The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of debate across India's political and social spectrum. This legislation, aimed at overhauling the management of Waqf properties, aka Islamic charitable endowments, has been both lauded for its intent to introduce transparency and criticised for allegedly infringing upon minority rights. The bill's journey through the Lok Sabha and the reactions it has elicited from various quarters provide a compelling narrative of contemporary Indian politics. But first things first. Here are the key positives and negatives of the Bill Positives: Enhanced Transparency and Efficiency: The bill introduces measures to modernise the management of Waqf properties, including digitising records and stricter auditing processes. There are now steps in place to curb mismanagement and corruption, ensuring that the assets serve their intended charitable purposes.  Negatives: Erosion of Autonomy: Critics argue that the inclusion o

Abbie Chatfield As online and podcasting influencers increasingly make their mark in federal election coverage and hold interviews with leading political figures, the Australian Electoral Commission has this afternoon cleared leading podcast host Abbie Chatfield of any wrongdoing and said a review of her content has found it “does not require an authorisation statement”. Liberal senators had raised concerns about some of the podcaster’s podcasts and material shared on social media. They believed it should have been classed as electoral material, which if true would require an official authorisation statement. PM Anthony Albanese and Adam Bandt have both appeared on Chatfield’s podcast in recent weeks. Clips of the interviews were shared on both politician’s social media accounts. Chatfield has separately encouraged her followers to put the Liberal Party last on ballot papers. In a statement, an AEC spokesperson said that while the podcasts, “could be viewed as being m

LiSTNR’s true crime podcast Crime Insiders is expanding with two new series and the addition of award-winning journalist and author Dr Liz Porter, according to a media release from Southern Cross Austereo. Dr Porter will lead Crime Insiders: Forensics, drawing on her decades-long career covering forensic science to showcase how investigators solve complex crimes. “I’m thrilled to join the Crime Insiders team and share the insights I’ve gained throughout my career,” she said. “The experts are the real stars, and I can’t wait to tell their stories of solving Australia’s most complex cases.” The network is also launching Crime Insiders: Judgements, hosted by executive producer Dan Mullins. The series explores high-profile Australian cases through courtroom judgments, including the Sydney CBD milk crate murder and the Crown v Alan Bond. Clair Weaver, LiSTNR’s Head of Factual, said Porter’s expertise “will elevate Crime Insiders: Forensics and provide our audien

The ABC will host the first leaders' debate of the 2025 federal election between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, live from ABC Parramatta on Wednesday, 16 April at 8:00pm AEST.  According to an official release from the organisation, the debate will be moderated by Insiders host David Speers and broadcast across ABC TV, the ABC NEWS Channel, ABC iview and ABC radio platforms. Questions and topics will be determined by the ABC and not shared with the leaders in advance. Both leaders will be given equal time for opening and closing statements and to respond to questions. “This will be a gimmick-free debate, focused on the major challenges facing Australia at a critical time, and where the two leaders stand,” said Speers. “The aim is to give voters an opportunity to hear the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader discuss their competing visions for the country and genuinely debate each other. My commitment is to give both leaders fair treatmen

Issy Capone has joined Glenn ‘Stolzy’ Stolzenhein as the new co-host of Stolzy and Issy for Breakfast on 94.9 Power FM, marking a fresh chapter for the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands station, according to Radio Info. Capone moves from ARN’s Power FM in Muswellbrook, where she previously co-hosted breakfast with Krystal Roker. Speaking about her new role, she said, "Stolzy’s creativity, vulnerability and authenticity inspire me. We truly share our lives on-air and I’m thrilled to be part of this team as the female voice for 94.9 Power FM." Stolzy added that Issy brings the energy and insight the show was looking for. “Issy’s smart, funny and courageous and I’m excited to have her bring a fresh perspective to the show. Our listeners have been waiting for someone of her calibre.”  

On March 28, Pickr won an award: Best Independent Coverage. Honestly, it was a total surprise, and so many in the list deserved it. The Australian tech and games landscape has so many great independent publishers and freelancers that it would be difficult to name them all. We are all winners collectively. And yet something isn't right. I think we all know what it is.  I recall standing on the stage giving a speech with (probably) clumsily put-together words thanking my wife and kids, for stealing my kids' flowers, and because the independent landscape needs life support ASAP. It's important.  I remember seeing a few faces staring blankly at me through the bright lights. Maybe they disagreed or maybe because they thought I was wrong, or maybe it was the harsh lights and nervous me, but it's a vibe that appears to be a continued problem that will see great journalists leave one by one, and I'm not sure everyone really understands why.  So let's dive in with one point that s