AustraliaOwnership & classification
Founded: 2011
Ownership
The Conversation is an independent, not-for-profit news site launched in Melbourne in March 2011 by founding editor Andrew Jaspan, publishing analysis written by academics and researchers and edited by professional journalists. It is operated by The Conversation Media Group, a charitable trust with no commercial proprietor; its founding A$10m came from universities (Melbourne, Monash, ANU, UWA), the CSIRO, the Victorian and federal governments and the Commonwealth Bank. It has since spawned independent international editions.
Funding
Funded by membership fees from partner universities and research bodies, philanthropic grants, government and research-council grants, and more than 22,000 individual reader donations; content is free to read and republish under Creative Commons, with no paywall or commercial advertising as the core model.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially it leans centre-left and is academic in tone, but it operates as a non-profit with an editorial charter and is not owned or directed by any party, church, union or the state, despite drawing some public grant money. As a privately governed charitable/non-profit publisher free of party or government control, it is correctly classified as INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 322
78/100
Factual
74/100
Objective
384
Articles
384
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Taylor would hold net overseas migration at annual 100,000 for two years in plan hitting students, refugees
The article outlines a proposed immigration policy by the Australian Coalition opposition, led by Angus Taylor, aiming to significantly reduce net overseas migration. Under this plan, net overseas migration would start at 100,000 per year for two years, rise to 130,000, and stabilize at 160,000 by 2031–32. The policy includes cutting temporary visa holders by approximately 650,000 over four years, reducing 'core' temporary visas by a third, and halving the annual refugee intake to 10,000. It also introduces stricter rules for onshore protection visa applicants, caps the permanent migration program at 185,000 places annually, and reduces international student commencements to 240,000. While some temporary skilled visas and specific streams like 'skills in-demand' and 'skilled project' visas would see increases, temporary graduate visas and certain student categories would be restricted. The policy aims to address concerns about long-term residency among international students and align migration with housing supply.
As the planet warms, cities like Bangkok could be increasingly inundated by deadly floods
The article discusses the increasing frequency and severity of flooding in Bangkok due to climate change and urban development. It explains how intense rainfall, exacerbated by a stalled low-pressure system and warm sea surface temperatures, overwhelmed the city's drainage systems, resulting in a citywide disaster zone. At least 31 people died, and thousands evacuated. The piece highlights historical flooding events, such as the 2011 floods that caused $46.5 billion in damages. Bangkok's vulnerability is attributed to its location on a floodplain, subsidence from groundwater extraction, rapid urbanization, and concrete replacing permeable soil. Climate projections suggest continued risks as both sea levels and urbanization increase.
The Coalition’s migration policy rests on a series of false premises
The article critiques the Coalition's proposed migration policy in Australia, arguing that it is built on several flawed assumptions. The policy aims to drastically reduce net overseas migration (NOM) to 100,000 annually, significantly below the current rate of approximately 292,000. Key criticisms include the claim that the Labor government has 'lost control' of migration, which the article dismisses as unfounded, noting that similar migration trends are observed across multiple European countries. Another flaw is the assumption that reducing NOM alone will resolve migration issues, despite the fact that recent high NOM levels are largely due to reduced departures rather than increased arrivals. The article highlights that many of these changes originated under the Coalition and were continued by Labor, suggesting that addressing departures might be a more effective strategy.
How to build an expansion club: the challenges and opportunities for the new NRL and AFL teams
The article discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by three new professional sports teams set to join the Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL) in the coming years. These teams include the Perth Bears (NRL and NRLW), launching in 2027; the Papua New Guinea Chiefs (NRL), launching in 2028; and the Tasmania Devils (AFL/AFLW), also launching in 2028. The author, who has studied league expansion, highlights the significant financial and logistical hurdles these teams will encounter. The Tasmania Devils received support from the Tasmanian government, which contributed A$12 million annually and helped fund a new stadium. The Perth Bears represent both expansion into Western Australia and the revival of a historical team brand. The Papua New Guinea Chiefs project involves substantial federal funding due to economic and geopolitical considerations. The article emphasizes the importance of immediate success in competitive sports.
This chart tells you everything you need to know about the downturn in property prices
Australia's housing market is experiencing a significant downturn, with national property values down by 5.2% in September compared to their March peak. This decline has led to concerns about a potential 'freefall' in the market, as highlighted by Opposition Leader Angus Taylor. Using the Domain property price series, the average home price has dropped to levels similar to those from one year prior. The decline is attributed in part to recent property tax reforms introduced in the federal budget, but the market had already been weakening due to rising interest rates starting in February. Experts suggest that the impact of these tax changes on prices will be limited to around 2% over a few years. With the Reserve Bank of Australia continuing to raise interest rates, further price drops are anticipated, potentially reaching 10-15% according to some analysts. While this would represent a larger decline than previous downturns, it would still bring prices back to levels seen in early 2024.
Where are the best places for life in the cosmos? A universe in a supercomputer yields the answer
The article discusses the search for the most hospitable regions in the universe for life, focusing on the concept of 'Goldilocks zones', regions that are neither too hot nor too cold for liquid water. Researchers used the EAGLE simulation project to model galaxy evolution and identify areas within the Milky Way and beyond that are potentially suitable for life. The study suggests that our solar system, located in the outskirts of the Milky Way, is among the most favorable environments for life. The research highlights factors such as stellar density, heavy element abundance, and the risks posed by supernovae and massive stars that could disrupt planetary systems.
Cheap Chinese EVs could soon shake up NZ’s used car market. Are we ready?
BYD's Atto 1, a Chinese-made electric vehicle priced at around NZ$30,000, is poised to challenge the dominance of used petrol cars in New Zealand's market. These vehicles, which currently make up most of the road fleet, face potential devaluation as cheaper EVs enter the market. The article highlights how falling EV prices, exemplified by Tesla's past price cuts, could disrupt the used car market by compressing the price ladder. This shift could reduce reliance on Japanese depreciation models and create structural changes in New Zealand's automotive industry, impacting related sectors such as petrol stations, mechanics, and parts suppliers.
You’ve probably never heard of synchronous condensers. But they’re essential in the push for renewables
Australia's power grid is undergoing significant changes as coal-fired power stations are gradually shut down and renewable energy sources like solar and wind grow. These traditional power plants provided stability through their spinning turbines, which helped maintain grid voltage. However, grid-scale batteries alone cannot fully replace this function. To address this challenge, authorities are increasingly deploying synchronous condensers, large spinning electrical machines that stabilize the grid by maintaining voltage levels and absorbing shocks. Recent research highlights the effectiveness of these devices, though their high cost necessitates careful placement and sizing. Synchronous condensers, which have been in use for over a century, are now becoming critical as the transition to renewable energy continues, particularly in regions experiencing grid instability issues.
Africa’s rhinos often get the spotlight – but Indonesia’s two rhino species are far closer to extinction
The article discusses the declining populations of Sumatran and Javan rhinos, highlighting their critical endangerment compared to more visible African and Asian rhino species. It notes that fewer than 50 Sumatran rhinos remain, all in Indonesia, while the Javan rhino, with around 50 individuals, is confined to a single national park in Java, making it highly vulnerable to natural disasters. The piece contrasts these species' plight with the more publicized efforts to conserve African and Indian rhinos, suggesting that cultural symbolism and visibility often mask the true severity of threats faced by lesser-known rhino species.
Psychedelic drugs were once considered ‘revolutionary rocket fuel’, but could they be life-changing medicines?
The article reviews 'Trip Reports' by Rich Haridy, a book exploring the history and potential of psychedelic drugs as therapeutic tools. Haridy, a journalist based in Melbourne, discusses the resurgence of interest in psychedelics like LSD, magic mushrooms, and MDMA (ecstasy) for treating mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. He references historical figures like Timothy Leary and examines both the transformative and addictive nature of these substances. The book highlights Australia's unique role in psychedelic research, noting that while the country banned research in the 1970s, it became one of the first to legally reintroduce psychedelic medicine in 2024. Haridy explores both positive outcomes from clinical trials and concerns about the unpredictable effects of psychedelics.
Slow down, reminisce if it feels right: practical tips for talking to people with dementia
The article provides practical advice for communicating effectively with individuals living with dementia. It emphasizes that while dementia can affect memory, language processing, and the ability to follow conversations, the core principles of respectful and clear communication apply to everyone. People with dementia may struggle with finding the right words or processing information quickly, and they may experience confusion or disorientation. The article suggests creating a calm environment, using expressive body language, avoiding correction of their statements, and allowing them to lead the conversation. It also highlights the importance of reducing stigma and discrimination against those with dementia, noting that communication strategies should avoid infantilizing the individual. Techniques like reminiscing, engaging in art, gardening, or creating life story books are mentioned as potentially beneficial activities.
‘1.5°C to stay alive’: Pacific countries demand the world makes good on climate promises
Leaders from Australia, Germany, Nepal, and various Pacific nations convened in Fiji for climate discussions ahead of the COP31 climate summit in Turkey. These talks, hosted by Australia and Fiji as part of a COP30 agreement, aim to address climate threats to small island nations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen pledged $7.29 million toward renewable energy projects in the Pacific. Local media suggests a potential declaration for fair representation and guaranteed funding for small island states. Over 600 official negotiators and 2,560 participants attended, including former leaders like Julia Gillard and Jacinda Ardern. Australia's involvement in Pacific security and climate initiatives faces criticism from the opposition, which calls the spending a 'farce.' Fiji's Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of the 1.5°C temperature target for survival, highlighting the existential stakes for Pacific nations.
Three years after October 7, global attention on Gaza has receded. The real test will come after Israel’s election
Three years after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, the conflict in Gaza continues with ongoing Israeli military operations and settler violence in the West Bank. A UN commission of inquiry, along with genocide scholars and major human rights organizations, has concluded that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide. Over 74,000 Palestinians have died, with thousands still missing. A US-imposed ceasefire, while officially agreed upon, has not led to lasting peace, as Israeli attacks continue and aid restrictions persist. The Trump administration's 20-point peace plan partially succeeded in returning hostages and releasing Palestinian prisoners but failed to achieve broader peace goals. A new $2.45 billion rebuilding plan was recently announced, but significant challenges remain, including stalled reconstruction efforts and unresolved tensions between Israel and Hamas.