George Williams

Lowering the voting age to 16 would be good for democracy

01 Jun 2015

Momentum is building around the world to lower the voting age to 16 years. Australians this age, too, should get a say in decisions that affect their lives, writes George Williams.

Referendum not the way to resolve our impasse on same-sex marriage

18 May 2015

It's been argued Australia should follow Ireland's lead on same-sex marriage and hold a referendum to bypass an unwilling Parliament. While the sentiment is positive, the idea is flawed, writes George Williams.

Western Australia has the most to lose from GST non-cooperation

04 May 2015

Every year or so, rumblings emerge from Western Australia that it might leave the Federation, however these threats are largely empty words, writes George Williams.

Metadata law concessions good news for press but problems remain

23 Mar 2015

Despite concessions for journalists, it appears the government and Labor have lost the appetite for further amendments to the Metatdata Bill, meaning it is set to join a long list of Australia's problematic national security laws, writes George Williams.

Why NSW election laws can lead to corruption

09 Mar 2015

The Baird government's expert panel on political donations has made it clear laws in place for the NSW March election campaign leave open the possibility for corruption, writes George Williams.

No change likely despite quashing of Hicks' conviction

23 Feb 2015

The Australian government's response to the quashing of David Hicks' conviction for providing material support to terrorism has been underwhelming, writes George Williams.

High Court appointment shows how bench retirement age needs to better reflect society

09 Feb 2015

Last week saw the swearing-in of Geoffrey Nettle as the High Court's 51st justice. But a dated rule means he must retire in less than six years, writes George Williams.

Blood on many hands in CIA-torture scandal

15 Dec 2014

It's time to hold a judicial inquiry to come to terms with Australia's involvement in the use of torture after September 11, writes George Williams.

Don't expect Senate defectors to take the honourable course

01 Dec 2014

Party 'rats' have no mandate from voters and should give up their seats rather than turn independent, writes George Williams.

Who'll be the next judges of the High Court?

17 Nov 2014

The Abbott government will soon make two very significant appointments to the High Court, arising from the retirements of Justices Kenneth Hayne and Susan Crennan, writes George Williams.

George Williams

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