Roland van Amstel
@rvanamstel.bsky.social
Integrated warning systems for flood, bushfire, and extreme heat. Bush firefighter. I believe humans can, and should, do better. Tread lightly. Born at 319.65 ppm. Part-time potty mouth.
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
“In Australia, it’s perfectly legal to lie in a political ad. And thanks to taxpayer funding of election campaigns, you could be the one paying for the ad that lies to you," writes Bill Browne from The Australia Institute.
Read the full piece on The Point: https://theaus.in/4kn5u5S
Read the full piece on The Point: https://theaus.in/4kn5u5S
February 2, 2026 at 11:53 PM
“In Australia, it’s perfectly legal to lie in a political ad. And thanks to taxpayer funding of election campaigns, you could be the one paying for the ad that lies to you," writes Bill Browne from The Australia Institute.
Read the full piece on The Point: https://theaus.in/4kn5u5S
Read the full piece on The Point: https://theaus.in/4kn5u5S
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
New Australia Institute research shows Australian high schools are the most expensive in the OECD.
"I can't see any policy case for taxpayers giving money to a school that can afford an air-conditioned equestrian arena."
@richarddenniss.bsky.social #auspol
"I can't see any policy case for taxpayers giving money to a school that can afford an air-conditioned equestrian arena."
@richarddenniss.bsky.social #auspol
February 3, 2026 at 1:29 AM
New Australia Institute research shows Australian high schools are the most expensive in the OECD.
"I can't see any policy case for taxpayers giving money to a school that can afford an air-conditioned equestrian arena."
@richarddenniss.bsky.social #auspol
"I can't see any policy case for taxpayers giving money to a school that can afford an air-conditioned equestrian arena."
@richarddenniss.bsky.social #auspol
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
When even the Mathias Cormann-led OECD says the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing are a problem, you know Australia's housing market is really cooked. 🔥🏚️🏚️🔥
@grogsgamut.bsky.social @elinorjohnstonleek.bsky.social #auspol
@grogsgamut.bsky.social @elinorjohnstonleek.bsky.social #auspol
February 3, 2026 at 4:58 AM
When even the Mathias Cormann-led OECD says the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing are a problem, you know Australia's housing market is really cooked. 🔥🏚️🏚️🔥
@grogsgamut.bsky.social @elinorjohnstonleek.bsky.social #auspol
@grogsgamut.bsky.social @elinorjohnstonleek.bsky.social #auspol
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
open.substack.com/pub/thedemoc...
It’s a very similar situation in Australia. Right wing groups, both domestic and international, oligarchs, media tycoons, conservative fundamentalist christians, & zionists, alt right nationalists… are tilting the political field to fascism.
It’s a very similar situation in Australia. Right wing groups, both domestic and international, oligarchs, media tycoons, conservative fundamentalist christians, & zionists, alt right nationalists… are tilting the political field to fascism.
Who's Behind the Hard-Right in Canada? A Reference Guide to Canada's Disinformation Network
From "Freedom" to Dominion: Mapping Canada's Nationalist Turn
open.substack.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:57 AM
open.substack.com/pub/thedemoc...
It’s a very similar situation in Australia. Right wing groups, both domestic and international, oligarchs, media tycoons, conservative fundamentalist christians, & zionists, alt right nationalists… are tilting the political field to fascism.
It’s a very similar situation in Australia. Right wing groups, both domestic and international, oligarchs, media tycoons, conservative fundamentalist christians, & zionists, alt right nationalists… are tilting the political field to fascism.
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
There might have been dumber policies in the history of civilisation, but right now I can’t think of any.
BREAKING: Free AI training will be offered to every adult in the UK, with short courses to teach people how to use simple AI tools effectively in the workplace.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall tells #BBCBreakfast about the scheme
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall tells #BBCBreakfast about the scheme
January 28, 2026 at 9:53 AM
There might have been dumber policies in the history of civilisation, but right now I can’t think of any.
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
Maher Tarabishi was detained in October during a scheduled check-in at an ICE facility.
He was the primary caretaker of his son, who died last week.
The family is seeking Maher's release so he can attend his son's funeral.
ICE reportedly denied the request.
Unimaginable cruelty.
He was the primary caretaker of his son, who died last week.
The family is seeking Maher's release so he can attend his son's funeral.
ICE reportedly denied the request.
Unimaginable cruelty.
ICE Denies Detainee's Request to Attend His Son's Funeral, Attorney Says
Maher Tarabishi was the primary caretaker of his son, Wael Tarabishi, 30, who died on Friday, Jan. 23, from complication
people.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Maher Tarabishi was detained in October during a scheduled check-in at an ICE facility.
He was the primary caretaker of his son, who died last week.
The family is seeking Maher's release so he can attend his son's funeral.
ICE reportedly denied the request.
Unimaginable cruelty.
He was the primary caretaker of his son, who died last week.
The family is seeking Maher's release so he can attend his son's funeral.
ICE reportedly denied the request.
Unimaginable cruelty.
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
“ANZUS has slipped from being an opportunity for a chat to a continuing display of Australian subservience and servile support for US military power.” - Allan Behm, Advisor, International & Security Affairs Program, The Australia Institute
Read more on The Point: https://theaus.in/4q8vEdP
Read more on The Point: https://theaus.in/4q8vEdP
January 29, 2026 at 12:14 AM
“ANZUS has slipped from being an opportunity for a chat to a continuing display of Australian subservience and servile support for US military power.” - Allan Behm, Advisor, International & Security Affairs Program, The Australia Institute
Read more on The Point: https://theaus.in/4q8vEdP
Read more on The Point: https://theaus.in/4q8vEdP
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
We don't hate Jews or Judaism, Greg.
We hate genocide. We hate apartheid. We hate ethnic cleansing. We hate racism. We hate war. We hate terrorism. We hate settler-colonialism. We hate all these things that Israel was and is guilty of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
We want Israel to stop.
We hate genocide. We hate apartheid. We hate ethnic cleansing. We hate racism. We hate war. We hate terrorism. We hate settler-colonialism. We hate all these things that Israel was and is guilty of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
We want Israel to stop.
January 20, 2026 at 12:12 AM
We don't hate Jews or Judaism, Greg.
We hate genocide. We hate apartheid. We hate ethnic cleansing. We hate racism. We hate war. We hate terrorism. We hate settler-colonialism. We hate all these things that Israel was and is guilty of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
We want Israel to stop.
We hate genocide. We hate apartheid. We hate ethnic cleansing. We hate racism. We hate war. We hate terrorism. We hate settler-colonialism. We hate all these things that Israel was and is guilty of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
We want Israel to stop.
The AUKUS deal will cost taxpayers at least $368bn to build nuclear submarines for the U.S. with zero guarantee of a single submarine for Australia. Join me in signing the @australiainstitute.org.au petition demanding more scrutiny nb.australiainstitute.org.au/aukus_parlia...
Petition: Launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS
nb.australiainstitute.org.au
January 16, 2026 at 1:03 AM
The AUKUS deal will cost taxpayers at least $368bn to build nuclear submarines for the U.S. with zero guarantee of a single submarine for Australia. Join me in signing the @australiainstitute.org.au petition demanding more scrutiny nb.australiainstitute.org.au/aukus_parlia...
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
"Welcome to Moscow on the Torrens"
Strong piece on the dark forces of censorship by Louise Adler. Resigns from Adelaide WW.
#auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Strong piece on the dark forces of censorship by Louise Adler. Resigns from Adelaide WW.
#auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I cannot be party to silencing writers, which is why I am resigning as director of Adelaide Writers’ Week | Louise Adler
Cancelling the Australian Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah weakens freedom of speech and is the harbinger of a less free nation
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:13 PM
"Welcome to Moscow on the Torrens"
Strong piece on the dark forces of censorship by Louise Adler. Resigns from Adelaide WW.
#auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Strong piece on the dark forces of censorship by Louise Adler. Resigns from Adelaide WW.
#auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
"The increasingly extreme and repressive efforts of pro-Israel lobbyists to stifle even the mildest criticism has had a chilling effect on free speech and democratic institutions. "
"I cannot be party to silencing writers, which is why I am resigning as director of Adelaide writers’ week" Louise Adler ✊
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I cannot be party to silencing writers, which is why I am resigning as director of Adelaide Writers’ Week | Louise Adler
Cancelling the Australian Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah weakens freedom of speech and is the harbinger of a less free nation
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:51 PM
"The increasingly extreme and repressive efforts of pro-Israel lobbyists to stifle even the mildest criticism has had a chilling effect on free speech and democratic institutions. "
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
"They're manoeuvering Trump into a position where not taking Greenland...will make the US look weak."
"And we know he hates that."
Administration officials seem to be "warming Trump up" to the idea of further interventions beyond Venezuela, @emmashortis.bsky.social says.
🎧 theaus.in/4pvdvql
"And we know he hates that."
Administration officials seem to be "warming Trump up" to the idea of further interventions beyond Venezuela, @emmashortis.bsky.social says.
🎧 theaus.in/4pvdvql
January 13, 2026 at 4:18 AM
"They're manoeuvering Trump into a position where not taking Greenland...will make the US look weak."
"And we know he hates that."
Administration officials seem to be "warming Trump up" to the idea of further interventions beyond Venezuela, @emmashortis.bsky.social says.
🎧 theaus.in/4pvdvql
"And we know he hates that."
Administration officials seem to be "warming Trump up" to the idea of further interventions beyond Venezuela, @emmashortis.bsky.social says.
🎧 theaus.in/4pvdvql
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
"If we silence voices we don’t agree with, we’re doing the work of extremists for them"
Peter Greste
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Peter Greste
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
If we silence voices we don’t agree with, we’re doing the work of extremists for them | Peter Greste
I do not need to share Randa Abdel-Fattah’s views to believe that removing her is wrong. This is why I’ve withdrawn from Adelaide writers’ week
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:11 AM
"If we silence voices we don’t agree with, we’re doing the work of extremists for them"
Peter Greste
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Peter Greste
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
Not content with destroying Adelaide Writers Week, they are now going after WOMADelaide bc ... a Palestinian DJ
#whatsthescam #auspol @kimwingerei.bsky.social
michaelwest.com.au/is-womadelai...
#whatsthescam #auspol @kimwingerei.bsky.social
michaelwest.com.au/is-womadelai...
Is WOMADelaide next? Zionist group targets Palestinian DJ - Michael West
Hot on the heels of the Adelaide Writers Week cancellation imbroglio, WOMADelaide is being pressured to oust Techno DJ Sama' Abdulhami.
michaelwest.com.au
January 12, 2026 at 1:38 AM
Not content with destroying Adelaide Writers Week, they are now going after WOMADelaide bc ... a Palestinian DJ
#whatsthescam #auspol @kimwingerei.bsky.social
michaelwest.com.au/is-womadelai...
#whatsthescam #auspol @kimwingerei.bsky.social
michaelwest.com.au/is-womadelai...
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
The Royal Commission absolutely needs to examine the malignant influence the Israeli govt and its lobbyists have on Australian media (and government policy)
Just saw this. What utter bullshit. The Israel lobby are devoted to destroying the livelihoods of anyone who does not share their love of genocide.
The SMH is a rag.
www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
The SMH is a rag.
www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
Wilcox cartoon was divisive – and we apologise for the hurt it has caused
Although there is no place in this country for hate speech, there must be room for people to express their views on politics and world events.
www.smh.com.au
January 11, 2026 at 8:37 AM
The Royal Commission absolutely needs to examine the malignant influence the Israeli govt and its lobbyists have on Australian media (and government policy)
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953
-Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953
January 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953
-Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
Denton, Garner, FitzSimons, Dalton, de Krester, Hammer, Lette, Zadie Smith...
It is very much at the point where the lower risk is actually to drop out. That is the mainstream position.
The Festival board (and those who support them) are the extremists.
It is very much at the point where the lower risk is actually to drop out. That is the mainstream position.
The Festival board (and those who support them) are the extremists.
Final update tonight. Andrew Denton is also out. Have also crossed out Michael Veitch & Tracey Lee Holmes as they were part of Better Off Said, which is out.
Remember the list is a not final. Don't assume those not crossed out are going
Others to be found here www.artshub.com.au/news/news/ad...
Remember the list is a not final. Don't assume those not crossed out are going
Others to be found here www.artshub.com.au/news/news/ad...
January 10, 2026 at 9:54 AM
Denton, Garner, FitzSimons, Dalton, de Krester, Hammer, Lette, Zadie Smith...
It is very much at the point where the lower risk is actually to drop out. That is the mainstream position.
The Festival board (and those who support them) are the extremists.
It is very much at the point where the lower risk is actually to drop out. That is the mainstream position.
The Festival board (and those who support them) are the extremists.
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
Your reminder that in 1975, the United Nations General Assembly determined that ZIONISM is a form of RACISM and RACIAL DISCRIMINATION.
It took America and Israel until 1991 to coerce member states to vote to repeal this Resolution.
That does not render the original finding untrue.
It took America and Israel until 1991 to coerce member states to vote to repeal this Resolution.
That does not render the original finding untrue.
January 6, 2026 at 6:26 AM
Your reminder that in 1975, the United Nations General Assembly determined that ZIONISM is a form of RACISM and RACIAL DISCRIMINATION.
It took America and Israel until 1991 to coerce member states to vote to repeal this Resolution.
That does not render the original finding untrue.
It took America and Israel until 1991 to coerce member states to vote to repeal this Resolution.
That does not render the original finding untrue.
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
“The question isn’t “who are we letting into our country?”, it’s “why are we letting grasping politicians spread further hate and division?””
Such a great piece by @amyremeikis.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Such a great piece by @amyremeikis.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Australian hearts are shattered – and some would-be leaders have broken them further
There is no denying Australia’s sense of safety has been shattered.
thepoint.com.au
December 23, 2025 at 9:44 AM
“The question isn’t “who are we letting into our country?”, it’s “why are we letting grasping politicians spread further hate and division?””
Such a great piece by @amyremeikis.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Such a great piece by @amyremeikis.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251...
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
www.nu.nl/klimaat/6380...
Het blijft voor omwonenden van datacenters vaak gissen: hoeveel stroom verbruiken die kolossen eigenlijk? En hoeveel water? Veel datacenterbedrijven weigeren gegevens daarover te publiceren, ondanks een EU-wet die voor transparantie moet zorgen. Via @nu.nl
Het blijft voor omwonenden van datacenters vaak gissen: hoeveel stroom verbruiken die kolossen eigenlijk? En hoeveel water? Veel datacenterbedrijven weigeren gegevens daarover te publiceren, ondanks een EU-wet die voor transparantie moet zorgen. Via @nu.nl
Veel datacenters weigeren te publiceren hoeveel water en stroom ze verbruiken
Het blijft voor omwonenden van datacenters vaak gissen: hoeveel stroom verbruiken die kolossen eigenlijk? En hoeveel water? Veel datacenterbedrijven weigeren gegevens daarover te publiceren, ondanks e...
www.nu.nl
December 23, 2025 at 5:21 AM
www.nu.nl/klimaat/6380...
Het blijft voor omwonenden van datacenters vaak gissen: hoeveel stroom verbruiken die kolossen eigenlijk? En hoeveel water? Veel datacenterbedrijven weigeren gegevens daarover te publiceren, ondanks een EU-wet die voor transparantie moet zorgen. Via @nu.nl
Het blijft voor omwonenden van datacenters vaak gissen: hoeveel stroom verbruiken die kolossen eigenlijk? En hoeveel water? Veel datacenterbedrijven weigeren gegevens daarover te publiceren, ondanks een EU-wet die voor transparantie moet zorgen. Via @nu.nl
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
Chris Minns' protest ban in the wake of Bondi attacks is racist, authoritarian and must be resisted
@nickriemer.bsky.social #auspol
michaelwest.com.au/minns-protes...
@nickriemer.bsky.social #auspol
michaelwest.com.au/minns-protes...
Minns’ protest ban: breathtakingly racist, authoritarian, and must be resisted - Michael West
Chris Minns’ protest ban is not just authoritarian: it is breathtakingly racist and must be resisted, writes Nick Riemer.
michaelwest.com.au
December 22, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Chris Minns' protest ban in the wake of Bondi attacks is racist, authoritarian and must be resisted
@nickriemer.bsky.social #auspol
michaelwest.com.au/minns-protes...
@nickriemer.bsky.social #auspol
michaelwest.com.au/minns-protes...
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
The US is happy to take our $380BN for Aukus and use our military bases but our citizens are not welcome there unless their social media and online history is deemed appropriate by a murderous criminal dictator.
And Albanese will say nothing because he is a fraud and a coward.
And Albanese will say nothing because he is a fraud and a coward.
December 10, 2025 at 9:13 PM
The US is happy to take our $380BN for Aukus and use our military bases but our citizens are not welcome there unless their social media and online history is deemed appropriate by a murderous criminal dictator.
And Albanese will say nothing because he is a fraud and a coward.
And Albanese will say nothing because he is a fraud and a coward.
Reposted by Roland van Amstel
So instead of requiring gas exporters to supply gas to Australian manufacturers at reasonable prices, the cost would be transferred to taxpayers.
Let’s gas cartel keep price gouging Australians, and taxpayers foot the bill.
Really!?!
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
Let’s gas cartel keep price gouging Australians, and taxpayers foot the bill.
Really!?!
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
December 10, 2025 at 5:44 AM
So instead of requiring gas exporters to supply gas to Australian manufacturers at reasonable prices, the cost would be transferred to taxpayers.
Let’s gas cartel keep price gouging Australians, and taxpayers foot the bill.
Really!?!
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
Let’s gas cartel keep price gouging Australians, and taxpayers foot the bill.
Really!?!
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...