Faith no more does little good for society

     
     

    Australians are becoming less religious, but the dramatic increase in those ticking the “no religion” box might not be as troubling for faith as it seems.

    New reports from census data found the proportion of people identifying themselves as having “no religion” increased from 6.7 per cent in 1971 to 19 per cent in 2006. The younger generation, particularly, appears to be spurning the traditions of its elders.


    Government to offer HECS discounts

     
     

    THE federal Government is planning to offer discounts on HECS debts to university students who undertake volunteer community work.

    While the full details of the plan are still to be worked out with volunteer groups, a spokeswoman for senator Ursula Stephens, parliamentary secretary for social inclusion and voluntary sector, said the government would soon announce a broad framework for the plan.


    Plain speaking and brute experience

     
     

    DOGS and horses have it better than humans because they are not allowed to suffer, a situation that lawful euthanasia could reverse.

    However, it could also lead to easy options for lazy doctors and opportunities for early inheritance by unscrupulous families. Such views formed the meat of last night’s opening Intelligence squared debate for 2009, which took place before a gripped audience of 1200 at City Recital Hall, Angel Place.


    Leading Jesuit to ponder Rights Bill

     
     

    JESUIT priest and Professor of Law at Australian Catholic University, Father Frank Brennan (pictured), has been appointed to lead a Rudd Government consultation panel on whether the country should have its own Bill of Rights.

    He will be joined by former SBS newsreader, Mary Kostakidis, indigenous barrister, Tammy Williams, and former Australian Federal Police commissioner, Mick Palmer.


    Peter Costello’s Australia Day Message

     
     

    A message given by the Hon. Peter Costello (former Federal Treasurer) for the Australia Day United Prayer Celebration, organized by CTFM at the Melbourne Town Hall.

    1500 Christians from many churches, denominations, and ethnicities, came together as the Body of Christ from across our nation to declare Australia for Jesus.