Our community is increasingly debating the merits of celebrating “Australia Day” on January 26th. There is a growing recognition that the particular date represents a significant negative for Indigenous Australians.   Perhaps we should consider replacing “Australia Day” with the celebration of two important issues:   Heritage Day (January 26), where we recognise and celebrate the wonderful range of cultures that now make up our Nations Peoples, including the many Peoples and cultures of our First Nations.   Federation Day (May 9th - Opening of first Commonwealth Parliament) where we recognise the importance and privilege of living in a participative democracy.

Australian policing agencies are lobbying the federal government to introduce a version of the Magnitsky Act, allowing authorities

Knowledge of how our democratic processes work, what citizens’ rights and legal obligations are and understanding our national values are basic to our social cohesion. It is concerning that among numerous shortcomings, the nation’s education system is failing to equip most secondary students with the knowledge and skills to become active and informed citizens.  Nationwide testing shows that young people are also losing interest in political news and world affairs Minister Alan Tudge is right when he says: “We all have an interest in our kids learning about our democracy before they hit voting age.” Source: The Australian 21/1/21

I support the proposition: “The federal government will be obliged to consult the Indigenous Voice to parliament when crafting laws on race, native title and racial discrimination which impact upon Aboriginal Australians.” (Source AAP/SBS)Additionally, the federal government should be obliged to effectively consult the broader community (citizens jury or like process) when crafting policy and laws which have a significant impact on their lives and the wellbeing of future generations. Examples are climate change, energy policy, taxation & the social safety net, affordable housing, education, healthcare and the wellbeing, socialisation & learning development of children.https://www.democraticrenewal.org.au/

"Financial institutions are upgrading their technology to navigate the pandemic. But in the current regulatory climate, new tech demands new ways of managing risk.Institutions will have to balance the benefits of technological advances with the challenges of risk management. In our experience, three key components are equally essential to striking this balance:1. Establish a new risk strategy and culture2. Ensure attention, knowledge, and support at both operational and board levels3. Shift the organizational mindset from governance to reinforcing desired behaviour"McKinsey Digitalhttps://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey

Israel is well known these days as the “Nation of Innovation” and “StartUp nation”. With nearly 4,000 startups and more than 300 multinationals opening R&D centres in Israel and the highest investment in R&D per capita in the world, Israel is living up to its legend. However, it is often forgotten that up until the 1970s, Israel was considered a developing country, struggling to provide its citizens with the most basic needs. Israel was able to overcome many of its struggles and become the strong economy it is today. See how with some examples: http://www.israeltrade.org.au/devtech-harnessing-israeli-innovation-to-create-a-better-world-for-all/H/T to our Accra Office