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.
The problem with Canberra
Don’t expect niceties and lip service at this year’s International Women’s Day. Women are feeling the raw injustice of what is happening in Canberra (of what isn’t happening) and many are feeling frustrated and angry. But, with the PM dismissing calls for action, will we see any change?
Read More »- thevocalminority
- March 15, 2021
News roundup: good news for the planet
Good news for the environment this week: Australian business leaders are focusing on the impact of climate change as their number-one concern (ahead of the pandemic), polystyrene is slated to be phased out and echidnas are hailed for their soil regeneration powers. And don’t forget – it’s Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- March 15, 2021
Let’s play braille Lego!
Lego Braille Bricks – a fun toy designed for visually impaired kids – has just been launched in Australia. Schools and educators are given the blocks for free so that kids can turn learning braille into a fun thing. Kids are raving about it (of course, it’s Lego) so let’s find out more…
Read More »- thevocalminority
- February 15, 2021
Who Gives a Crap’s record $5.9m donation
It is said that Simon Griffiths had the idea to create Who Gives a Crap in the bathroom. A producer of toilet paper that would donate 50 per cent of profit to sanitation projects in developing countries. It has just made its biggest donation ever – outperforming Atlassian and Qantas.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- February 15, 2021
Back out on the street
Last year 40,000 rough sleepers were moved into temporary housing. Governments announced spending to fund social housing and there were hopes many, if not most, of these people would eventually move into their own homes. What is happening to now? As it turns out, the news is not all good.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- February 12, 2021
Arrival of electric cars inevitable?
The government’s just-announced electric car policy is a far cry from last election’s “war on the weekend” campaign. Still, the only party showing leadership is the car industry itself with five-minute recharge batteries now on offer. It looks our domestic car market is about to be shaken up. Or will it?
Read More »- thevocalminority
- February 6, 2021
Let’s talk about racism in Australia
Collingwood’s leaked report on racism within the club came as no surprise. And if it weren’t for Eddie McGuire’s attempt at spinning its findings, it wouldn’t have been getting this much airtime. The discussion on racism in Australia takes centre stage once again. And that’s a good thing.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- February 6, 2021
UN condemns Australia’s child incarceration rates
The push to lift the age of criminal responsibility for children from 10 to 14 years may have failed last year but the world is watching. At a recent UN gathering, 30 countries condemned the Australian government over high rates of child incarceration. They are demanding change.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- February 1, 2021
Public pressure behind refugee release
It would have been easy to miss the news that the government is quietly releasing refugees from detention. A third group of refugees, including one woman, brought to Australia under now-repealed Medevac laws has just been released. We take a look at what’s been happening – and why.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- February 1, 2021
Australia missing at One Planet Summit
Fifty countries including China, France, UK and Germany have pledged to protect 30 per cent of land and sea by 2030. With new modelling showing that green initiatives like these could create 191 million jobs worldwide, it makes economic sense too. Great news – but where was Australia?
Read More »- thevocalminority
- January 23, 2021
10 humanitarian crises you never heard of
Coverage of the pandemic dominated world headlines in 2020. But did you know that the launch of PlayStation 5 received 26 times more news attention than 10 humanitarian crises combined? Over 230 million people are in desperate need of help but you most likely never heard about it.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- January 22, 2021
Climate resolutions to keep in 2021
Welcome to 2021. This year we will again bring you lots of stories about social and environmental issues, and how you can make a change. This week we’re going to green up our new year’s resolutions with these tips. Let’s make 2021 the greenest year yet.
Read More »- thevocalminority
- January 11, 2021
