Communities are Key
How can we secure our future, in the face of climate crisis and the rise of authoritarianism? Communities are key, writes Time Hollo in Arena Quarterly.
Stockton Guaranteed Income Trial
Michael D Tubbs, Mayor of Stockton California, is trialling a $500 per month payment to families in need. While not a Universal Basic Income, it does provide some interesting data and a wealth of human stories that could influence the conversation around UBI in the USA, especially during this time of crisis.
Jessica Yellin interviews Mayor Tubbs on Instagram.
Our Future Hangs in the Balance
Now is the time to rebuild towards a society that can mitigate and adapt to the threats that confront us – from climate change to pandemics. … The pandemic has presented us with an opportunity to pave a new way forward. To reflect and rebuild towards a society that can adequately mitigate and adapt to the threats that confront humanity now, and into the future.
Now is the time for just and fair economic reform. Now is the time for a renewables led economic recovery.
Insecure Work a Major Cause of COVID Spread - Daniel Andrews
From ABC News:
[Daniel Andrews] flagged insecure jobs, where people did not have sick leave and needed to work their shifts to get paid, as an issue contributing to why some people were continuing to work while waiting for test results or while they had symptoms.
The Victorian Government has offered a one-off “Hardship Payment” of $1500 for people who test positive or are a close contact of a COVID-positive person, and would have no income if they self-isolate. Those who are forced to self-isolate because they are ill, but end up with a negative test result, are ineligible. Many are suffering from the loss of income.
The increasing casualisation of the workforce leaves many people vulnerable, forcing them to continue working in times of sickness or other crisis. We need a Universal social dividend to provide continuous financial support to everyone in times like these.
Australia’s Dirty Secret by John Hewson
John Hewson, former leader of the Liberal Party, writes in the Sydney Morning Herald:
How is it consistent that our government takes a strong position against Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, but defends its spying activities to the detriment of Timor-Leste? How is this consistent with our defence of the global “rules-based system”?
The effect of the Witness K and Collaery cases is to send a chill through anyone who might contemplate exposing the immoral and illegal actions of their government.