Pearls and Irritations – Public policy journal
3 days ago · Read progressive, liberal commentary on issues that impact Australians. Our daily articles focus on politics, public policy and world affairs.
Thoughts on the ceasefire deal - Pearls and Irritations
1 day ago · Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire and hostage deal, which is scheduled to take effect January 19.The deal as written is apparently virtually identical to the one Hamas agreed to last May, which Netanyahu then sabotaged with the complicity of the Biden administration. As usual, Israel appears to be ramping up its aggressions to kill as many people as possible before the ...
With friends like these... - Pearls and Irritations
1 day ago · Despite the decades both major parties have spent ingratiating themselves with the leaders of the United States, Australia is unlikely to receive any favours from the Trump administration. For once the clichés about turning points and game changers seem appropriate, even understated. Just when you ...
All articles - Pearls and Irritations
Facts, alternative facts and Edward Said: Narrating a genocide. As Donald Trump is inaugurated as a second-term president, readers may recall the infamous expression “alternative facts” used by Kellyanne Conway, Trump’s senior counsellor, to defend the false statements of Sean Spicer, the White House Press Secretary.
John Menadue, Author at Pearls and Irritations
John Menadue. John Menadue is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Pearls and Irritations. He was formerly Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet under Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser, Ambassador to Japan, Secretary of the Department of …
Summing up - Pearls and Irritations
The world and its people are facing serious local and global challenges. Climate change, economic instability, limits to free speech, threats to independent media reporting, and increasing social inequality all signal the breakdown of democratic systems across the world.
Beggars as choosers - Pearls and Irritations
2 days ago · Unsurprisingly, at least for those of you who have been following me for years, I start with macro context: This intervention occurs against the backdrop of America’s profound shortfall of domestic saving – a net national saving rate that …
Now, the New Year - Pearls and Irritations
In 2024 Democracy narrowly won the prelim on points. Now for the main bout. Its battlespace is the human mind where the contestants are truth and fantasy. If fantasy wins, our species will be decimated, our planet in danger of joining the dead worlds of …
About - Pearls and Irritations
Pearls and Irritations was founded by John Menadue, a former Secretary of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ambassador to Japan, Secretary of Immigration and CEO of Qantas.
A tribute to Susie Menadue - Pearls and Irritations
The phrase “Life is changed, not ended” is profound. Used by John Menadue in his tribute last week to his wife, Susie, it speaks volumes for their shared trust that we are more than “dust”, flesh and bones, however mysterious that “more” may be. And that it is, possibly, a glimpse of that “more” that can most meaningfully connect and free us.