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On January 26, protesters at an Invasion Day rally in central Perth were the target of a bombing attempt. The bomb, homemade and containing ball bearings and screws, failed to detonate.
But that was more than a week ago. In the days since the potential tragedy was narrowly avoided, many people have asked why police didn’t immediately describe the incident as an act of terror.
Authorities finally made that declaration yesterday, alleging the attack was “motivated by hateful, racist ideology”. A man already in custody has been charged with engaging in a terrorist act, and will face court later this month.
Why the delay? As terrorism expert Levi West explains, investigations can now take longer because of the isolated nature of the attacks. Terrorist leaders actively encourage would-be offenders not to communicate about violent plans so they can avoid detection. The result is a more complicated style of terrorism, and murkier cases for police.
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Erin Cooper-Douglas
Public Policy Editor
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Levi West, Australian National University
Police have charged a man with throwing a homemade bomb into a protest crowd. It’s the alleged result of an increasingly complicated style of terrorism.
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Stephen Bartos, University of Canberra; John Hawkins, University of Canberra
Government spending – federal, state and local – grew by less than consumer spending and business investment last year.
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
The next few months may be the most crucial Jim Chalmers has faced as treasurer.
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Helen Dickinson, UNSW Sydney; Molly Saunders, UNSW Sydney
We finally have more detail on how Thriving Kids will work. But families of kids with autism and developmental delay may still be wary.
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Helen Petousis-Harris, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The World Health Organization is a global body, but decisions affecting New Zealand are made in Wellington, not in Geneva.
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Sally Breen, Griffith University
Sally Breen wanted to know more about real police work after she met a Queensland top cop who seemed good. The stories she found sit under her skin like lava.
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Alexander Howard, University of Sydney
Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver turns 50 this month. It is widely regarded as one of the most important American films. It is also one of the most troubling.
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Jonti Horner, University of Southern Queensland
Comet MAPS has the potential to be one of the ‘Great Comets’ of this century.
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Simon Farley, The University of Melbourne
South Australian authorities are again on the hunt for the elusive red-whiskered bulbul. Does the xenophobia of the past still influence our attitudes today?
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Politics + Society
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Tim Lindsey, The University of Melbourne
A proposed law against disinformation and foreign propaganda could imperil activists and journalists in Indonesia – and potentially those living abroad.
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Vaughan Cruickshank, University of Tasmania; Brendon Hyndman, Charles Sturt University; Tom Hartley, University of Tasmania
There are eight new events at the Milan Cortina games, and several Australians are right in the mix for a medal.
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Health + Medicine
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Hal Swerissen, La Trobe University
More than 3,000 patients are stranded in hospital waiting for discharge to a more appropriate aged care facility. Here’s why.
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Daryl Efron, The University of Melbourne; Nadia Coscini, The University of Melbourne
Shorter wait times and lower costs. That’s what people with ADHD and their families can expect now Victorian GPs are getting more involved with diagnosis and treatment. But questions remain.
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Business + Economy
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Tai Neilson, Macquarie University
News outlets want readers – and big tech – to pay for their content. But blocking the Internet Archive will leave major holes in the public record of the web.
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Environment + Energy
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Samuel Cornell, UNSW Sydney
A dramatic ocean rescue reminded us that Australian coastal weather can be unpredictable. Here’s how to spot when conditions are changing.
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Science + Technology
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Joel Scanlan, University of Tasmania
A new eSafety report reveals an ongoing gap between what technology can do and what companies are actually doing to tackle child abuse.
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Arts + Culture
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Beatriz Carbajal-Carrera, University of Sydney
Bad Bunny was the first Spanish-language record to win Album of the Year at the Grammys. On Sunday, he will headline the Super Bowl.
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Books + Ideas
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Alice Grundy, Australian National University
Australia’s literary festivals are under threat from culture wars, climate risks, new hate speech laws and ongoing funding scarcity.
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Victoria’s Treaty
“Regarding The Voice comment in your say 5 Feb, Victoria signed a treaty only last year, built on extensive negotiation and work. We readily forget that invaders here landed in a world of Indigenous nations with unique languages and customs. You know, a bit like Europe, only way older. It heartens me when we can grow worthwhile changes such as our local treaty from the grassroots.”
Hilary Sage
Menopause marketing
“Your article on menopause highlights the many challenges for women navigating this time. I would also add that even well-meaning GP's have insufficient training and understanding of the impacts of supply issues for HRT and the exhaustion of panic attacks, anxiety and poor sleep. At a time when you should be consolidating your career path, you’re faced with occasional brain fog, tiredness and the inevitable misogyny and ageism that women experience in the workforce. It's no great mystery that women are still worse off for housing and financial security when there is so little support, understanding or respect for women who are navigating menopause.”
Jane Davis
Unjustified price hike
“Just received my car insurance reminder. Last year it was $720 and now it’s $850 this year. I have a two-year-old vehicle and have never made a claim. How can they justify an almost 20% rise? No wonder we are experiencing inflation. Something’s gotta give.”
Amanda Fox 
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