Oceania
Oceania
Fair Observer provides insightful and informed analysis of the important issues, events and trends in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific nations.
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360° Analysis / Politics / United States / Europe / Middle East / Americas / Africa / Asia / Environment & Sustainability / OceaniaBy Amy HenslinThere has been a shift in recent years of the analysis of brain drain. New approaches can help find benefits for all countries touched by this phenomenon. “Brain drain": the phrase alone has a negative connotation that tends to elicit sympathy for developing countries. In the midst of so much corruption, violence, and hunger, having the best and brightest leave the country inevitably hinders development instead of promoting it. How can Western countries allow this to happen? Or so popular opinion went between 1973 and 2000. Neo-Marxist and Structuralist theories dominated, concluding that the West was responsible for disrupting development by encouraging talented...
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An overview of Tasmania’s ambitious project to formulate and implement its goals for the future. Ten years ago, Tasmania’s Labour Premier Jim Bacon came up with a vision to align priorities of politicians with economic and social priorities. In 1999, three political conflicts plagued Tasmania. Parliamentary seats were reduced from 35 to 25, enraging the emerging Greens who were the primary losers. Gambling in hotels and bars in the form of gaming machines divided Tasmanians. Finally, the clear-cutting of rain forests was an emotive issue. Mr. Bacon sought inspiration from the US where Governor Neil Goldschmidt had launched the project “Oregon shines” to develop...
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Journalists race to be first with the news. A new report calls for a stronger umpire to stop this becoming a race to the bottom for journalistic standards. Competitive markets are in theory a great thing. In reality though, that's not always true. by Mike Seccombe In theory, when there are multiple suppliers of a good or service competing, prices come down close to the cost of production, innovation is encouraged, and consumers benefit. Now for an example, the reality. The Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practice and ethics of the press in Britain, is often originally referred to as the "phone hacking inquiry". Leveson is far more than that now, though. Hardly a week...
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An overview of Australia’s humanitarian policy and politics. Political rhetoric and media reports suggest that ‘boat people’ are a key issue of concern for the world’s largest island nation, Australia. Three issues dominated political debate in the lead up to the last federal election in August 2010: climate change, mental health and ‘boat people’. Disturbing events, such as the sinking of an asylum seeker boat off the coast of Christmas Island in December 2010, and controversial policy announcements such as that of the ‘Malaysia solution’ by the incumbent Labor Government in May 2011, have ensured that ‘boat people...
