Welcome back PIS members one and all! I trust you had an enjoyable and not overly hardworking Easter break – as always a great many things have occurred in the past week, so we might have to leave some for next week.
Keep an eye out for the PIS Trivia night, always a raucous time - it shall be on in a couple of weeks, with political themes and general knowledge to test your wits!
But first, this week the PIS will return to Alice Hoy 102 for lively discussion over biscuits on the following issues of the day, followed by chips and wedges at PA's, as is our custom:
The Turnbull Tale
Last week the erstwhile Malcolm announced his retirement from Federal Politics. Ever the controversial figure, his career was a political rocket, from defeating the long term incumbent for Wentworth pre-selection in 2004, Environment minister until 2007, Opposition Leader and then that whole CPRS/ETS thingy. Had Malcolm run his course? Have the Libs lost a valuable politician or rid themselves of an unneeded divider?
Rudd the Tough Man
Last week came the surprising pronouncement from the Rudd Government that processing of Asylum Seekers from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan was to be halted, owing to the changing situation in both countries. Is this simply a political ploy? Will it function to deter people smugglers? Can it practically function without putting added pressure on Christmas Island and the detention centre in Darwin?
The Teaching/Parenting Revolution
The Australian Education Union appears to be up in arms about the Government's plans to publish the NAPLAN test results on the My School website – and they're threatening to strike – and not supervise the tests. Julia Gillard has proposed asking parents to stand in as supervisors for the tests – practical? Political? Idiotic? Legal issues? Opinions? Etc etc.
Labour's Long Goodbye
Gordon Brown has finally announced the date Britain will go to the polls – May 6th. The Labour Government in the UK has been in power for 13 years, and despite disastrous polls through most of last year, somehow seems to be possibly in reach, with the real likelihood of a hung parliament resulting. The Conservative Party are running on a Change theme, whilst the Liberal Democrats have possibly the nation's most respected politician/economist in Vince Cable. Who's going to win? Who should win and why? Discuss.
So come join for lively discussion as ever :)
Once again the plan is for me, your Secretary, to chair the meeting – I will endeavour to actually attend this time, and apologise for my non-attendance previously.
ChriSec
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Monday, 29 March 2010
Tuesday 30th March in the PIS
This Tuesday the PIS will meet at 1pm in Alice Hoy Rm 330 to discuss our usual assortment of politicking and global issues, whilst munching on our wealthy capitalist sweet biscuits. Please note this is a room change for this week only, as our usual room is unavailable.
Just for a change and partly for kicks, Madame President Megan will be taking a break from chairing the meeting this week, to be substituted for by myself, your not-so-erstwhile and otherwise overbearing Secretary. So, to the topics:
The Great Health Debate
Last week Messrs Rudd and Abbott stood in the National Press Club and had a political slanging match that almost rivaled the PIS's livelier moments. What did we think of this debate? Was there a policy point to it or was it a clever political trap from Rudd/Abbott?
Google's withdrawal from China
Early last week Google announced it's withdrawal from China as an internet search provider, citing it's refusal to continue to acquiesce to Chinese Government demands to censor its search results. There's a number of issues here – from the generic internet censorship angle, to the specifics of companies being required to follow such governmental directives, and whether Google is right to withdraw from China, or whether it would have been more useful for them to work from within.
Abbott the Exercise Addict
Yesterday Tony Abbott successfully completed an Ironman event (basically a swim/cycle/run lasting 14 odd hours). He becomes only the second federal politician to complete such an event, after Independent Rob Oakeshott. Is this sort of dedication to exercise a praiseworthy attribute for an alternative PM, or a dangerous distraction for an Opposition Leader?
Benedict and the predator priests
Yes I know that's a combative title, but seriously, here we go again with a flood of controversy over sexual abuse within clergy, this time focused on Ireland and the USA, and with the spotlight very much on Pope Benedict as to his actions (or inactions) as the Cardinal in charge of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the church body responsible for sexual misconduct of the clergy. What do we think? Should Benedict take responsibility/is he actually responsible for the cover-ups etc? Where does the buck stop in this issue?
Following the meeting we shall wander down to PA's to finish the bikkies and eat chips and wedges, and, given as I'm chairing the meeting, I imagine I will be supplying a jug or so also, maybe Pimm's.
As always, if there's a topic you would like to discuss, either tell Megan or myself, or send us an email and we'll pop it on the roster.
Toodles til Tuesday,
ChriSec
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
The Blog
The PIS has a blog!! Yes that's right, we are with the times and this interweb crazy thing!
Heritage members may actively recall the blog has been in existence for some time, but it has fallen a little silent recently, but now back it comes.
All info on PIS events and general happenings will be published on the blog.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to encourage all members, new and old, to feel free to post on the blog anything in particular you fancy about politics, just ask Megan or myself to add you to the contributors list. This way if you just can't wait til the next tuesday to say your piece, you can do it immediately, and hopefully we can facilitate discussion even over those periods where (shock horror) the PIS doesn't meet, a la holidays :)
Whether you wish to pose a question, or have your say on a particular event, or what have you, you are welcome to do so.
So pop http://mupis.blogspot.com on your favourites list and keep your eyes peeled for everything new and interesting :)
Chris
Heritage members may actively recall the blog has been in existence for some time, but it has fallen a little silent recently, but now back it comes.
All info on PIS events and general happenings will be published on the blog.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to encourage all members, new and old, to feel free to post on the blog anything in particular you fancy about politics, just ask Megan or myself to add you to the contributors list. This way if you just can't wait til the next tuesday to say your piece, you can do it immediately, and hopefully we can facilitate discussion even over those periods where (shock horror) the PIS doesn't meet, a la holidays :)
Whether you wish to pose a question, or have your say on a particular event, or what have you, you are welcome to do so.
So pop http://mupis.blogspot.com on your favourites list and keep your eyes peeled for everything new and interesting :)
Chris
Election Party #1 of 2010!!
South Australia and Tasmania go to the polls this Saturday 20th March, and the PIS will be there to see them. No this is not some dark magic, but rather through the miracle of the interwebs.
PIS will be following the results, laptops in hand, from 6.30pm on Saturday, at the Dan O'Connell Hotel, 225 Canning St, Carlton (Off Princes St, North-East of Melb Uni, between Rathdowne and Nicholson Sts.)
Come along for politics, drinks and dinner, and IF YOU HAVE A LAPTOP, BRING IT, the more we have, the more stats we can watch at once :)
Chris
PIS will be following the results, laptops in hand, from 6.30pm on Saturday, at the Dan O'Connell Hotel, 225 Canning St, Carlton (Off Princes St, North-East of Melb Uni, between Rathdowne and Nicholson Sts.)
Come along for politics, drinks and dinner, and IF YOU HAVE A LAPTOP, BRING IT, the more we have, the more stats we can watch at once :)
Chris
Monday, 15 March 2010
Tuesday 16th March in the PIS
The Political Interest Society meet this week at 1pm Tuesday in Alice Hoy 102 for our usual biscuits and arguments, then hang out at the Prince Alfred Hotel on Grattan St from 2pm onwards.
On Saturday night we will also be getting together to watch the vote counts for the South Australian and Tasmanian state elections. We’ll have more information for you tomorrow on the time and venue, so keep an eye out!
As always, if there are any topics you particularly want to see on the agenda to be discussed at the official club meeting, email polintsoc@gmail.com or just mention it to me on Tuesday and I’ll try to remember.
This week, the PIS will discuss:
Protest in Thailand
Will the massive anti-government protests in Bangkok this weekend result in any positive change for Thailand?
Paid parental leave
We now have Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott shouting at each other over the issue of parental leave. Do we support parental leave? Does Abbott’s proposed scheme, of paying parents on parental leave at their usual rate of pay, seem fair or equitable?
Anti-whaling activism
It’s hard to find people in Australia who aren’t opposed to Japan’s ‘scientific’ whaling practices – although nothing in this club would surprise me any more – so we’re probably all inclined to support the actions of groups like the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, aggressively interfering with whaling boats. But given that they are often quite simply breaking the law, can we justify defending them when they get caught?
Upcoming state elections
The polls are dead close in South Australia and Tasmania could end up with a hung Parliament. This is going to be an interesting Saturday night. Who do we want to win, and who’s going to win?
Monday, 8 March 2010
Tuesday 9th March in the PIS
This week, the Political Interest Society will meet again at
1pm Tuesday in Alice Hoy 102 for biscuits and arguments. After
2pm we will then wander down to the Prince Alfred Hotel on Grattan
Street.
English as the national language
Should we make English the national language of Australia? Should
non-English speaking migrants be expected to meet a minimum
standard of fluency in English? Should bilingual education be
allowed? If we get bored with this, we can talk about the national
curriculum instead.
Do we need state government?
If the federal government can step in and take over the running of
hospitals, traditionally the territory of state governments, what
will be next? Are state governments necessary, or do we just hold
onto them for sentimental reasons of state identity? Might we be
better off with a two-level system of government?
Israel: should we scrap it and start over?
I think that's pretty self-explanatory.
Things we think might be bullshit: Marriage
For years there's been ongoing noise about giving same-sex couples
equal marriage rights with heterosexual couples. But really, what
use is marriage? Might equality be achieved more easily by
scrapping marriage altogether?
If you think the above topics are absurd and I must be losing my
mind, good news! In two months or so we will have the club's Annual
General Meeting, where you will have the chance to replace me with a
less ridiculous President. You could even run for a position yourself
and help the club to be more spectacular.
Even if you can't make the meeting at 1, feel free to join us at
PA's any time after that - you can tell which table is us because
of the Centenary of Federation Commemorative Biscuit Tin on the
table. Unless someone runs away with it. Then you'll be able to
tell which table is the PIS because there'll be a short girl
drinking beer and shouting at everyone. (That's me.) I may also
be drinking beer and shouting anyway, but please don't let that
put you off. I'm very friendly.
By the way, a note for all our members: if there's a topic you
really want to talk about in a meeting, feel free to email me and
ask me to put it on the agenda. I may not put it on the next week,
but I try to include all topics that are requested by members as
long as they're sensible. And sometimes even silly ones. For
example, the first topic this week was requested by Simon.
(It helps if you give me a question, though, and not just "I think
we should talk about Israel." That's how we end up with topics like
"Israel: should we scrap it and start over?")
Madame President
1pm Tuesday in Alice Hoy 102 for biscuits and arguments. After
2pm we will then wander down to the Prince Alfred Hotel on Grattan
Street.
English as the national language
Should we make English the national language of Australia? Should
non-English speaking migrants be expected to meet a minimum
standard of fluency in English? Should bilingual education be
allowed? If we get bored with this, we can talk about the national
curriculum instead.
Do we need state government?
If the federal government can step in and take over the running of
hospitals, traditionally the territory of state governments, what
will be next? Are state governments necessary, or do we just hold
onto them for sentimental reasons of state identity? Might we be
better off with a two-level system of government?
Israel: should we scrap it and start over?
I think that's pretty self-explanatory.
Things we think might be bullshit: Marriage
For years there's been ongoing noise about giving same-sex couples
equal marriage rights with heterosexual couples. But really, what
use is marriage? Might equality be achieved more easily by
scrapping marriage altogether?
If you think the above topics are absurd and I must be losing my
mind, good news! In two months or so we will have the club's Annual
General Meeting, where you will have the chance to replace me with a
less ridiculous President. You could even run for a position yourself
and help the club to be more spectacular.
Even if you can't make the meeting at 1, feel free to join us at
PA's any time after that - you can tell which table is us because
of the Centenary of Federation Commemorative Biscuit Tin on the
table. Unless someone runs away with it. Then you'll be able to
tell which table is the PIS because there'll be a short girl
drinking beer and shouting at everyone. (That's me.) I may also
be drinking beer and shouting anyway, but please don't let that
put you off. I'm very friendly.
By the way, a note for all our members: if there's a topic you
really want to talk about in a meeting, feel free to email me and
ask me to put it on the agenda. I may not put it on the next week,
but I try to include all topics that are requested by members as
long as they're sensible. And sometimes even silly ones. For
example, the first topic this week was requested by Simon.
(It helps if you give me a question, though, and not just "I think
we should talk about Israel." That's how we end up with topics like
"Israel: should we scrap it and start over?")
Madame President
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Reminder: Chris Berg tomorrow at 6:30!
The PIS Presents
Pub Politics with Chris Berg
Thursday 21 May, 6:30pm
INU Bar, 1st floor Union House
Free Entry!
Chris Berg, researcher for the Institute of Public Affairs and regular columnist for the Sunday Age, speaks to the PIS about the Rudd Government's proposed internet filter and other current political issues. Bring your friends, and your questions, too.
Pub Politics with Chris Berg
Thursday 21 May, 6:30pm
INU Bar, 1st floor Union House
Free Entry!
Chris Berg, researcher for the Institute of Public Affairs and regular columnist for the Sunday Age, speaks to the PIS about the Rudd Government's proposed internet filter and other current political issues. Bring your friends, and your questions, too.
Monday, 11 May 2009
This week in the PIS
The Political Interest Society will meet at midday this Tuesday in Doug McDonell 711 to watch TV. From 1pm we will hold the usual bitching-and-biscuits meeting, where we will discuss:
Defence white paper
The government's white paper on defence has caused a bit of a stir. Is an expansion of our military warranted or necessary? Is there a risk of a country the size of Australia fuelling an arms race, as some have suggested?
Medicare and IVF
Funding for IVF treatment through Medicare may soon be reduced. Is IVF treatment something that should be fully funded?
Jumps racing
Dangerous and cruel, or a good way to keep retired racehorses occupied?
Branch stacking
Following the revelations of corruption in Brimbank Council, branch-stacking is starting to look like a widespread problem in Australian politics. Are we concerned about branch-stacking? Is this kind of corruption inevitable in representative democracy?
Followed by a trip to the pub, where we will eat, drink and be merry until we run out of change
Defence white paper
The government's white paper on defence has caused a bit of a stir. Is an expansion of our military warranted or necessary? Is there a risk of a country the size of Australia fuelling an arms race, as some have suggested?
Medicare and IVF
Funding for IVF treatment through Medicare may soon be reduced. Is IVF treatment something that should be fully funded?
Jumps racing
Dangerous and cruel, or a good way to keep retired racehorses occupied?
Branch stacking
Following the revelations of corruption in Brimbank Council, branch-stacking is starting to look like a widespread problem in Australian politics. Are we concerned about branch-stacking? Is this kind of corruption inevitable in representative democracy?
Followed by a trip to the pub, where we will eat, drink and be merry until we run out of change
Sunday, 3 May 2009
This week in the PIS
The Political Interest Society meet this week at midday in Doug McDonell 711 to watch TV, probably more of House of Cards provided Chris can bring it along again. I look forward to it.
Following that, the regular meeting will begin at 1pm, where we will discuss:
Influenza pandemic
It's been practically the only news story of the past week: a potential flu pandemic beginning in Mexico and spreading to the rest of the world. How serious do we think the threat of swine flu is? Have the Australian government done enough to prepare us?
Australian publishing and protectionism
The Productivity Commission want to lift the ban on parallel importing of books in Australia. Publishers claim this will stifle local publishers and authors; supporters of the proposal say it will bring book prices down. Is it worth bringing down the prices of books if it means decimating local publishing?
Somalian Piracy
President Obama was widely praised for his action on the rescue of a US captain held hostage by Somalian pirates. However, Somalian piracy has been a growing threat for some time. Is there any way to combat the overall problem? Are pirates simply criminals or is Western intervention in Somalia partly to blame?
Victorian Transport
There's been a lot of attention on the proposed bushfire-related spending in the upcoming Victorian Government budget, but transport is quickly becoming one of the biggest issues for Melbournians as our public transport system becomes increasingly dysfunctional. What's wrong with public transport in Melbourne? Can we see a straightforward solution?
After which we will adjourn to PA's where members may feel free to try to find a way to impeach me before the AGM.
In other news, the Law Students Society is hosting a free public lecture regarding human rights:
An Australian Human Rights Act: Dispelling the Myths
A public lecture featuring The Hon Catherine Branson QC, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission.
6:00pm–7:00pm, Tuesday 19 May 2009
Room G08 (Ground Floor), Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham St, Carlton Vic 3053
Attendees are invited to RSVP on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=93183484273 .
For further information and for other Social Justice Seminars, see http://www.mulss.com/social-justice/ .
Following that, the regular meeting will begin at 1pm, where we will discuss:
Influenza pandemic
It's been practically the only news story of the past week: a potential flu pandemic beginning in Mexico and spreading to the rest of the world. How serious do we think the threat of swine flu is? Have the Australian government done enough to prepare us?
Australian publishing and protectionism
The Productivity Commission want to lift the ban on parallel importing of books in Australia. Publishers claim this will stifle local publishers and authors; supporters of the proposal say it will bring book prices down. Is it worth bringing down the prices of books if it means decimating local publishing?
Somalian Piracy
President Obama was widely praised for his action on the rescue of a US captain held hostage by Somalian pirates. However, Somalian piracy has been a growing threat for some time. Is there any way to combat the overall problem? Are pirates simply criminals or is Western intervention in Somalia partly to blame?
Victorian Transport
There's been a lot of attention on the proposed bushfire-related spending in the upcoming Victorian Government budget, but transport is quickly becoming one of the biggest issues for Melbournians as our public transport system becomes increasingly dysfunctional. What's wrong with public transport in Melbourne? Can we see a straightforward solution?
After which we will adjourn to PA's where members may feel free to try to find a way to impeach me before the AGM.
In other news, the Law Students Society is hosting a free public lecture regarding human rights:
An Australian Human Rights Act: Dispelling the Myths
A public lecture featuring The Hon Catherine Branson QC, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission.
6:00pm–7:00pm, Tuesday 19 May 2009
Room G08 (Ground Floor), Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham St, Carlton Vic 3053
Attendees are invited to RSVP on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.
For further information and for other Social Justice Seminars, see http://www.mulss.com/social-
Monday, 6 April 2009
The Political Interest Society meet again this Tuesday at 12 in Doug McDonell 711 for the appreciation of amusing politically-themed TV shows. As usual, we'll decide what to watch when we get there. I have The West Wing and Hollowmen - if anyone has something different they can bring along, like Yes, Minister, Party Animals or something else I haven't even heard of, feel free. (The room has VCR as well as DVD equipment, by the way.)
From 1pm in the same room we will have our regular weekly meeting to discuss:
China
Is Rudd too close to China? Is improving relations with China a wise course of action or could it damage other foreign relations? (ie with the US?) Is the debate about China just a beat-up in the wake of the Joel Fitzgibbon kerfuffle?
Faked figures in hospitals
Is it a concern that hospitals are falsifying records in order to meet targets? Can this be solved by replacing hospital staff, or is it a problem with the system?
G20 and free trade
For once maybe we'll talk as much about what's said at G20 as we do about the protestors. In a time of recession, is free trade a sensible international policy, or do we favour more protections and the rhetoric of 'buy Australian'?
Bikie gangs
In light of the bashing at Sydney airport several weeks ago, several states have moved to ban certain motorcycle gangs which are seen as criminal. However, Victoria's Charter of Human Rights may make such laws impossible in this state. Do we support the right to freedom of association, or would we rather see these groups banned here, too?
To be followed by cheap drinks and free food at the pub, perhaps long into the afternoon.
In other campus news, on April 21 there will be a lecture at the university by Tom Mann, a congressional scholar, on US politics. It's free, although bookings are necessary. More information can be found here.
From 1pm in the same room we will have our regular weekly meeting to discuss:
China
Is Rudd too close to China? Is improving relations with China a wise course of action or could it damage other foreign relations? (ie with the US?) Is the debate about China just a beat-up in the wake of the Joel Fitzgibbon kerfuffle?
Faked figures in hospitals
Is it a concern that hospitals are falsifying records in order to meet targets? Can this be solved by replacing hospital staff, or is it a problem with the system?
G20 and free trade
For once maybe we'll talk as much about what's said at G20 as we do about the protestors. In a time of recession, is free trade a sensible international policy, or do we favour more protections and the rhetoric of 'buy Australian'?
Bikie gangs
In light of the bashing at Sydney airport several weeks ago, several states have moved to ban certain motorcycle gangs which are seen as criminal. However, Victoria's Charter of Human Rights may make such laws impossible in this state. Do we support the right to freedom of association, or would we rather see these groups banned here, too?
To be followed by cheap drinks and free food at the pub, perhaps long into the afternoon.
In other campus news, on April 21 there will be a lecture at the university by Tom Mann, a congressional scholar, on US politics. It's free, although bookings are necessary. More information can be found here.
Monday, 30 March 2009
The Political Interest Society will meet in Doug McDonell at 12pm this Tuesday to watch amusing politically-themed TV shows. Most likely Yes Minister or Frontline this week, though we're open to suggestions. Feel free to bring your lunch, too.
From 1pm we will be having our regular discussion meeting, where we will eat biscuits and argue over:
Euthanasia
Do we want to see legislation allowing assisted suicide? Would such legislation be too open to abuse?
Palestine Solidarity Week
This week is Palestine Solidarity Week at the Student Union. There has been some controversy over the union's financial support for PSW. Should the Student Union be picking a side in a conflict in the Middle East? Should they put money towards partisan political functions at all? Or should they stick to providing student services?
Some background information for those of you who are newer to student politics and have some time to read up:
Palestine Solidarity Week events: http://union.unimelb.edu.au/ed-public/palestine-solidarity-week
Students for Palestine blog: http://union.unimelb.edu.au/ed-public/palestine-solidarity-week
Petition opposing the use of money from the UMSU Welfare and Education budgets to support PSW: http://www.gopetition.com.au/petitions/umsu-students-council.html
And for those who can slog through meeting minutes, there is a discussion of this issue on page five of the most recent Students Council meeting: http://union.unimelb.edu.au/file_download/671/Minutes+SC+M3+12-02-09.pdf
Foreign aid
Recently there was some debate over Australian foreign aid programs supporting safe abortions in Third World countries. Should foreign aid from the Australian government be akin to charitable donations, with no strings attached, or is it acceptable to attach conditions to them?
Internet Filter
Do we approve of the government's proposed internet filter? Is the legislation even likely to succeed?
To be followed by discount drinks and free chips at the Prince Alfred Until 5-ish.
From 1pm we will be having our regular discussion meeting, where we will eat biscuits and argue over:
Euthanasia
Do we want to see legislation allowing assisted suicide? Would such legislation be too open to abuse?
Palestine Solidarity Week
This week is Palestine Solidarity Week at the Student Union. There has been some controversy over the union's financial support for PSW. Should the Student Union be picking a side in a conflict in the Middle East? Should they put money towards partisan political functions at all? Or should they stick to providing student services?
Some background information for those of you who are newer to student politics and have some time to read up:
Palestine Solidarity Week events: http://union.unimelb.edu.au/
Students for Palestine blog: http://union.unimelb.edu.au/
Petition opposing the use of money from the UMSU Welfare and Education budgets to support PSW: http://www.gopetition.com.au/
And for those who can slog through meeting minutes, there is a discussion of this issue on page five of the most recent Students Council meeting: http://union.unimelb.edu.au/file_download/671/Minutes+SC+M3+12-02-09.pdf
Foreign aid
Recently there was some debate over Australian foreign aid programs supporting safe abortions in Third World countries. Should foreign aid from the Australian government be akin to charitable donations, with no strings attached, or is it acceptable to attach conditions to them?
Internet Filter
Do we approve of the government's proposed internet filter? Is the legislation even likely to succeed?
To be followed by discount drinks and free chips at the Prince Alfred Until 5-ish.
Saturday, 28 March 2009
Monday, 16 March 2009
This week in the PIS - an unexpected change of meeting place
Since the introduction of VSU mid-2006, and the Melbourne Model in 2007, the Political Interest Society has been embattled and sometimes struggled to survive. There have been drastic measures such as the 'infinity percent tax rise' of the $2 joining fee, and setbacks like the failure to produce an edition of our journal, Audi Alteram Partem, for 2009. (If there are any students in the club with journalistic ambitions who would like to help get it off the ground again, we'd love to hear from you!)
This week, we almost suffered another setback of this difficult era in the life of the politically interested when we lost our booking Alice Hoy room 242. Once again, the politically interested masses of the University of Melbourne find themselves estranged from the traditional homeland of Alice Hoy.
Fortunately, after hours of searching through the harsh wilds of Parkville Campus, your PIS committe have found another place where we can eat biscuits and shout at each other, all the way next door in the Doug McDonell building.
So, for this week, and for the rest of semester barring any more similar difficulties, the Political Interest Society will meet at 1pm Tuesday in Doug McDonell Room 711. Don't be put off by all the scaffolding out the front, the place is still open; you can access it by the fire door at the front of the building or the entrance to the lower floor on the northern side.
This week's topics to shout about:
Peter Garrett
Peter Garrett made his name as the frontman of radical green-left band Midnight Oil, but is now a minister in a government that supports policies which are nothing like those he used to support. Is this hypocritical?
Pakistan
Where do we stand on the crisis in Pakistan?
Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor
He wants the bogans out of the city, wants to ban hailing taxis at night and now says Adelaide should be shut down as it has no redeeming features. How do we like the new Lord Mayor so far? And will he ever act on anything he says?
Queensland state election
Is it at all possible for Labor to lose this election? Can Pauline Hanson win a seat standing as an independent or is her time up?
Followed by drinks at the pub from 2pm until we run out of change - which will be later than usual since our trips to the pub now come with free bar snacks - chips, wedges and nachos at the pub will now be coming out of the Political Interest Society's budget instead of your wallets.
This week, we almost suffered another setback of this difficult era in the life of the politically interested when we lost our booking Alice Hoy room 242. Once again, the politically interested masses of the University of Melbourne find themselves estranged from the traditional homeland of Alice Hoy.
Fortunately, after hours of searching through the harsh wilds of Parkville Campus, your PIS committe have found another place where we can eat biscuits and shout at each other, all the way next door in the Doug McDonell building.
So, for this week, and for the rest of semester barring any more similar difficulties, the Political Interest Society will meet at 1pm Tuesday in Doug McDonell Room 711. Don't be put off by all the scaffolding out the front, the place is still open; you can access it by the fire door at the front of the building or the entrance to the lower floor on the northern side.
This week's topics to shout about:
Peter Garrett
Peter Garrett made his name as the frontman of radical green-left band Midnight Oil, but is now a minister in a government that supports policies which are nothing like those he used to support. Is this hypocritical?
Pakistan
Where do we stand on the crisis in Pakistan?
Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor
He wants the bogans out of the city, wants to ban hailing taxis at night and now says Adelaide should be shut down as it has no redeeming features. How do we like the new Lord Mayor so far? And will he ever act on anything he says?
Queensland state election
Is it at all possible for Labor to lose this election? Can Pauline Hanson win a seat standing as an independent or is her time up?
Followed by drinks at the pub from 2pm until we run out of change - which will be later than usual since our trips to the pub now come with free bar snacks - chips, wedges and nachos at the pub will now be coming out of the Political Interest Society's budget instead of your wallets.
Monday, 9 March 2009
The Political Interest Society will meet this week on Tuesday in Alice Hoy 242. The traditional discussion and consumption of biscuits will commence as usual at 1pm. However, as we fortunately get the room from midday onwards, at 12:15-ish we'll have a play around with the DVD player in the room and try putting on some politically-themed DVDs. Exact screening to be decided - but it'll probably be The West Wing.
After the regular meeting finishes at 2pm, we'll all head off to the pub where we'll either keep arguing or talk about all those things I didn't put on the agenda.
The topics for discussion this week:
An Accident in Zimbabwe
The Prime Minister of Zimbabwe was injured and his wife was killed in a car accident a few days ago. Is this a bad sign for the stability of Zimbabwe's government?
Governor-General
Quentin Bryce has been criticised for being too proactive in her role as Governor-General. Is there room for our head of state to meet with leaders from the ADF or meet with other leaders overseas, or should she stick to signing Bills?
Trouble in Northern Ireland
Real IRA have claimed credit for a shooting in Northern Ireland. Is this an isolated incident or the end of twelve years of peace?
Bushfire funds and insurance
Should victims of the bushfires who didn't insure their homes receive more support from charitable donations, or the same amount as other victims? Should home insurance be compulsory in bushfire-prone areas?
After the regular meeting finishes at 2pm, we'll all head off to the pub where we'll either keep arguing or talk about all those things I didn't put on the agenda.
The topics for discussion this week:
An Accident in Zimbabwe
The Prime Minister of Zimbabwe was injured and his wife was killed in a car accident a few days ago. Is this a bad sign for the stability of Zimbabwe's government?
Governor-General
Quentin Bryce has been criticised for being too proactive in her role as Governor-General. Is there room for our head of state to meet with leaders from the ADF or meet with other leaders overseas, or should she stick to signing Bills?
Trouble in Northern Ireland
Real IRA have claimed credit for a shooting in Northern Ireland. Is this an isolated incident or the end of twelve years of peace?
Bushfire funds and insurance
Should victims of the bushfires who didn't insure their homes receive more support from charitable donations, or the same amount as other victims? Should home insurance be compulsory in bushfire-prone areas?
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Watch the US election with the PIS!
Join the PIS for drinks as we watch the vote count for this historical election on CNN and drink beer!
10:30am until later
Maori Chief Hotel
118 Moray St (corner of Moray and York streets)
South Melbourne
You can get there by taking the 112 tram (leaves from Spencer St in the city) towards St Kilda and getting off at stop 117, the corner of Clarendon and York Streets, and walking a few blocks east along York St to pub. You can find a map at http://www.maorichief.com.au, along with other useful information like their menu. See you all there!
10:30am until later
Maori Chief Hotel
118 Moray St (corner of Moray and York streets)
South Melbourne
You can get there by taking the 112 tram (leaves from Spencer St in the city) towards St Kilda and getting off at stop 117, the corner of Clarendon and York Streets, and walking a few blocks east along York St to pub. You can find a map at http://www.maorichief.com.au, along with other useful information like their menu. See you all there!
Saturday, 1 November 2008
As free as China?
Although Australia still waits on broadband for all, its politicians are planning to provide this just in a 'clean' fashion. Clean is the euphemism used to disguise internet censorship on level with free, democratic countries like China, Cuba or Iran.
Please take some time to inform yourselves and take action. The cases of Dr. Haneef, Dr. Moeller and even the Benbrika case are alarming examples that those claiming to represent Australian citizens systematically dismantle democracy.
The internet expanded the connectedness of the little big island Australia, the planned internet censorship returns Australia to the beginnings of this country: Being a large prison.
Please take some time to inform yourselves and take action. The cases of Dr. Haneef, Dr. Moeller and even the Benbrika case are alarming examples that those claiming to represent Australian citizens systematically dismantle democracy.
The internet expanded the connectedness of the little big island Australia, the planned internet censorship returns Australia to the beginnings of this country: Being a large prison.
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
PIS 'cluboscope' in Farrago edition 7
Greetings to anyone who took an interest in the advertisement for the Political Interest Society in Farrago, and thank you for checking out our blog. Unfortunately the item in that magazine contained a small but important error - the room in which our meetings are held. This semester we hold our meetings, not in Alice Hoy 109, but in Alice Hoy room 330. At least the building was right.
We do hope to see some new faces at future meetings - people of all political backgrounds and opinions are welcome. The door is always open. Except when other students are being rowdy in the corridor and we can't hear each other. Then we might shut it. But you can always knock.
We do hope to see some new faces at future meetings - people of all political backgrounds and opinions are welcome. The door is always open. Except when other students are being rowdy in the corridor and we can't hear each other. Then we might shut it. But you can always knock.
Monday, 18 August 2008
Keating! the Musical at Federation Square, Wednesday 20 August
Keating! the Musical is a show much loved by many members of the PIS, and which many other members wish to see. It charts the rise and fall of Prime Minister Paul Keating in song, through laments about life on the backbench, election debates in rap, victory songs in reggae and a ballad bemoaning Keating's loss to John Howard. It also has Alexander Downer in stockings.
After a long touring season, the final performance of Keating! will take place in Sydney this Wednesday. However, we will not miss out on this great event, as this last performance will also be streamed live to Federation Square.
The screening will not be on the big outdoor screen, which I presume will be showing the Olympics. Instead it will be in the cozier, less drafty, indoor public space known as the Atrium, which can be accessed from Flinders street as shown on this map. The Atrium also has a bar, Beer Deluxe, just one more advantage it has over the big, windy bit that the sports fans will be watching.
So please come and join the PIS for this great event! Meet at the downstairs bar at 7pm for drinks and laughs before the final show begins at 8pm.
After a long touring season, the final performance of Keating! will take place in Sydney this Wednesday. However, we will not miss out on this great event, as this last performance will also be streamed live to Federation Square.
The screening will not be on the big outdoor screen, which I presume will be showing the Olympics. Instead it will be in the cozier, less drafty, indoor public space known as the Atrium, which can be accessed from Flinders street as shown on this map. The Atrium also has a bar, Beer Deluxe, just one more advantage it has over the big, windy bit that the sports fans will be watching.
So please come and join the PIS for this great event! Meet at the downstairs bar at 7pm for drinks and laughs before the final show begins at 8pm.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Semester Two - The Honeymoon Is Over
Semester one was a tumultuous time for the Political Interest Society, first with the exile from our traditional homeland, the Alice Hoy Building, and then the resignation of President Fettling, but with hard work and determination we weathered that storm and the new President Rocke came to power with the promise that the biscuit tin would never again run empty, and no politically interested student would ever be left behind.
In Semester 2 we return again to the Alice Hoy building, this time to the loftier heights of Room 330. But there are many challenges in the months ahead, and after two months, the Rocke Administration's honeymoon is over, and they are going to have to produce results.
(Welcome to our new members for Semester 2. We all hope to see you at meetings soon, and I assure you, we aren't always this silly.)
The first weekly meeting of the semester, complete with biscuits for all tastes and ideologies, will be at 1pm Wednesday 30 July in Alice Hoy 330, followed by the traditional drinks at PA's. Another email will be sent out in a few days with the topics for discussion.
This will be followed the next day by the 2008 PIS Non-Annual Trivia Night, so come along and show off your political knowledge, or just come for a laugh. The Trivia Night will be held on Thursday, July 31 at 6:30pm, INU Bar, Union House. Entry is free and there are some great prizes to win.
Audi Alteram Partem is the biannual PIS journal, showcasing a range of political opinions and exchange of views. Matt, the AAP Editor, is currently putting together the Semester 2 Edition, and the deadline for submissions is Wednesday, August 6. If there's any political or social issue that you're passionate about, anything from emissions trading to the US elections to curfews for cats, we want to print it! For more information, contact Matt at m.incerti@ugrad.unimelb.edu.au.
That's all for now, but this semester still has many things to come, including the Society's tenth anniversary celebrations and the US Presidential Elections, so come along and get involved!
In Semester 2 we return again to the Alice Hoy building, this time to the loftier heights of Room 330. But there are many challenges in the months ahead, and after two months, the Rocke Administration's honeymoon is over, and they are going to have to produce results.
(Welcome to our new members for Semester 2. We all hope to see you at meetings soon, and I assure you, we aren't always this silly.)
The first weekly meeting of the semester, complete with biscuits for all tastes and ideologies, will be at 1pm Wednesday 30 July in Alice Hoy 330, followed by the traditional drinks at PA's. Another email will be sent out in a few days with the topics for discussion.
This will be followed the next day by the 2008 PIS Non-Annual Trivia Night, so come along and show off your political knowledge, or just come for a laugh. The Trivia Night will be held on Thursday, July 31 at 6:30pm, INU Bar, Union House. Entry is free and there are some great prizes to win.
Audi Alteram Partem is the biannual PIS journal, showcasing a range of political opinions and exchange of views. Matt, the AAP Editor, is currently putting together the Semester 2 Edition, and the deadline for submissions is Wednesday, August 6. If there's any political or social issue that you're passionate about, anything from emissions trading to the US elections to curfews for cats, we want to print it! For more information, contact Matt at m.incerti@ugrad.unimelb.edu.au
That's all for now, but this semester still has many things to come, including the Society's tenth anniversary celebrations and the US Presidential Elections, so come along and get involved!
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Annual General Meeting 2008
This year's AGM was memorable. We spent ages hanging around waiting for enough people to make quorum and ended up with at least ten more than we needed by the end of the meeting. There were barely enough candidates to fill the committee positions. Michael Pountney accepted his life membership with a spectacular display of grandiose waffling. Lindy provided us with lots of biscuits, and we finished twenty minutes early to rush off to the pub, where we all had lots of celebratory beer.
And yet, I have neglected to announce the results of that great election to those unfortunate members who couldn't join us! Please accept the heartfelt of apologies of this new, untested but devoted President.
So, as voted at the Annual General Meeting on April 30, the PIS committee for 2008-9 is as follows:
President: Megan Rocke
Secretary: Charlie Goodman
Treasurer: Stacey Nguyen
Publications Editor: Matt Incerti
Speakers Officer: Alex Davis
Publicity Officer: Simon Coles
Social Secretary: Dean Hallett
And yet, I have neglected to announce the results of that great election to those unfortunate members who couldn't join us! Please accept the heartfelt of apologies of this new, untested but devoted President.
So, as voted at the Annual General Meeting on April 30, the PIS committee for 2008-9 is as follows:
President: Megan Rocke
Secretary: Charlie Goodman
Treasurer: Stacey Nguyen
Publications Editor: Matt Incerti
Speakers Officer: Alex Davis
Publicity Officer: Simon Coles
Social Secretary: Dean Hallett
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