StorySiri – My Story, My Values

Australian Indian Times
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StorySiri – My Story, My Values

StorySiri – My Story, My Values

The success of this year’s competition has strengthened plans to establish the event as an annual highlight in the Brisbane chapter’s calendar. Organisers have expressed interest in expanding future editions through partnerships with local schools, youth organisations and community groups.

by Saketh Manda

The Basava Samiti Chapter hosted a vibrant and inspiring public speaking competition on 8 November, drawing a diverse group of young participants from across the community for an evening dedicated to confident communication, cultural reflection and value-based expression.

The event forms part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to promoting education, empowerment and ethical leadership among youth. Participants were invited to reflect on real-life situations where they had demonstrated values drawn from the teachings of 12th-century social reformer Guru Basava, whose principles of equality, compassion, integrity and social responsibility remain central to the Charity’s mission. Throughout the evening, students delivered speeches highlighting moments of personal growth, acts of kindness, and lessons learned from their everyday experiences.

Audience members praised the high calibre of speeches, noting the strong organisation, clarity and composure shown by the speakers. These contestants incorporated personal anecdotes to demonstrate how Basava’s teachings continue to inspire decision-making in modern life, giving their speeches a sense of authenticity and emotional depth that resonated with the audience.

Organisers emphasised that the purpose of the competition extends far beyond the development of public speaking techniques. “Our focus is on giving young people a platform to express themselves,” an event coordinator said. This program brings Basava’s ideals into a contemporary community setting and encourages young people to think deeply about the values they want to embody.

The event drew a warm and supportive crowd of families and community members, who applauded each speaker and fostered an encouraging atmosphere for both new and experienced participants. In keeping with the Charity’s inclusive approach, every speaker received appreciation, acknowledging their effort and courage. Every performer was also recognised for outstanding content, delivery and confidence, reflecting the event’s emphasis on both skill and substance.

The success of this year’s competition has strengthened plans to establish the event as an annual highlight in the Brisbane chapter’s calendar. Organisers have expressed interest in expanding future editions through partnerships with local schools, youth organisations and community groups.

These collaborations aim to broaden participation, provide additional opportunities and continue fostering leadership skills grounded in cultural, ethical and community-focused values.

As the evening concluded, many attendees praised the event for creating a space where young voices could be heard, celebrated and empowered. The competition not only showcased emerging talent but also underscored the enduring relevance of Basava’s teachings in shaping confident, thoughtful and socially conscious young leaders.

Basava Samiti Asia Pacific conducted this event in two cities in Sydney on the 16th November 2025 and in Brisbane on the 8th November 2025. Both cities rejoiced the reflections and adoption of the values. Sydney also welcomed the speakers of the Batch 6 Learn2Grow Program, CEO Talk from Mr.Emmanuel Musoni, Executive Manager GALPD graced by three councillors from the Blacktown city council.

 

 

A Season of Celebration, Connection, and Giving Back

Australian Indian Times
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A Season of Celebration, Connection, and Giving Back

A Season of Celebration, Connection, and Giving Back

It’s hard to believe that the New Year is just four weeks away. It always seems to arrive so quickly! I really enjoy this season, from Christmas festivities to end-of-year gatherings, and reconnecting with people we don’t see often. Still, amid all the celebrations, I find myself thinking of those going through tough times. The holidays can be particularly challenging for families dealing with financial stress, health issues, mental health struggles, or complicated family dynamics. Remember to take care of yourself, and consider reaching out to those around you. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference.

I’d like to express my appreciation to the Deo family and our Brisbane Indian Times team for making this past year so memorable. Together, we’ve worked to keep the paper focused on the topics that matter most to you. I’m especially thankful for the readers who shared their thoughts on the upcoming social media laws and what they might mean for families.

The hot topic this month is the introduction of social media restrictions for anyone under the age of 16. For some background, Australia’s new social media laws take effect on 10 December 2025. They will prevent anyone under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to name a few. Under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, these platforms must verify users’ ages and block underage access.

In a related story by Sam Buckingham-Jones Media and marketing reporter in the Financial Review on November 26th, 2025, a constitutional challenge has already been filed against the law by two teenagers, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, through the Digital Freedom Project. The case argues that raising the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 16 infringes on teenagers’ constitutional rights to freedom of political communication. I’ll be watching this closely and reporting updates as they happen next year.

Many parents I’ve spoken with when out and about in the community agree that protecting children online is important, yet they question whether these laws will make a real difference, as young people often find ways around restrictions using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Some parents are concerned about the extra personal information their children may need to provide, while some young people see the government as overreaching, stepping into the role of parents or caregivers making being a parent more difficult as it will be harder for them to monitor what their children are seeing.

Others argue that stricter laws and penalties should target those who use social media to harm or exploit children. I would love to hear your thoughts. Do you agree with the intent of these laws, the way they are being implemented, or neither?
Personally, I haven’t used social media for the past two years.

I chose instead to focus on grassroots community work, reading the paper and writing for – of course, the Brisbane Indian Times. Helping people directly and having meaningful conversations is the best way to know what is really happening on the ground. I prefer hearing firsthand from readers about their experiences—the good, the bad, and the challenging—so that together we can work toward solutions and truth.

One of my personal highlights this month was attending the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards with friends Usha, Bob Pillay and volunteering on the same night at the inaugural Lighthouse community fundraiser. The evening sparkled with colour, culture, and pride as we celebrated Brisbane’s vibrant multicultural business community. A heartfelt thank you to Umesh for your warm hospitality and generous welcome at the table—it made the night even more special.

Service has also been central to my month. I was grateful to volunteer again with Community Life Uniting Church at their final garage sale of the year, helping visitors carry their purchases and supporting a cause that gives so much back to our community.

In November, the Inala Lions Club hosted its inaugural trivia night—a lively evening full of laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit. It was wonderful to see so many friends and locals come together to support the club’s important work. A big thank you to Grill’d Mt Ommaney for supporting the event and providing the perfect venue. We raised much important funds to serve those who need a smile and helping hand.

Stop by for a chat. You’ll also find me at the Forest Lake Christmas Carols this year, so please come say hello and sing a carol or two. I’ll be by the lake from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, before moving to the Christmas Carols program from 4:00 PM until it begins on Saturday, 6 December. I’ll also be volunteering at Blessing Day, a community tradition I’ve been part of since I was five years old.

This free event at Community Life Uniting Church supports families experiencing hardship, offering children’s gifts, activities, a festive photo booth, food and drinks, face painting, a Christmas hamper for each family, and a delicious lunch sponsored by Nando’s.
Thank you for being such an important part of this community. It has been a privilege to share stories, celebrations, and moments of connection with you this year, and I look forward to continuing that journey together in 2026.

For anyone who may need them, here are some important numbers:

Emergencies 000; SES 132 500; Ergon Energy Faults 13 22 96; Energex Faults 13 62 62; Homeless Hotline 1800 474 753; Lifeline 13 11 14; Salvation Army 13 72 58; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; DVConnect Men’s Helpline 1800 000 636; and 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

 

The Unfolding Crisis in Greater Brisbane: When Opportunity Meets Unaffordability

Australian Indian Times
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The Unfolding Crisis in Greater Brisbane: When Opportunity Meets Unaffordability

The Unfolding Crisis in Greater Brisbane: When Opportunity Meets Unaffordability

The Unfolding Crisis in Greater Brisbane: When Opportunity Meets Unaffordability

Greater Brisbane stands today as a city of stark paradoxes. On one hand, it is Australia’s undisputed growth engine, attracting a record influx of interstate migrants drawn by lifestyle, career opportunities, and the massive infrastructure projects leading up to the 2032 Olympics. On the other, this surging success has birthed a profound and intensifying property crisis, one that is rapidly eroding affordability for both prospective homeowners and renters alike.

This crisis is not merely a cyclical boom; it is a structural failure of supply to meet overwhelming, sustained demand, pushing the region towards a critical social and economic tipping point.

The current situation in Greater Brisbane, encompassing the capital and surrounding high-growth areas like Ipswich and the Gold Coast hinterland, can be traced to three primary, interlocking drivers:

Queensland has consistently captured the largest share of net internal migration in Australia, with many new arrivals settling in the Greater Brisbane area. This is a structural shift fuelled by lifestyle appeal and relative value compared to Sydney and Melbourne. This sudden, exponential increase in demand has put an impossible strain on the housing market. Data confirms that population growth is running at a pace that far outstrips new dwelling construction, leading to an acute, chronic undersupply.

While demand has soared, the pipeline for new housing delivery has stalled. The construction sector has been plagued by a crippling combination of high material costs, ongoing global supply chain delays, and severe labour shortages. These factors have made it financially unviable for developers to initiate or complete projects quickly, leaving the housing stock significantly below long-term state targets.

Consequently, listings for established properties are tracking significantly below historical averages, in some recent months, more than 30% below the five-year average. This scarcity creates a “fiercely competitive” market, heavily skewing selling conditions in favour of vendors and leading to bidding wars that push prices well beyond reasonable expectations.

The result of this imbalance is a market that has become dramatically unaffordable. Since the onset of the post-pandemic boom, dwelling values in some parts of Brisbane have soared by over 50%, with the median house price in the capital pushing well over the $1 million mark.

For prospective buyers, the financial hurdles are immense:

• Price-to-Income Ratio: The dwelling price-to-income ratio has surged to a record high, meaning households must save for far longer and borrow significantly more to enter the market.

• Mortgage Stress: Even with interest rate fluctuations, the percentage of household income required to service a median new mortgage has soared to near-record levels, placing severe strain on middle-income buyers. Many first-home buyers are now reportedly exhausting all their savings just to meet the deposit and stamp duty costs, leaving them financially vulnerable.

The crisis in the purchase market is mirrored, and arguably magnified, in the rental sector. When homeownership becomes inaccessible, demand is shunted directly into the rental pool, creating an intense shortage.
Greater Brisbane’s rental market remains critically tight, with vacancy rates stubbornly low—often below 1% in many high-demand suburbs. This lack of available stock has led to:

• Soaring Rents: Advertised rents have surged by 47% over the past five years, adding thousands of dollars annually to the cost of living for the typical tenant.

• Rental Stress: The percentage of household income required to meet the median rent has hit a record high. Even average-earning households are now on the verge of, or are already experiencing, rental stress, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. For low-income and essential workers, the situation is dire, pushing them further away from the inner city and closer to economic displacement.
In the face of this widespread crisis, a few factors offer a measure of relief and hope for the future.

The unit market has become the primary shock absorber for the affordability crisis. Unit price growth is now outpacing house price growth in some segments, as attached dwellings offer a significantly more accessible entry point for first-home buyers and a better rental yield for investors. The affordability gap between houses and units is causing a necessary, if forced, shift in consumer preference toward higher density living.

Furthermore, both local and state governments are now taking direct action. The Brisbane City Council’s Housing Supply Action Plan is focusing on making it easier and cheaper to build medium and high-density housing through reduced or deferred infrastructure charges for build-to-rent and small-sized apartments. Similarly, massive infrastructure investment, from the Cross River Rail to the Brisbane Metro and Olympic developments, is boosting confidence and creating long-term value, but the benefit of this will take years to flow through to broad affordability.

The Greater Brisbane property crisis is a complex beast, demanding more than short-term fixes. It is a fundamental challenge of urban planning, construction capacity, and population management.

While the city’s robust economy and enviable lifestyle continue to make it an irresistible destination, the severe lag in housing supply is now threatening to undermine its very appeal. If governments, industry, and regulators fail to unlock the capacity to deliver tens of thousands of new, well-located, affordable homes quickly, the dream of homeownership, and even stable, affordable rent, will drift further out of reach for a generation, potentially impacting the city’s social fabric and economic competitiveness for years to come.

Depreciation and your rental property

Australian Indian Times
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Depreciation and your rental property

Depreciation and your rental property

For new or recent investment properties purchased, having a clear understanding of depreciation from the beginning is an extremely important and helpful tool when it comes to managing your property portfolio and your tax.
Newly built residential properties can generate a considerable amount in depreciation deductions over the first five years and even older properties that have received qualifying improvements can yield substantial depreciation value.
To break it down, when a property is purchased, the owner is essentially purchasing the structure of the property plus depreciating assets. These assets are not part of the property’s structure; they are identifiable as separate to the structure, unlikely to be permanent and, generally, can be replaced within a relatively short period of time.
As a rental property owner, you can claim a deduction on the item’s decline in value, but it is important that you understand the legislation correctly. Detailed record keeping is essential, and its importance cannot be understated.
Depreciating assets have an ‘effective useful life’ and they’re reasonably expected to decline in value over time. Some examples are carpets, appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines, furniture, air conditioning units and curtains. These are likely to have a period of use that is not infinite and will need to be replaced at some point.
For new assets, including those purchased with a newly built or substantially renovated property, you may be entitled to claim a deduction if no one was previously entitled to claim, however, for second-hand depreciating assets there are specific conditions and limitations.
The Australian Government’s ATO website is a valuable resource in understanding the ins and outs of depreciating assets, but it is crucial to ensure you seek professional advice for your specific circumstances and your unique property to ensure the complexities of what you can and can’t claim for your property are met.
Don’t DIY or AI for your depreciation schedule. Talk to your accountant, your financial advisor and seek professional guidance to ensure that your schedule is both accurate and effective. The legislation is complex and taking shortcuts or guessing what can/cannot be claimed will only lead to trouble.
Credit: REMAX Australia

The Quiet Power of Belonging

Australian Indian Times
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The Quiet Power of Belonging

The Quiet Power of Belonging

Belonging isn’t a location. It’s a feeling. A soft breath that says, you’re safe here.
In India, we grow up surrounded by people, family, neighbours, entire communities that fold us into their routines. And yet, more and more people quietly admit, I feel alone, even when I’m not.
That’s because true belonging isn’t about being around others, it’s about being allowed to show up as your whole self.
In my work with clients and practitioners, through breath, emotion, movement, and reflection, I see the same thread repeating. People are exhausted from trying to fit in. They edit themselves to be accepted, contort their voice to meet expectations, and silence their needs to avoid disruption.
Fitting in may offer approval.
Belonging offers ease.
One of the most potent cards in the Mind and Motion Deck of Discovery is called Ease. It may seem simple, but I’ve seen this card bring tears. It reminds people of something deeply forgotten: you don’t have to earn your worth.
Ease is not laziness. It’s not giving up. It’s the moment you stop resisting who you are. Your shoulders drop. Your breath returns. Your nervous system softens.
Through a Vedic lens, this reflects the principle of Santosha. A deep inner contentment that isn’t dependent on outcomes, but on presence. It’s not passive. It’s powerful.
Belonging, in this way, becomes a sacred practice. Not one granted by others, but one reclaimed by you.
Your body knows when something feels off. A knot in the belly. A tight jaw. The urge to shrink. These are not inconveniences, they are clues. And when you learn to listen, you stop abandoning yourself in spaces that never saw the real you to begin with.
The Mind and Motion Cards were created for these quiet moments. They are not just tools for reflection, they are conversation starters. The Ease card in particular offers a gentle prompt to soften the internal fight, and allow who you are to be enough. Right here. Right now.
If you’re seeking belonging, start by asking:
Where do I feel most at ease?
Who allows me to be unfiltered?
What part of me longs to be met?
This is where belonging begins. Not in performance, but in presence.
And the more you return to yourself, the more you allow others to do the same.
So if you’ve been striving, stretching, or second-guessing, pause. Breathe.
As the Ease card reminds us:
You belong not because of what you do.
You belong because of who you are.

Explore Further
The Mind and Motion Cards offer guided reflections like this to support your personal growth journey. These tools are designed to complement, not replace, professional support.
For more resources or to purchase the deck, please visit
https://www.monicapema.com/mindandmotiondeck

Monica Pema | Integrated Wellness Expert
MSc. Psychology
“From Passion to Purpose in All Walks of Life”
This article is intended for self-reflection and general education only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological care.

No One Left Behind – Support Queensland Multicultural Communities in the Fight Against HIV

Australian Indian Times
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No One Left Behind – Support Queensland Multicultural Communities in the Fight Against HIV

No One Left Behind – Support Queensland Multicultural Communities in the Fight Against HIV

The 1st of December marks World AIDS Day, and this year’s theme for Australia is “No One Left Behind”, which reminds us of the importance of equality in HIV prevention, testing, and care — for everyone in our diverse communities.
HIV is a virus that can cause AIDS. Since it was first identified in 1981, it has affected more than 40 million people worldwide. Thanks to advances in medicine and prevention, both new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths have declined globally (UNAIDS).
Australia has also made great progress — but not all communities have benefited equally. Recent data (HIV in Queensland 2024 Annual Report) shows that people born overseas are over-represented in new HIV diagnoses in Queensland, despite making up only around 24% of the population.
Language barriers, stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to health services are some of the reasons overseas-born people are less likely to know about HIV prevention and testing options.
The good news is that with early testing and effective treatment, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives — just like anyone else. No one should feel afraid or ashamed to get tested or seek care.
Here are some key facts everyone should know:
1. HIV can be treated and managed like other chronic health conditions.
2. HIV is transmitted through blood and sexual contact. However, people with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV through sex (U=U — Undetectable = Untransmittable).
3. HIV prevention menthods include condoms, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). Learn more at endinghiv.org.au/stay-safe/prep.
4. Early testing saves lives. You can get tested at your doctor, a Rapid clinic (www.rapid.org.au ), or by using a free HIV self-testing kit available at www.hivtest.au. Self-test kits can also be purchased from www.atom.com.au or selected pharmacies.
5. People without a Medicare card, such as temporary visa holders, can get free HIV treatment and care at public sexual health clinics or hospitals. Find out more at HIV treatment and care for people not eligible for Medicare | Queensland Health
To make HIV information more accessible, ECCQ’s Love Health team provide free translated resources in multiple languages and free education sessions for community groups. You can also order free condoms at https://eccq.com.au/condom-request-form/.
This World AIDS Day, let’s work together to make sure no one in Queensland’s multicultural communities is left behind. Everyone deserves access to knowledge, testing, and care — regardless of where they come from or what language they speak.
You can find more information including translated resources on hepatitis, HIV, and STIs at www.eccq.com.au/bbv.
If you are in Cairns, you can contact the team at Cairns Sexual Health Services by calling (07) 4226 4769 or emailing [email protected].

Forum of Australian Academics of Indian Origin Successfully Concludes at QUT

Australian Indian Times
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Forum of Australian Academics of Indian Origin Successfully Concludes at QUT

Brisbane, Australia —The first Forum of Australian Academics of Indian Origin meet-up concluded successfully on 21 November 2025 at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), marking a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation in education and research.
The concept for the Forum was first proposed by academics of Indian origin in Australia during the recent ministerial visit of Hon. Dharmendra Pradhan, India’s Minister of Education, and his Australian counterpart, Hon. Jason Clare. The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished representatives from the High Commission of India, the Australian Government, and Queensland University of Technology, including:
• Her Excellency Ms Irina Thakur, Acting High Commissioner of India
• Her Excellency Neetu Bhagotia, Consul General, Indian Consulate Brisbane
• Professor Chennupati Jagadish, AC, President of the Australian Academy of Science
• Professor Mark Harvey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International and Business Development, QUT
• Distinguished Professor Patsy Yates, Faculty of Health, Office of the Executive Dean, QUT
• Professor Ian O’Hara, Acting Executive Dean of Faculty of Engineering.
• Professor Clinton Fookes, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Engineering, QUT
• Ms Vanessa Lapthorne, Assistant Secretary, International Engagement, Department of Education, Australian Federal Government
Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Mark Harvey praised the initiative and commended academics for taking a proactive role in establishing the Forum, reaffirming QUT’s commitment to fostering global collaboration.
In her address, Deputy High Commissioner Ms Irina Thakur described the Forum as “an important milestone in Australia–India cooperation in research and education,” emphasising the growing strategic value of academic partnerships between the two nations.
Consul General H.E. Neetu Bhagotia highlighted the significance of the Forum for Brisbane’s academics of Indian origin and expressed her eagerness to see the platform grow and strengthen in the years ahead.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Chennupati Jagadish, AC, President of the Australian Academy of Science, underscored the importance of Australia and India working together with genuine intent to advance mutual scientific and educational goals. He emphasised the need for responsible research with a strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) focus as both nations navigate an era rich with opportunities yet marked by global challenges.
Jointly supported by the Australian High Commission, Canberra, and the Australian Department of Education, the Forum brought together academics, policymakers, government representatives, and sector leaders to explore new avenues for collaboration in higher education, scientific research, and innovation-led development.
The event also featured panel discussions on emerging technologies, AI in education and research, health, and neuroscience. Participants, primarily academics, expressed strong enthusiasm for the Forum, describing it as a much-needed initiative and conveying keen interest in seeing it grow and evolve in the years ahead.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural meet-up sets the foundation for a recurring platform dedicated to advancing Australia–India academic cooperation and building sustainable, future-focused partnerships in the fields of education, health, agriculture, and science and technology.

Closed Season for Open Government

Australian Indian Times
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Closed Season for Open Government

Closed Season for Open Government

In Yes Minister, Bernard Woolley once triggered a bureaucratic firestorm with his innocent query: “why shouldn’t the public know more about what’s going on?” — and his insistence that “surely the citizens of a democracy have a right to know.” Sir Humphrey Appleby, ever the maestro of obfuscation, dismissed him at once: “No. They have a right to be ignorant. Knowledge only means complicity and guilt. Ignorance has a certain dignity.”
From there, the hierarchy weighed in. Sir Arnold Robinson, the mandarin’s mandarin, coolly observed: “if people don’t know what you’re doing, they don’t know what you’re doing wrong.” And in another episode, when Minister James Hacker queried his party’s commitment to open government, Sir Arnold dryly announced: “this seems to be the closed season for open government.”
It was meant as satire, of course—but as with all good satire, it struck close to the truth. Decades later, across continents and political systems, the same irony endures: governments the world over continue to treat transparency not as a duty but as a danger.
Freedom of information (FOI) laws were designed to reverse that instinct—to tilt the scales from darkness toward daylight. The stated purpose and scope of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) is “to give to members of the public rights of access to official documents of the Government of the Commonwealth and of its agencies”. Then follows lofty objectives such as Parliament’s intent to “promote Australia’s representative democracy by contributing towards…increasing scrutiny, discussion, comment and review of the Government’s activities”.
Yet despite their promise, they remain riddled with exemptions, delays and quiet obstruction.
This tension between accountability and control is not new. Since the first FOI law emerged in Sweden in 1776, and spread through Westminster-style democracies, parliaments have wrestled with how to reconcile accountability with control. The pattern has been remarkably consistent: lofty declarations of openness, followed by the slow reassertion of secrecy through process, protocol, and the catch-all phrases — “exemptions” and “public interest exemptions” in the case of Australia.
At its heart, the debate reveals an enduring flaw in how modern government understands itself. Ministers and officials often see information as their property, to be guarded, rationed, and sometimes withheld for the good of the public. Yet the truth is quite the opposite. The business of government, though carried out in the name of the Crown, is conducted on behalf of the people. It is their money, their consent and their trust that sustain the system.
In legal terms, the relationship is more agency than autocracy. The governors are the agents; the governed, oddly, the principals. And just as any principal in a commercial milieu is entitled to know how their agent conducts their affairs, so too should citizens expect to see what is done in their name. That is not a radical proposition—it is the essence of representative democracy.
Yet, somewhere along the way, the principle became blurred. Freedom of information has too often been treated as a nuisance for administrators, or worse, a threat to ministerial control. In practice, many agencies respond to requests with the reflexes of a litigant: defensive, procedural and intent on minimising disclosure. The result is an elaborate game of hide and seek—one that tests the patience of journalists, researchers and citizens alike.
Of course, there must be statutory carve-outs to openness, at least in the name of national security, personal privacy or safety and the like. Accounting for these necessary concessions, when every corner of public administration is fenced off by one exemption or another, the cumulative effect is opacity masquerading as prudence. It becomes, once again, a closed season on open government.
Periodically, the urge to recalibrate the balance between accountability and control prompts a flurry of promised reforms—each heralded as a new dawn—only for the light to fade as institutions quietly revert to the comforts of opacity.
In Attorney-General v Patrick, a 2024 Federal Court case, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus sought to refuse access to a document because the question whether a document is an “official document of a Minister” is to be determined both at the time the request for access is made and at the time that a decision is made whether to grant access to the document. As such, the document was no longer an ‘official document of the Minister’ because the Minister had changed several times and there was a change in government since the request for access was made. The full Federal Court ruled that the “time for assessing whether a document is an “official document of a Minister” is the time the request for access is made (and only that time).” The Attorney-General’s argument demonstrates how an FOI request can be derailed simply because ministers change, or elections intervene.
In Victoria, the Ministerial Code of Conduct was updated in 2023 to require Ministers to “publish summaries from their diaries on a quarterly basis”. Only three of the state’s 22 ministers have complied.
Historical overseas trends are no different. In 2001, US President Bush signed an executive order allowing either the White House or former presidents to veto release of their presidential papers. In 2005, the New Zealand Ombudsman stated that “some Ministers’ offices remain unwilling or unable to meet official information requests in a timely fashion. Sometimes reasons for withholding information…seem to relate more to political or administrative convenience than to legitimate withholding grounds under the [Official Information Act].”
Then there are daring efforts to limit openness. Current Australian legislative proposals seek to extend the time for agencies to make FOI decisions, prohibit anonymous requests and broadening of the scope of the cabinet documents exemption, among others. A former public service commissioner castigated these reforms as going in “exactly the opposite direction” to the openness pursued by former Cabinet Secretary Senator John Faulkner in 2009.
In the end, these cycles are not failures of process but symptoms of a deeper truth: governments tolerate openness only in theory and will always find reasons—however artfully expressed—why too much sunlight is a danger rather than a democratic necessity.

Nilay B. Patel is a lawyer based in Melbourne.

Global Instability and the New Geopolitical Fault Lines

Australian Indian Times
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Global Instability and the New Geopolitical Fault Lines

Global Instability and the New Geopolitical Fault Lines

As the year winds down, the world finds itself in a state of deepening fragmentation, marked by conflicts that refuse to abate and an increasingly complex web of diplomatic and economic pressures. The age of unipolar certainty is definitively over, replaced by a precarious multi-polar environment where alliances are fluid and the threat of escalation is constant.

The Unrelenting Wars: Ukraine and Sudan
The conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan continue to define the human cost of this new disorder. In Eastern Europe, despite ongoing, yet unproductive, diplomatic talks (such as those recently held in Miami), Russia has unleashed massive, coordinated drone and missile attacks, showcasing a commitment to a protracted war of attrition.
The conflict remains a geopolitical stalemate, leaving Europe to grapple with its security future amidst internal disagreements, notably regarding the controversial proposal to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s war effort. Belgium and others are reportedly pushing back against aggressive seizure plans, highlighting fissures in Western unity.\
Meanwhile, the civil war in Sudan has deteriorated into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Reports, substantiated by satellite images, depict cities turned into “slaughterhouses” by massacres carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The recent tragedy of a drone attack on a nursery, killing dozens of children, underscores the conflict’s brutal disregard for civilian life. Ceasefire efforts continue to falter, even as the U.S. considers broader sanctions against both the Sudanese army and the RSF.

Middle East on a Knife Edge
In the Middle East, the delicate ceasefire in Gaza remains at a “critical moment,” according to mediators like Qatar. While the immediate hostilities have been paused, the region is consumed by the humanitarian catastrophe and the political vacuum. The focus has shifted to the long-term status of the territory, with the deployment of an international force and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops being crucial demands for moving to the next phase of a peace deal. The instability is contagious, with other regional tensions, including those between Israel and Lebanon, requiring constant diplomatic intervention to prevent broader conflagration.

The Rise of Strategic Autonomy
A defining feature of the current global landscape is the rise of strategic autonomy among key nations. The recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India, a key U.S. strategic partner, perfectly illustrates this. Despite Western pressure to isolate Moscow, India is preserving its deep defence and energy ties with Russia. This is not defiance but pragmatism: securing uninterrupted oil shipments and military technology while simultaneously balancing relationships with the U.S. and its allies. Foreign Minister Jaishankar termed the India-Russia relationship as one of the “steadiest” globally, signalling a clear intent to navigate a multi-polar world on its own terms.

Global Economy: Tariffs, Uncertainty, and the Gold Rush
The global economy is struggling under the weight of heightened policy uncertainty and rising trade barriers, factors that are now cited as the biggest disruption risk by executives worldwide.
• Trade Slowdown: Global growth forecasts for 2025 have been significantly downgraded, with global GDP growth expected to be the slowest of any decade since the 1960s. The initial surge in global trade earlier this year, driven by companies front-loading orders in anticipation of new tariffs, is expected to fade as those tariffs take effect, suggesting a potential reversal in trade momentum.
• The Gold Standard of Fear: The year 2025 saw gold experience an exceptional year, hitting over 50 new record highs and delivering a return of over 60%. This performance is directly attributed by the World Gold Council to the “heightened” geopolitical and geoeconomic environment, with investors viewing the precious metal as a crucial hedge against global risk and uncertainty.
• AI and the Corporate Scramble: The silent but profound technological race for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is driving massive corporate shifts. The colossal acquisition of Warner Bros. studios by Netflix, valued at over $72 billion, is just one example of media and tech giants consolidating control over content and distribution, fundamentally reshaping industry structures through the lens of future AI-powered dominance.
The Migration and Integrity Crackdown
Closer to home, Australia is pushing forward with its Migration Strategy, which focuses heavily on integrity. Recent changes have tightened the screws on the international student market to prevent misuse of the visa system, replacing the GTE with the stricter Genuine Student (GS) requirement and hiking the minimum financial capacity needed to obtain a visa.
Simultaneously, the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaces the old TSS, offering different pathways based on salary tiers, aiming to ensure temporary migration genuinely addresses high-value skill shortages in the economy.
As global volatility persists, the central question for policymakers worldwide remains how to transition from managing continuous crises to establishing a durable, stable framework for a newly multi-polar world.

Global Tides: Collaboration Fights Fragmentation in the Pursuit of Financial Security

Australian Indian Times
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Global Tides: Collaboration Fights Fragmentation in the Pursuit of Financial Security

Global Tides: Collaboration Fights Fragmentation in the Pursuit of Financial Security

Jitendra Deo
Chief Executive Officer
JD Group Australia

The world is currently being shaped by two powerful, opposing forces: a relentless, technological drive toward hyper-collaboration and a resurgent, politically charged wave of geopolitical fragmentation.
While innovation is forging unprecedented layers of financial security, the foundations of the global economic order are simultaneously under threat.
The most profound shift lies in the accelerating integration of financial systems, largely powered by technology. Collaboration in finance is no longer a choice; it is a necessity for competition.
• FinTech Partnerships: Traditional banks are rapidly forging strategic partnerships with FinTech firms to offer seamless, real-time, cross-border payment services. This is exemplified by the need to upgrade archaic correspondent banking networks to agile payment ecosystems, allowing quicker settlements and better customer experiences globally. The new collaborative model orchestrates end-to-end financial experiences, not just isolated services.
• AI for Resilience: The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has dramatically increased in finance, moving from early trials to core strategies. Collaboration on AI-driven platforms helps finance teams refine strategic planning, enhance forecasting, and most crucially, bolster data security and privacy to protect customer assets across borders. This shared technological infrastructure strengthens the overall operational resilience of the system.
• The Global Safety Net: The established Global Financial Safety Net (GFSN), comprising national reserves, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Regional Financial Arrangements (RFAs) like the European Stability Mechanism, and central bank swap lines, continues to evolve. Its capacity has grown significantly to around 20% of world GDP, serving as a critical global insurance mechanism against balance of payments crises. This multilateral effort is a testament to the enduring, albeit sometimes strained, commitment to shared financial stability.
In direct conflict with this technological convergence is a political trend of fracturing—a reversal of decades of increasing integration that poses a direct threat to long-term financial security.
• Splintering of Capital Flows: Geopolitical tensions are visibly reducing cross-border portfolio and bank allocations. Countries with dissimilar foreign policy outlooks (as proxied by UN voting patterns) see bilateral investment reduced significantly. This “friend-shoring” or “bloc-formation” in investment allocation limits international risk diversification, making emerging and developing economies particularly vulnerable to sudden capital flow reversals and higher borrowing costs.
• Weaponization of Finance: The use of financial sanctions has triggered a strategic shift by nations seeking to shield themselves from such measures. This is manifesting in a structural move away from dollar-dominated reserves, with central banks systematically increasing their holdings of physical gold to levels not seen in decades. This search for assets offering protection against sanctions risk and currency debasement reflects deep-seated concerns about the stability of the current multipolar financial landscape.
• Trade and Regulatory Divergence: The imposition of tariffs and non-tariff trade restrictions, coupled with the divergence of national regulatory frameworks, adds friction and cost to global commerce. Fragmentation can lead to an estimated reduction in global GDP and a rise in inflation, ultimately impacting the purchasing power and financial health of the average citizen worldwide.
As a global community, the world is shaping up not as a fully unified body, but as one committed to pragmatic, focused collaboration to mitigate the damage of fragmentation.
The G20 remains the primary forum for driving this cooperation. Recent summits have focused on highly specific, crucial issues:
• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience: Leaders have committed to scaling up ex-ante financing and integrating risk reduction principles into national financial planning, recognizing climate risk as a systemic financial threat.
• Debt Reform and Global Governance: Efforts are underway to improve transparency in debt restructuring and reform global governance to better reflect the new economic realities, particularly by elevating the voice of the Global South.
The world is thus in a race: a race between the efficiency and resilience offered by digital collaboration and the instability and cost imposed by political fragmentation.
Financial security in the coming decade will depend on whether leaders can set aside nationalist impulses to strengthen the cooperative mechanisms such as the GFSN, the G20 dialogue, and international regulatory alignment that underpin half a century of global prosperity.
The stability of our markets, and the wealth of our citizens, hangs in the balance.

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