​This month’s discussion ranged widely from local matters to global concerns, reflecting both the issues on our doorstep and the larger forces shaping our world.

Local:    Benalla Council’s decision to remove trees for a housing development provoked lively debate. Questions were raised about whether the trees in question are Indigenous, native, or introduced species — and how heritage and environmental values should weigh against the demand for housing. Concerns were also expressed about the rapid deterioration of some newly constructed roads in the region.

State:   The Optus 000 emergency outage continues to stir anger. Members queried whether the heavy penalties imposed on the telco represent double standards, given that ambulance ramping and hospital delays also leave many calls unanswered.

Federal:   The federal government’s pledge to increase defence spending was discussed against a backdrop of political shifts. Polls show the Liberal–National Coalition has dropped to an all-time low. Meanwhile, the government’s recognition of the State of Palestine drew significant attention, with contrasting views expressed.

Overseas:   We explored the troubling rise of political violence, including a recent assassination, and whether the “far left versus far right” framing is now spiralling beyond control. Recognition of Gaza as a state also featured prominently in international coverage.

Doomsday Clock:   Finally, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has set the Doomsday Clock to 89 seconds before midnight — the closest it has ever been. Members reflected on the risks driving this sobering measure, and how it compares with past decades.

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Peter Thompson

At our August 25 session, the Politics and Current Affairs group gathered for another spirited roundtable discussion, engaging with global and domestic challenges shaping today’s headlines.
 
Internationally, we examined the shifting dynamics of conflict across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and parts of Africa, noting rising instability and the widening humanitarian toll. Members debated the implications of ongoing proxy conflicts, arms supply chains, and the erosion of long-term diplomatic solutions.
 
Domestically, attention turned to Australia’s evolving economic strategy, with a focus on the recent Economic Reform Roundtable held in Canberra. The group discussed proposals around taxation, workforce participation, and productivity, questioning whether the political appetite exists for bold structural change.
 
Housing affordability also drew significant commentary, especially the government’s proposed 5% deposit scheme for first-home buyers. While seen by some as a lifeline for younger Australians locked out of the market, others raised concerns about potential inflationary effects on already high property prices. Is it meaningful reform, or a political bandage?
 
Lastly, we explored the changing face of work—from the gig economy to AI-driven automation—and what this means for job security, labour rights, and the very definition of “a fair day’s work.”
 
As always, we welcome new perspectives and thank everyone for their thoughtful contributions.

Peter Thompson

Recommended by now 'Arm Chair Economist' Bev Lee 

At our Politics session on Tuesday 8th April we digressed a little and discussed recent Chinese History.  The topics:- 
Opium Wars, 
Formation of the Communist Party of China
Long March
War with Japan
Civil War
Great Leap Forward
Cultural Revolution
Deng Xiaoping
Command Economy
Tian an Men
Xi Jinping

We also touched on Helen Haines and her statement about Whistle Blowers

​Neville Gibb

There will be several interesting developments occurring this year. We will have a Federal Election and we may have a State Election. The Benalla Council will be in session.

We will attempt over the next few months to examine each Parties policies in detail.  We will try and ascertain what differences there may be between the various parties. In particular we will check if any policy applies to us in particular.

We spent most of this session exploring Greens Policy on the Greens Website. The website is quite extensive and contains several points of intense interest. Some policies appear to be in contradiction with what could be perceived as local public opinion.

A lot of time is  taken up with interesting conversation. This is always welcome.

Neville Gibb

During September we had the privilege of spending time with three people standing for Council, Justin King, Gail O’Brien and David Blore.   

This was definitely a worthwhile experience, as the candidates were able to speak at length about their ideas, experience and intentions.  We touched on the big picture as well as digging down to the more mundane matters councils are concerned with.

​The sessions were enjoyed by the Politics group, and we hope the Candidates enjoyed them also.

We are looking for new recruits to our Politics class.  If you are interested, it is ‘Taster Month’ in October, so why not come along to one or both of our October sessions – Tuesday 8th and Tuesday 22nd October, 10am to 12 noon in Classroom 1. 


​Neville Gibb 

At our second session on 23 July, we watched an episode of Parkinson in Australia, filmed in the mid 80’s, in which Gough Whitlam reflected on his life and career in Australian Politics. In an age where every person of the left is labelled a ‘mad bloody lefty” by Sky News and in a society where most politicians are called liars and cheats it was interesting to watch Whitlam explain that while they were only able to achieve half of what they wanted when they were in office nevertheless given time all their policies would be put into place.  Mr Whitlam comprehensively explained his grasp of just what government can do and should do.

After that we looked up the Rural City of Benalla’s website, attempting to glean just where our rates are spent.
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Neville Gibb

At our most recent session we covered a number of subjects. We started off by each person relating any discrimination we had encountered in our own lives. We then watched a special Insight edition talking about woke complaints and political correctness. Lots of discussion ensued.

Discussion in February ranged from the Hamas military member casualties and the form a peace treaty might take in the Israel/Gaza War to where the refugees on the US/Mexican border come from, how far south in Central and Southern America they come from, and why they come.  

Amongst other things, we listened to the impressive maiden speech in the New Zealand Parliament of Greens MP Efeso Collins, half in Samoan and half in English. 
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Class members raise subjects for discussion during our Politics and Current Affairs sessions.  All welcome. 

Neville Gibb

Join us in October ​as we dissect local, state, federal and world affairs – Tuesday 10th and 24th October, 10 – 12, Classroom 1.

​Brian Harker and Neville Gibb

At our last session I went through an incident that allegedly occurred several years ago, detailing the facts that the public have slowly become acquainted with since the incident allegedly occurred. These have been ventilated at length in the media. Hoping to promote thought, I then compared this incident with other similar incidents that occurred earlier in our history.  

In the last part of our session, we worked through the ten main issues that currently are in the minds of the Australian people.   As expected, this provoked a great deal of discussion - we did not get to even halfway through.  We will resume discussion about the issues we did not get to at our next session.
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Neville Gibb