The Black Summer 2019-20 bushfires drove away Falls Festival (Lorne, Victoria), Lost Paradise (Glenworth, New South Wales) and Yours & Owls (Wollongong, NSW). Floods throughout 2022 held up Strawberry Fields (Tocumwal, NSW), This That…

The Conversation · Aug 21, 2024

Poor compliance and broad exemptions mean land clearing continues apace in northern Australia – despite our laws and pledges

In 2021, Australia was one of 141 nations pledging to end deforestation by 2030 – just over five years from now.

The Conversation · Aug 21, 2024

Calls to ban ‘harmful pornography’ are rife. Here’s what teens actually think about porn

Pornography has been in the news a lot this year. It was at the centre of discussions for addressing violence against women back in May. Deepfake pornography has also been in the headlines.

The Conversation · Aug 20, 2024

Long COVID cost the Australian economy almost $10 billion in 2022 – new research

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 10–20% of people suffer from long COVID after they recover from the initial COVID infection.

The Conversation · Aug 19, 2024

Australia’s nature is in deep crisis. These 3 easy steps would give our new environment laws teeth

The Albanese government’s environmental reforms are likely to feature prominently on federal parliament’s agenda this week. A Senate inquiry into the long-awaited reforms is due to deliver its findings on Monday. Meanwhile, the Coalition is reportedly preparing to oppose the changes, potentially forcing Labor into negotiations with the Greens.

The Conversation · Aug 18, 2024

Most Australians are worried about artificial intelligence, new survey shows. Improved media literacy is vital

After becoming mainstream in 2023, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is now transforming the way we live.

The Conversation · Aug 18, 2024