Social Affairs

'Pandemic drones': useful for enforcing social distancing, or for creating a police state?

01 Apr 2020

While 'good drones' have been valuable in this pandemic, using drones to embed new systems of surveillance could be a dangerous and slippery slope.

We're going to have to find more ways to connect with one another as physical distancing continues. Image: Shutterstock.

Those most vulnerable to virus also most at risk of loneliness in lockdown

31 Mar 2020

It is our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable from loneliness in the COVID-19 pandemic, says a social researcher from UNSW.

Lessons of the epidemic for small government

30 Mar 2020

The coronavirus emergency is a brutal reminder that we pay a price for deregulating society in pursuit of profit.

Australia's unemployment welfare system is described as punitive by critics. Image: Shutterstock.

Australia’s welfare system remains punitive through pandemic

27 Mar 2020

Vulnerable groups who receive unemployment benefits in Australia face punitive payment conditions that have been challenged due to COVID-19.

COVID-19: We will be measured by how we support the vulnerable

27 Mar 2020

The coronavirus pandemic will test urban resilience, and we must rise to the challenge, says UNSW professor.

Schools are moving online, but not all children start out digitally equal

27 Mar 2020

For some children, learning online will be little more than an inconvenience. For others it will magnify their learning disadvantage. This move is a mass social experiment never done before.

Coronavirus supplement: your guide to the Australian payments that will go to the extra million on welfare

26 Mar 2020

Australia's unemployment benefits are now middle of the pack, but the package treats two-income couples badly.

The COVID-19 crisis highlights the vulnerable existence animals endure

Pets: the voiceless victims of the COVID-19 crisis

25 Mar 2020

Reports of companion animals starving or being killed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak highlight the vulnerable existence animals endure at the whim of humans.

Why housing evictions must be suspended to defend us against coronavirus

24 Mar 2020

Housing is our first line of defence against coronavirus, so leaving someone homeless increases the risk for everyone. Australia should follow other countries in imposing a moratorium on evictions.

National Day of Action against bullying and violence

The long-term negative effects of bullying

20 Mar 2020

Children who are bullied are at risk of experiencing poor outcomes for up to four decades after exposure.

Social Affairs

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