Laurie Patton
@theluckygeneral.bsky.social
Public interest advocate | ‘Recovering journalist’, media executive | Marine Rescue NSW volunteer | “Once a rooster, now just a feather duster” | Reposts & likes ≠ endorsement!!!
Communications minister Anika Wells knew what she was doing when she introduced the ‘teen social media ban’.
At least it has raised an important issue with parents, teachers and caregivers. There’s a limit to what a single government can do to rein in profit-greedy Internet entrepreneurs.
At least it has raised an important issue with parents, teachers and caregivers. There’s a limit to what a single government can do to rein in profit-greedy Internet entrepreneurs.
November 29, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Communications minister Anika Wells knew what she was doing when she introduced the ‘teen social media ban’.
At least it has raised an important issue with parents, teachers and caregivers. There’s a limit to what a single government can do to rein in profit-greedy Internet entrepreneurs.
At least it has raised an important issue with parents, teachers and caregivers. There’s a limit to what a single government can do to rein in profit-greedy Internet entrepreneurs.
I don’t subscribe to the belief that @abcnewsbot.bsky.social is biased. But headlines like this don’t help. Who says democracy needs saving?
November 28, 2025 at 11:20 PM
I don’t subscribe to the belief that @abcnewsbot.bsky.social is biased. But headlines like this don’t help. Who says democracy needs saving?
Surely we can do better?
November 27, 2025 at 5:18 AM
Surely we can do better?
By pushing ahead communications minister Anika Wells has raised the issue with parents, teachers and caregivers. And put the platforms on notice. It would require a globally coordinated effort by governments to fix the Internet - but it’s not impossible.
www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/26/t...
www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/26/t...
‘Expect problems’: Politicians behind teen social media ban warn it won’t be perfect
‘You are going to hear lots of stories in the media about how this is a catastrophic failure of process and rollout,’ SA Premier Peter Malinauskas predicted.
www.crikey.com.au
November 26, 2025 at 5:48 AM
By pushing ahead communications minister Anika Wells has raised the issue with parents, teachers and caregivers. And put the platforms on notice. It would require a globally coordinated effort by governments to fix the Internet - but it’s not impossible.
www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/26/t...
www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/26/t...
“The UN notes that no large country concentrates such a high share of its population in so few major cities”.
Why is housing affordability an issue? Because houses cost more in big cities.
It’s time we had a national decentralisation plan.
www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/nationa...
Why is housing affordability an issue? Because houses cost more in big cities.
It’s time we had a national decentralisation plan.
www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/nationa...
Australia keeps urbanising. Maybe it’s time to change that
Australia's population is increasingly gravitiating to major cities. Here's why it may be time to reverse the urbanisation trend.
www.thenewdaily.com.au
November 25, 2025 at 11:57 PM
“The UN notes that no large country concentrates such a high share of its population in so few major cities”.
Why is housing affordability an issue? Because houses cost more in big cities.
It’s time we had a national decentralisation plan.
www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/nationa...
Why is housing affordability an issue? Because houses cost more in big cities.
It’s time we had a national decentralisation plan.
www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/nationa...
When it comes to sensible solutions to the housing crisis, Chris Minns has some good ideas..
We just need councils to rein in the greedy developers.
1. Townhouses / Terraces.
www.planning.nsw.gov.au/news/new-hou...
2. Medium height apartments.
www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...
We just need councils to rein in the greedy developers.
1. Townhouses / Terraces.
www.planning.nsw.gov.au/news/new-hou...
2. Medium height apartments.
www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...
November 25, 2025 at 7:24 AM
When it comes to sensible solutions to the housing crisis, Chris Minns has some good ideas..
We just need councils to rein in the greedy developers.
1. Townhouses / Terraces.
www.planning.nsw.gov.au/news/new-hou...
2. Medium height apartments.
www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...
We just need councils to rein in the greedy developers.
1. Townhouses / Terraces.
www.planning.nsw.gov.au/news/new-hou...
2. Medium height apartments.
www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...
Another much needed regional housing initiative - better than another block of apartments.
But what about the government and community services that create a viable community.
More proof we need a national decentralisation plan.
But what about the government and community services that create a viable community.
More proof we need a national decentralisation plan.
November 24, 2025 at 6:23 AM
Another much needed regional housing initiative - better than another block of apartments.
But what about the government and community services that create a viable community.
More proof we need a national decentralisation plan.
But what about the government and community services that create a viable community.
More proof we need a national decentralisation plan.
A sensible approach. We do not need ultra-highrise apartments.
At 3-6 storeys, these buildings should not look too out of place.
They should not be built side by side where everyone is looking into other people’s bedrooms and half the balconies receive no sunshine.
www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...
At 3-6 storeys, these buildings should not look too out of place.
They should not be built side by side where everyone is looking into other people’s bedrooms and half the balconies receive no sunshine.
www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...
World-leading NSW Pattern Book puts new mid-rise homes on the fast track
The Minns Labor Government is today launching 9 new architect-designed mid-rise apartment building patterns as the next phase of the world leading NSW Housing Pattern Book, which is helping to acceler...
www.nsw.gov.au
November 24, 2025 at 4:35 AM
A sensible approach. We do not need ultra-highrise apartments.
At 3-6 storeys, these buildings should not look too out of place.
They should not be built side by side where everyone is looking into other people’s bedrooms and half the balconies receive no sunshine.
www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...
At 3-6 storeys, these buildings should not look too out of place.
They should not be built side by side where everyone is looking into other people’s bedrooms and half the balconies receive no sunshine.
www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...
People are being killed due to rising intercommunal violence in South Sudan. More than 10K have been displaced.
In response, the United Nations deployed a patrol to deter further clashes.
Rather than dismiss the UN because we still have global conflicts, we should applaud its humanitarian work.
In response, the United Nations deployed a patrol to deter further clashes.
Rather than dismiss the UN because we still have global conflicts, we should applaud its humanitarian work.
#southsudan | United Nations Peacekeeping
More than 70 people, including women and children, have been killed due to rising intercommunal violence, cattle raids, and reported aerial bombardment in Upper Nile state, #SouthSudan🇸🇸. More than 10...
www.linkedin.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:15 AM
People are being killed due to rising intercommunal violence in South Sudan. More than 10K have been displaced.
In response, the United Nations deployed a patrol to deter further clashes.
Rather than dismiss the UN because we still have global conflicts, we should applaud its humanitarian work.
In response, the United Nations deployed a patrol to deter further clashes.
Rather than dismiss the UN because we still have global conflicts, we should applaud its humanitarian work.
I guess the upside, for those who still care about facts, is AI provides a new vehicle for checking the accuracy of what we read.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
AI is changing the relationship between journalist and audience. There is much at stake | Margaret Simons
There is no point pretending that change is not happening, or that it can be avoided. But these are the risks we must address
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:05 AM
I guess the upside, for those who still care about facts, is AI provides a new vehicle for checking the accuracy of what we read.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Australia ranks 14th globally in average GDP. We are one of the richest countries on the planet. But ‘average’ masks the fact that in such a prosperous nation we have a huge disparity in wealth and income. Redressing that imbalance is the challenge and the best way to increase real wage levels.
November 21, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Australia ranks 14th globally in average GDP. We are one of the richest countries on the planet. But ‘average’ masks the fact that in such a prosperous nation we have a huge disparity in wealth and income. Redressing that imbalance is the challenge and the best way to increase real wage levels.
As Susssan Ley will eventually find, it’s unusual for whoever takes over as opposition leader after defeat to last until the next election.
www.leadstory.com/v/mark-speak...
www.leadstory.com/v/mark-speak...
Mark Speakman resigns as NSW Liberal leader
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has quit after weeks of intense speculation over his position. Mr Speakman said first-term MP Kellie Sloane had told him she would like to take over the role.
www.leadstory.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:00 PM
As Susssan Ley will eventually find, it’s unusual for whoever takes over as opposition leader after defeat to last until the next election.
www.leadstory.com/v/mark-speak...
www.leadstory.com/v/mark-speak...
IMO, they are too high, too close together (balconies with no sunlight) and we are condemning people who’d prefer a house to a life in an apartment.
From the prospectus…
“introduce a 2% affordable housing requirement to the site…”.
Seven out of 277! Developers 1, people 0.
From the prospectus…
“introduce a 2% affordable housing requirement to the site…”.
Seven out of 277! Developers 1, people 0.
November 19, 2025 at 11:31 PM
IMO, they are too high, too close together (balconies with no sunlight) and we are condemning people who’d prefer a house to a life in an apartment.
From the prospectus…
“introduce a 2% affordable housing requirement to the site…”.
Seven out of 277! Developers 1, people 0.
From the prospectus…
“introduce a 2% affordable housing requirement to the site…”.
Seven out of 277! Developers 1, people 0.
Paraphrasing Mandy Rice Davies (Google if you don’t know), they would say that, wouldn’t they?
The US tech behemoths had Huawei banned because it was eating their lunch. Now they’re upset because we want people’s confidential information stored here.
www.innovationaus.com/us-suppliers...
The US tech behemoths had Huawei banned because it was eating their lunch. Now they’re upset because we want people’s confidential information stored here.
www.innovationaus.com/us-suppliers...
US suppliers swing at Australia's data sovereignty rules
US cloud, cyber and software firms have called on policymakers to unwind Australia’s data localisation laws and reconsider “sovereignty” goals, claiming the geo-bounding actually increases cybersecuri...
www.innovationaus.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Paraphrasing Mandy Rice Davies (Google if you don’t know), they would say that, wouldn’t they?
The US tech behemoths had Huawei banned because it was eating their lunch. Now they’re upset because we want people’s confidential information stored here.
www.innovationaus.com/us-suppliers...
The US tech behemoths had Huawei banned because it was eating their lunch. Now they’re upset because we want people’s confidential information stored here.
www.innovationaus.com/us-suppliers...
$826,320? Would not even cover the cost of their Christmas parties.
And would be buried in the accounts under “cost of doing business”.
www.9news.com.au/national/opt...
And would be buried in the accounts under “cost of doing business”.
www.9news.com.au/national/opt...
Optus hit with maximum fine over phone scam
The telecommunications regulator has fined Optus for failing to follow anti-scam regulations, leaving some...
www.9news.com.au
November 19, 2025 at 4:59 AM
$826,320? Would not even cover the cost of their Christmas parties.
And would be buried in the accounts under “cost of doing business”.
www.9news.com.au/national/opt...
And would be buried in the accounts under “cost of doing business”.
www.9news.com.au/national/opt...
Why do I suspect that using AI is more about costs and profits than customer service?
What do you do when the bot can’t answer your question or fix your problem but refuses to connect you with a real person?
This happened to me last week!
itwire.com/it-industry-...
What do you do when the bot can’t answer your question or fix your problem but refuses to connect you with a real person?
This happened to me last week!
itwire.com/it-industry-...
iTWire - AI expected to 'resolve half of service cases in ANZ' by 2027, data shows
Key Takeaways By 2027, AI is expected to handle half of all customer service cases — up from just 31% today. That sharp climb reflects a broader shift underway: AI has leapt from the margins to ...
itwire.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Why do I suspect that using AI is more about costs and profits than customer service?
What do you do when the bot can’t answer your question or fix your problem but refuses to connect you with a real person?
This happened to me last week!
itwire.com/it-industry-...
What do you do when the bot can’t answer your question or fix your problem but refuses to connect you with a real person?
This happened to me last week!
itwire.com/it-industry-...
There are industries where an implied social licence applies - a company that relies on a licence to operate certainly meets that test - banks, telcos, television networks and power companies all operate at the behest of the communities they serve.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
CBA boss says repaying ‘excessive fees’ to low-income customers could be seen as taking shareholder money
Commonwealth Bank Australia– which reported a record cash profit of $10.3bn in most recent financial year – charged $270m in ‘excessive fees’ over five years
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:43 AM
There are industries where an implied social licence applies - a company that relies on a licence to operate certainly meets that test - banks, telcos, television networks and power companies all operate at the behest of the communities they serve.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
Another telco failure. Why are phones being sold if they don’t work on one of the networks? Why hasn’t the regulator (the ACMA) - who apparently knew about the issue - insisted the Telcos contact customers and ensure they have updated or replaced their phone? www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Sydney resident died after triple-zero call didn’t work on Samsung phone, TPG says
Early investigations suggest device was using software incompatible with emergency calls on TPG network
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Another telco failure. Why are phones being sold if they don’t work on one of the networks? Why hasn’t the regulator (the ACMA) - who apparently knew about the issue - insisted the Telcos contact customers and ensure they have updated or replaced their phone? www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
ATTENTION ALL MEDIA. When reporting on Triple Zero failures you could mention that if people are unable to get through they should ring a friend and ask them to call for you.
November 18, 2025 at 3:29 AM
ATTENTION ALL MEDIA. When reporting on Triple Zero failures you could mention that if people are unable to get through they should ring a friend and ask them to call for you.
Every year GWS Giants play four ‘home games’ at Canberra’s Manuka Oval, with a playing field measuring around 160m x 132m.
Hobart’s Bellerive Oval is bigger - 175m long and 135.5m wide.
And Bellerive is bigger than the SCG. Apparently that’s OK for the Swans.
www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/17/t...
Hobart’s Bellerive Oval is bigger - 175m long and 135.5m wide.
And Bellerive is bigger than the SCG. Apparently that’s OK for the Swans.
www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/17/t...
Tasmania’s Macquarie Point Stadium by the (ruinous) numbers
We've compiled the numbers to help you follow the coming — and supposedly final — stadium debate in the Tasmanian Legislative Council.
www.crikey.com.au
November 17, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Every year GWS Giants play four ‘home games’ at Canberra’s Manuka Oval, with a playing field measuring around 160m x 132m.
Hobart’s Bellerive Oval is bigger - 175m long and 135.5m wide.
And Bellerive is bigger than the SCG. Apparently that’s OK for the Swans.
www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/17/t...
Hobart’s Bellerive Oval is bigger - 175m long and 135.5m wide.
And Bellerive is bigger than the SCG. Apparently that’s OK for the Swans.
www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/17/t...
Data contradicts most of Angus Taylor’s claims.
Data contradicts MP's claim investment has 'fallen off a cliff'
A senior Liberal MP has claimed investment has fallen off a cliff under Labor, but that's at odds with what official figures show.
www.aap.com.au
November 15, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Data contradicts most of Angus Taylor’s claims.
And so it should. Nobody should be able to negative gear their holiday home. www.afr.com/wealth/perso...
ATO threatens to break ‘golden rule’ for holiday home tax deductions
Claims may be denied if a property is considered to be “mainly” for personal use and not genuinely available for rent, especially during peak periods.
www.afr.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:37 AM
And so it should. Nobody should be able to negative gear their holiday home. www.afr.com/wealth/perso...
@paulbongiorno.bsky.social If Alex Hawke thinks a commitment to an emissions reduction target by a set date was “a major mistake”, does he think the same about the inflation rate or the unemployment rate?
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topi...
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topi...
The political cost of keeping the lights on
There was a timely warning from Labor’s national president on the day the party, and the country, was remembering not only our war dead but also the convulsions caused by the ousting of the Whitlam go...
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au
November 14, 2025 at 1:46 AM
@paulbongiorno.bsky.social If Alex Hawke thinks a commitment to an emissions reduction target by a set date was “a major mistake”, does he think the same about the inflation rate or the unemployment rate?
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topi...
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topi...
“In the years since, successive governments have progressively introduced most of Whitlam’s key policies…
The internet has finally made decentralisation viable. And, with it, provided a solution to one of our most pressing domestic political issues…”
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11...
The internet has finally made decentralisation viable. And, with it, provided a solution to one of our most pressing domestic political issues…”
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11...
The Whitlam agenda – the one thing we left out
Fifty years ago, the Whitlam Government was swept from power, leaving a policy legacy unmatched by any administration, before or since.
johnmenadue.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:32 PM
“In the years since, successive governments have progressively introduced most of Whitlam’s key policies…
The internet has finally made decentralisation viable. And, with it, provided a solution to one of our most pressing domestic political issues…”
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11...
The internet has finally made decentralisation viable. And, with it, provided a solution to one of our most pressing domestic political issues…”
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11...