After five years at the @australiainstitute.org.au, I'm hanging up my posting gloves.
It's been a privilege working with such an incredible bunch of brave and brilliant people. Thanks to you all for making it so special.
For my last newsletter, I put in a few words of my own ⤵️
It's been a privilege working with such an incredible bunch of brave and brilliant people. Thanks to you all for making it so special.
For my last newsletter, I put in a few words of my own ⤵️
Gas exporters pay no tax (again) | Between the Lines
The Wrap with Hayden Starr For the last five years I've worked behind the scenes, helping communicate the Australia Institute's research online and on
australiainstitute.org.au
October 10, 2025 at 5:17 AM
After five years at the @australiainstitute.org.au, I'm hanging up my posting gloves.
It's been a privilege working with such an incredible bunch of brave and brilliant people. Thanks to you all for making it so special.
For my last newsletter, I put in a few words of my own ⤵️
It's been a privilege working with such an incredible bunch of brave and brilliant people. Thanks to you all for making it so special.
For my last newsletter, I put in a few words of my own ⤵️
AI chatbots and LLMs are very expensive to run and they make almost no money.
Monetisation might start with selling ads...but where does it stop?
What's stopping powerful interests from paying AI companies to feed you lies about political parties during elections?
We need proper safeguards asap
Monetisation might start with selling ads...but where does it stop?
What's stopping powerful interests from paying AI companies to feed you lies about political parties during elections?
We need proper safeguards asap
October 1, 2025 at 11:27 PM
AI chatbots and LLMs are very expensive to run and they make almost no money.
Monetisation might start with selling ads...but where does it stop?
What's stopping powerful interests from paying AI companies to feed you lies about political parties during elections?
We need proper safeguards asap
Monetisation might start with selling ads...but where does it stop?
What's stopping powerful interests from paying AI companies to feed you lies about political parties during elections?
We need proper safeguards asap
Reposted by Hayden Starr
Here's the ACCC today saying that gas exporters are ripping us off. Again.
"gas being offered & supplied by the exporters to the domestic market has declined over time, while LNG export volumes have increased."
@australiainstitute.org.au @markogge.bsky.social
www.accc.gov.au/system/files...
"gas being offered & supplied by the exporters to the domestic market has declined over time, while LNG export volumes have increased."
@australiainstitute.org.au @markogge.bsky.social
www.accc.gov.au/system/files...
October 1, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Here's the ACCC today saying that gas exporters are ripping us off. Again.
"gas being offered & supplied by the exporters to the domestic market has declined over time, while LNG export volumes have increased."
@australiainstitute.org.au @markogge.bsky.social
www.accc.gov.au/system/files...
"gas being offered & supplied by the exporters to the domestic market has declined over time, while LNG export volumes have increased."
@australiainstitute.org.au @markogge.bsky.social
www.accc.gov.au/system/files...
Reposted by Hayden Starr
Yep, if you're going to do a range, why not 62% to 100%???
Australia’s target is 62% which is pathetic.
The 70% is meaningless because we only have to reach 62% to meet the target.
Australia continues its wrecking role in global efforts prevent climate collapse because our governments want to keep approving giant fossil fuel export projects.
The 70% is meaningless because we only have to reach 62% to meet the target.
Australia continues its wrecking role in global efforts prevent climate collapse because our governments want to keep approving giant fossil fuel export projects.
September 25, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Yep, if you're going to do a range, why not 62% to 100%???
Musk's manipulation of X was the blueprint. He succeeded in elevating extreme hard right views, including inciting violence and promoting Nazism.
It's so easy for them to tweak the algorithm to supress views they don't like, and therefore crushing public discourse.
It's so easy for them to tweak the algorithm to supress views they don't like, and therefore crushing public discourse.
September 24, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Musk's manipulation of X was the blueprint. He succeeded in elevating extreme hard right views, including inciting violence and promoting Nazism.
It's so easy for them to tweak the algorithm to supress views they don't like, and therefore crushing public discourse.
It's so easy for them to tweak the algorithm to supress views they don't like, and therefore crushing public discourse.
Without a morsel of irony, senator James Paterson said “it would be an unfortunate thing if there was a safe version of TikTok in the US, but a version of TikTok in Australia which was still controlled by a foreign authoritarian govt.”
It's not about China. They want total control over your media.
It's not about China. They want total control over your media.
Australia may have to choose between a Chinese TikTok and one owned by Trump’s billionaire backers
Expert raises concerns about what US TikTok deal could mean for News Corp’s ‘worrying dominance’ in Australian media
www.theguardian.com
September 23, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Without a morsel of irony, senator James Paterson said “it would be an unfortunate thing if there was a safe version of TikTok in the US, but a version of TikTok in Australia which was still controlled by a foreign authoritarian govt.”
It's not about China. They want total control over your media.
It's not about China. They want total control over your media.
Reposted by Hayden Starr
just a 10/10 first line here
The AUKUS deal is a sinking ship in all ways except for the one we want.
American experts are telling us "accept the fact that you're not going to get those submarines" but the Aus Gov is still giving America billions to make their own subs.
Ditch AUKUS while we can still salvage some dignity.
American experts are telling us "accept the fact that you're not going to get those submarines" but the Aus Gov is still giving America billions to make their own subs.
Ditch AUKUS while we can still salvage some dignity.
September 23, 2025 at 1:49 AM
just a 10/10 first line here
Reposted by Hayden Starr
Five publishing outfits and four of them have women founders. Thanks to @womensagenda.bsky.social for republishing my piece in the Conversation
Australia's newest publishers are dominated by women. And they're making defiant, weird, grass-roots books
Five new Australian publishers are bringing bold, grassroots books to life despite challenges in funding and distribution.
womensagenda.com.au
September 23, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Five publishing outfits and four of them have women founders. Thanks to @womensagenda.bsky.social for republishing my piece in the Conversation
"Your insane nationalism contains a lust for domination that will not cease until you realize that the age of empires is over and that your empire will not be rebuilt."
What a line from the Polish Foreign Minister.
www.politico.eu/article/rado...
What a line from the Polish Foreign Minister.
www.politico.eu/article/rado...
September 23, 2025 at 12:52 AM
"Your insane nationalism contains a lust for domination that will not cease until you realize that the age of empires is over and that your empire will not be rebuilt."
What a line from the Polish Foreign Minister.
www.politico.eu/article/rado...
What a line from the Polish Foreign Minister.
www.politico.eu/article/rado...
The AUKUS deal is a sinking ship in all ways except for the one we want.
American experts are telling us "accept the fact that you're not going to get those submarines" but the Aus Gov is still giving America billions to make their own subs.
Ditch AUKUS while we can still salvage some dignity.
American experts are telling us "accept the fact that you're not going to get those submarines" but the Aus Gov is still giving America billions to make their own subs.
Ditch AUKUS while we can still salvage some dignity.
September 23, 2025 at 12:39 AM
The AUKUS deal is a sinking ship in all ways except for the one we want.
American experts are telling us "accept the fact that you're not going to get those submarines" but the Aus Gov is still giving America billions to make their own subs.
Ditch AUKUS while we can still salvage some dignity.
American experts are telling us "accept the fact that you're not going to get those submarines" but the Aus Gov is still giving America billions to make their own subs.
Ditch AUKUS while we can still salvage some dignity.
Eye-watering levels of flushing money down the drain.
What is Australia getting for our money? Certainly not nuclear submarines. Certainly not a dependable friend in the US.
What is Australia getting for our money? Certainly not nuclear submarines. Certainly not a dependable friend in the US.
September 19, 2025 at 4:03 AM
Eye-watering levels of flushing money down the drain.
What is Australia getting for our money? Certainly not nuclear submarines. Certainly not a dependable friend in the US.
What is Australia getting for our money? Certainly not nuclear submarines. Certainly not a dependable friend in the US.
From a US defence expert: the AUKUS Submarine Deal is Dead
"The US can’t provide the submarines; the UK can't make up for the shortfall...and Canberra must now face the unpleasant truth that the promises made in 2021 were more fantasy pledges than realistic commitments."
"The US can’t provide the submarines; the UK can't make up for the shortfall...and Canberra must now face the unpleasant truth that the promises made in 2021 were more fantasy pledges than realistic commitments."
The AUKUS Submarine Deal is Dead
The promise to give Australia nuclear submarines is collapsing. A severe industrial crisis in both the U.S. and UK means the AUKUS security deal's central pillar is no longer viable.
nationalsecurityjournal.org
September 19, 2025 at 4:00 AM
From a US defence expert: the AUKUS Submarine Deal is Dead
"The US can’t provide the submarines; the UK can't make up for the shortfall...and Canberra must now face the unpleasant truth that the promises made in 2021 were more fantasy pledges than realistic commitments."
"The US can’t provide the submarines; the UK can't make up for the shortfall...and Canberra must now face the unpleasant truth that the promises made in 2021 were more fantasy pledges than realistic commitments."
There are simple changes we can make to our cities that will have vast and ongoing positive effects on the lives of community members.
Community leaders with vision are pulling up concrete and replacing it with plant life.
Community leaders with vision are pulling up concrete and replacing it with plant life.
Smart cities know that, as hot as they already are, they’re just going to keep getting hotter. Greening the city not only cools it down, it cleans the air, quiets the noise, improves mental health & happiness, saves public money, & more. Strand Aldwych, London. 2021 vs. 2025. Via @modacitylife.com
September 19, 2025 at 3:42 AM
There are simple changes we can make to our cities that will have vast and ongoing positive effects on the lives of community members.
Community leaders with vision are pulling up concrete and replacing it with plant life.
Community leaders with vision are pulling up concrete and replacing it with plant life.
The United States is actively enabling Israel to commit genocide.
When Prime Minister Albanese sees Trump next week, he has the opportunity to stand up for Australian interests, ditch AUKUS, and end this pathetic era of being America's lackey.
When Prime Minister Albanese sees Trump next week, he has the opportunity to stand up for Australian interests, ditch AUKUS, and end this pathetic era of being America's lackey.
September 19, 2025 at 2:08 AM
The United States is actively enabling Israel to commit genocide.
When Prime Minister Albanese sees Trump next week, he has the opportunity to stand up for Australian interests, ditch AUKUS, and end this pathetic era of being America's lackey.
When Prime Minister Albanese sees Trump next week, he has the opportunity to stand up for Australian interests, ditch AUKUS, and end this pathetic era of being America's lackey.
The Queensland LNP Government has banned pill testing. An insane, senseless move.
Pill testing saves lives.
There is free pill testing in the ACT - and 10% of people discarded the drugs after testing. 32% said they wouldn't use it after finding it wasn't what they expected. #auspol
Pill testing saves lives.
There is free pill testing in the ACT - and 10% of people discarded the drugs after testing. 32% said they wouldn't use it after finding it wasn't what they expected. #auspol
Parents of teen who died at music festival plead with Queensland government not to ban pill testing
Josh Tam’s parents have asked LNP to ‘step aside and allow the experts to lead the way in keeping our loved ones safe’
www.theguardian.com
September 19, 2025 at 12:15 AM
The Queensland LNP Government has banned pill testing. An insane, senseless move.
Pill testing saves lives.
There is free pill testing in the ACT - and 10% of people discarded the drugs after testing. 32% said they wouldn't use it after finding it wasn't what they expected. #auspol
Pill testing saves lives.
There is free pill testing in the ACT - and 10% of people discarded the drugs after testing. 32% said they wouldn't use it after finding it wasn't what they expected. #auspol
Most other developed countries do not count land use emissions in their official reporting.
Australia successfully lobbied to change the rules when negotiating the Kyoto Protocol to include land use (LULUCF) emissions because they knew how much it would clean our numbers. Cooked books indeed!
Australia successfully lobbied to change the rules when negotiating the Kyoto Protocol to include land use (LULUCF) emissions because they knew how much it would clean our numbers. Cooked books indeed!
September 18, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Most other developed countries do not count land use emissions in their official reporting.
Australia successfully lobbied to change the rules when negotiating the Kyoto Protocol to include land use (LULUCF) emissions because they knew how much it would clean our numbers. Cooked books indeed!
Australia successfully lobbied to change the rules when negotiating the Kyoto Protocol to include land use (LULUCF) emissions because they knew how much it would clean our numbers. Cooked books indeed!
Nearly all of Australia's 'on paper' emissions reductions come from land use.
This is largely because Aus chose 2005 as the baseline year from when 'reduction' starts. In 2005 there was very high land clearing which soon stopped.
This is counted as a huge reduction, while polluters keep polluting.
This is largely because Aus chose 2005 as the baseline year from when 'reduction' starts. In 2005 there was very high land clearing which soon stopped.
This is counted as a huge reduction, while polluters keep polluting.
September 18, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Nearly all of Australia's 'on paper' emissions reductions come from land use.
This is largely because Aus chose 2005 as the baseline year from when 'reduction' starts. In 2005 there was very high land clearing which soon stopped.
This is counted as a huge reduction, while polluters keep polluting.
This is largely because Aus chose 2005 as the baseline year from when 'reduction' starts. In 2005 there was very high land clearing which soon stopped.
This is counted as a huge reduction, while polluters keep polluting.
This pathetically unambitious 62% target is worse than it sounds because of how Australia uses dodgy "land use" emissions accounting.
Really good explainer on LULUCF and land use emissions here: australiainstitute.org.au/post/lulucf-...
Really good explainer on LULUCF and land use emissions here: australiainstitute.org.au/post/lulucf-...
September 18, 2025 at 2:11 AM
This pathetically unambitious 62% target is worse than it sounds because of how Australia uses dodgy "land use" emissions accounting.
Really good explainer on LULUCF and land use emissions here: australiainstitute.org.au/post/lulucf-...
Really good explainer on LULUCF and land use emissions here: australiainstitute.org.au/post/lulucf-...
Albanese's 2035 target is 62-70%.
62% is piss-poor.
Not enough to prevent devastating impacts.
Not enough to convince our Pacific neighbours that we care about their future.
62% is piss-poor.
Not enough to prevent devastating impacts.
Not enough to convince our Pacific neighbours that we care about their future.
September 18, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Albanese's 2035 target is 62-70%.
62% is piss-poor.
Not enough to prevent devastating impacts.
Not enough to convince our Pacific neighbours that we care about their future.
62% is piss-poor.
Not enough to prevent devastating impacts.
Not enough to convince our Pacific neighbours that we care about their future.
This is a very good piece from Allan Behm that cuts to the heart of Australia's foreign policy failures.
"Australia needs to understand that the Pacific nations might not want to be Australia’s partners of choice in the battle of the giants. They want wellbeing and happiness."
"Australia needs to understand that the Pacific nations might not want to be Australia’s partners of choice in the battle of the giants. They want wellbeing and happiness."
"This double whammy in the Pacific is a failure of diplomacy. But the failure of diplomacy is symptomatic of a much deeper set of systemic failures," writes Allan Behm.
"Australia’s default foreign policy mindset is a function of two factors: dependence on America and fear of China."
"Australia’s default foreign policy mindset is a function of two factors: dependence on America and fear of China."
Australia’s failure of diplomacy in PNG shows we can’t – and won’t – understand our Pacific neighbours | Allan Behm
Our foreign policy mindset is a function of our dependence on America and fear of China, while we talk down to our ‘Pacific family’ and remain deaf to their global warming concerns
www.theguardian.com
September 18, 2025 at 12:48 AM
This is a very good piece from Allan Behm that cuts to the heart of Australia's foreign policy failures.
"Australia needs to understand that the Pacific nations might not want to be Australia’s partners of choice in the battle of the giants. They want wellbeing and happiness."
"Australia needs to understand that the Pacific nations might not want to be Australia’s partners of choice in the battle of the giants. They want wellbeing and happiness."
Reminder: The AUKUS deal was supposedly cooked up in the brain of Boris Johnson who wanted to piss off Macron, and so convinced Scott Morrison to drop the French subs deal.
$368 billion Australian taxpayer dollars to help the US make submarines that we'll never receive.
Turnbull explains why ⤵️
$368 billion Australian taxpayer dollars to help the US make submarines that we'll never receive.
Turnbull explains why ⤵️
September 17, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Reminder: The AUKUS deal was supposedly cooked up in the brain of Boris Johnson who wanted to piss off Macron, and so convinced Scott Morrison to drop the French subs deal.
$368 billion Australian taxpayer dollars to help the US make submarines that we'll never receive.
Turnbull explains why ⤵️
$368 billion Australian taxpayer dollars to help the US make submarines that we'll never receive.
Turnbull explains why ⤵️
This is brilliant.
Your house price going up is NOT good for your kids
September 17, 2025 at 6:41 AM
This is brilliant.
Thank you to these brave and compassionate people.
@jewishcouncilau.bsky.social have been doing incredible work to stop the genocide for the last two years.
Sanction Israel now.
@jewishcouncilau.bsky.social have been doing incredible work to stop the genocide for the last two years.
Sanction Israel now.
We're launching a campaign to end the genocide in Gaza. Sign our petition to call on the Australian government to sanction Israel NOW.
Tomorrow we'll be in the Daily Telegraph and the Herald Sun so please:
Snap a photo of yourself with the ad and tag us
www.jewishcouncil.com.au/2025/09/peti...
Tomorrow we'll be in the Daily Telegraph and the Herald Sun so please:
Snap a photo of yourself with the ad and tag us
www.jewishcouncil.com.au/2025/09/peti...
September 17, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Thank you to these brave and compassionate people.
@jewishcouncilau.bsky.social have been doing incredible work to stop the genocide for the last two years.
Sanction Israel now.
@jewishcouncilau.bsky.social have been doing incredible work to stop the genocide for the last two years.
Sanction Israel now.
Australia doesn't need any more gas projects.
The UN and the International Energy Agency are clear - there can be no new gas and coal projects if we are to keep to 1.5C
@richarddenniss.bsky.social nails it
The UN and the International Energy Agency are clear - there can be no new gas and coal projects if we are to keep to 1.5C
@richarddenniss.bsky.social nails it
The Australian Government's (bad) excuse for more gas?
So that the world will use less coal...🤨
So why is the Australian Government...also approving new coal mines!?
🔊 Executive Director Richard Denniss appearing at the Senate Environment Committee
@richarddenniss.bsky.social #auspol
So that the world will use less coal...🤨
So why is the Australian Government...also approving new coal mines!?
🔊 Executive Director Richard Denniss appearing at the Senate Environment Committee
@richarddenniss.bsky.social #auspol
September 17, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Australia doesn't need any more gas projects.
The UN and the International Energy Agency are clear - there can be no new gas and coal projects if we are to keep to 1.5C
@richarddenniss.bsky.social nails it
The UN and the International Energy Agency are clear - there can be no new gas and coal projects if we are to keep to 1.5C
@richarddenniss.bsky.social nails it
This is a great read from Gregory Andrews.
"AUKUS will make us more dependent on an erratic partner we can’t control, and less agile in responding to the real threats we face. Ditching AUKUS will be politically painful, but doubling down on a dud will be a strategic catastrophe."
"AUKUS will make us more dependent on an erratic partner we can’t control, and less agile in responding to the real threats we face. Ditching AUKUS will be politically painful, but doubling down on a dud will be a strategic catastrophe."
As Europe diversifies its defence, Canberra still clings to AUKUS
Anthony Albanese is about to pour more than $12 billion into a new AUKUS submarine base in Perth.
johnmenadue.com
September 16, 2025 at 6:44 AM
This is a great read from Gregory Andrews.
"AUKUS will make us more dependent on an erratic partner we can’t control, and less agile in responding to the real threats we face. Ditching AUKUS will be politically painful, but doubling down on a dud will be a strategic catastrophe."
"AUKUS will make us more dependent on an erratic partner we can’t control, and less agile in responding to the real threats we face. Ditching AUKUS will be politically painful, but doubling down on a dud will be a strategic catastrophe."