The Transit Lounge

Penelope Monger 

There is a stark and disturbing difference between the life expectancy of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have a life expectancy some 17 years less than other Australians. It is this difference that instigated the Close the Gap campaign.

Nicole Reardon

Australia is widely considered a multicultural country. Indeed, the 2006 Census showed that more than one in five Australians was born overseas. However, last month the University of Western Sydney released a study, Challenging Racism: the Anti-Racism Research Project, which found one in ten Australians has racist views.

Rev Dr L Lee Levett-Olson

Ecotheology recognises that creation is not at our disposal. We are not free to abuse it, wound it or discard it. As guests by God’s invitation, we have an honoured place, but we share that place with every other living creature.

Meera Atkinson

The Macquarie Dictionary defines Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) as 'a desire to diminish in stature those people who have attained excellence'. The Australian National Dictionary says a Tall Poppy is 'a person who is conspicuously successful; frequently one whose distinction, rank, or wealth attracts envious notice or hostility'.

Meera Atkinson

According to the National Church Life Survey, only 19% of Australians go to church regularly even though the majority of Australians identify as Christian. On the other hand, the Statistics on Drug Use in Australia 2006 survey states that 41% of Australians drink alcohol weekly and 9% drink daily. It seems we’d rather get plastered than praise the Lord.