Milo Kei
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milokei.bsky.social
Milo Kei
@milokei.bsky.social
1K followers 1.4K following 1K posts
Associate Lecturer #Sociology at the University of Newcastle (NSW). I study #Class, #Youth, political participation, #Protest, #Resistance and #Climate #SocialMovements. ORCID: 0000-0001-6945-5570
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milokei.bsky.social
I've been using #MS365 #Copilot at work to create royalty-free images for an online course. Just to break up the text and insert some colour and life. Today it can't do that in the most hilarious way.

Yes, I'm new to #GenAI and still use pleasantries; No, I don't treat it in a sentient way (yet).
November 27, 2025 at 3:01 AM
milokei.bsky.social
So, it's been almost two weeks since literal Nazi's marched outside NSW parl with their literal Nazi oaths and messaging calling for the end to the 'Jewish lobby'.

Instead of condemning this blatant antisemitism, the special envoy is hiring heavies to police university campuses.

#Auspol
November 21, 2025 at 8:01 AM
milokei.bsky.social
#ALP climate minister #Bowen goes out of his way, amending legislation and appealing courts to knock back an offshore wind farm. Why? Applicants don't know either

#ClimateCrisis #COP30 #Auspol
"That's what's so hard to understand about this decision - it seems to go agalnst the government's own policy of renewable energy and cheaper power into the grid and more jobs in regional areas," she said. "We are struggling to understand why they have chosen to go down this path. It just doesn't nake sense." The company is now disbanding the project, resulting in the loss of 20 project jobs, as well as 1,000 anticipated jobs once the project was operational.
November 7, 2025 at 7:08 AM
milokei.bsky.social
October 28, 2025 at 11:22 AM
milokei.bsky.social
Thanks for the link! This is all pretty damning and I'm so pleased the senate had led this inquiry process with solid recommendations. It's painful it's been this long in coming however. All of these revelations have been aired ad nauseum by those inside. Hope this results in needed change
The senators' report acknowledges pockets of good practice across the sector. Its conclusions overall, however, are vithering: "This inquiry Ias xposed what lies beneath the tip of the governance failure iceberg- overpaid and arrogant management and their largesse, paque, unaccountable, and top- down decision-making, and governance bodies stacked with corporate appointees. The inquiry is now calling for sweeping changes to both the structure and operations of university councils. The politics of his will not necessarily be traightforward. This is because 11
October 11, 2025 at 2:18 AM
milokei.bsky.social
Excellent analysis. The NPC is committing a heinous betrayal of the very ethics they seek for their profession - speaking truth to power.

#Auspol #Gaza #Genocide
The highest obligation for a journalist in the field of war should be to veer towards truth, not neutrality, and Hedges said that we “cannot stand by while one people is exterminated and call it balance”. His address at the National Press Club was expected to explore this collapse of journalistic integrity – how the media’s complicity in Gaza reflects a broader decay in Western journalism, driven by corporate consolidation, political fear, the loss of moral courage, and a failure to hold power to account.
October 6, 2025 at 2:58 AM
milokei.bsky.social
I hate to bother you @cathywilcox.bsky.social but was hoping this could be made quicker by asking directly. I copyied this toon of yours from here without any context and want to cite it for use in my undergrad course. Can you remember when this was published? Was it July?
September 25, 2025 at 5:56 AM
milokei.bsky.social
McKibben nailing it.

open.substack.com/pub/billmcki...
But this vill 1n the end be a very significant speech--precisely because of its stupidity. When American historians tell the story of 2025, it will be about the rise of our off-brand fascism. When wvorld historians tell the story of 2025. it will be about the passing of technological, and hence economic, and hence political leadership from the U.S. to China, in the span of eight months. The tape of this address will be the easiest way to explain to people how such a mammoth shift happened so fast. At least he didn't make them play YMCA.
September 24, 2025 at 5:43 AM
milokei.bsky.social
As an ECR in Australia, this feels about right.
It is so cataclysmically bad that I think it is no longer even possible to say that the field is in a state of emergency — it is more accurate to say that the state of emergency has come and gone, and left behind a job market that has effectively completely ceased to be functional in the sense of providing at least a significant percentage of all ECRs with the means of starting a career that allows them to meet their basic human needs and live with a modicum of dignity. Right now, it is perfectly possible, and in fact common, for a young scholar to do everything “perfectly” (pick a research topic that is likely to attract future funding, complete your doctorate at a top university, win scholarships, write a great thesis, publish articles, attend conferences, network successfully etc.) and still not be able to find the kind of job that allows them to start an academic career afterwards.
September 17, 2025 at 9:22 AM
milokei.bsky.social
@osmanfaruqi.bsky.social nailing it in one. Why we need to be forever vigilant and organised against racist and nationalist movements. This time will be remembered by how we collectively act next.

#ZeroTolerance #Auspol #NoToWhiteSupremacy
Now as the far-right take to the streets and celebrate terrorism, spread racism and anti-semitism, inflame hatred, division and violence – all things the media and politicians have accused pro-Palestine protestors of doing – they seem caught off-guard. Some politicians have condemned neo-Nazi elements, others have endorsed the Marches and even participated, while Australia’s biggest media companies continue to platform Nazis and spread racist, anti-immigration rhetoric. All of this suggests that rather than being a culmination, Sunday’s protests are actually the beginning of a new, emboldened phase of far-right activity in Australia.
September 1, 2025 at 8:50 AM
milokei.bsky.social
NSW becomes exclusively attached to the services of a privatised security firm. The firm goes broke. The state then can't use home bail conditions, putting potentially innocent ppl in prison for long periods of time. Judges know prison is bad, order some to pay cops new toys

Privatisation works?
The strange conditions follow private ankle-monitor company BailSafe having shut down without alerting authorities. Following this, the NSW government outlawed ankle monitor bracelets as a condition of bail in the state. This will come into effect on 12 September. According to Attorney-General Michael Daley, two-thirds of defendants affected have had their bail conditions reviewed. Some judges have tried alternative tracking methods, while others have just sent defendants back to prison. Speaking with The Daily Telegraph this week, opposition police spokesperson Paul Toole said the conditions were ineffective and could set a “dangerous precedent”.
August 15, 2025 at 3:54 AM
milokei.bsky.social
Developing some course materials, I thought I'd actually take the incessant advice from our school exec's and use AI. The image on the left is what I fed into the machine, the one on the right the output

It is fast and impressive but don't let it teach anyone anytime soon.

#AcademicSky
August 15, 2025 at 3:31 AM
milokei.bsky.social
Thanks for the recommendation @davidrafferty.bsky.social! This is a cracking read. Good scholarship and relatively elegant, I like history that comes out swinging and our man Frederik don't miss. Can't wait to hear how he deals with Sulla's march on Rome
August 10, 2025 at 12:39 PM
milokei.bsky.social
It totally slaps. Thanks for sharing.

Also, this YT commenter has taken the cake:
August 8, 2025 at 7:22 AM
milokei.bsky.social
Police hysterically shouting about 'concern' of 'major incident' while deciding to halt over 100k ppl on a bridge and turn them all around

#OurABC certainly got the memo though, 3/4 breaking headlines = 'police concerned' or traffic chaos. Headline? Bridge reopens after 90k ppl leave #Auspol
Sydney Harbour Bridge reopens after 90,000 march in pro-Palestinian rally 'Massive operation' to contain Sydney traffic congestion around protest Concerns of 'a major incident with potential loss of life': NSW Police Commander 'We were really concerned about a crowd crush': NSW Police
August 3, 2025 at 8:57 AM
milokei.bsky.social
I learnt how to drive on this beauty. Forgiving, economical, relatively safe, radio... What more does a late teen need?

Legendary car. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daihats...
August 1, 2025 at 7:58 AM
milokei.bsky.social
'Although a ‘clip over the ear’ by teachers is not regarded as a serious incident by many in the independent school tradition'

Can you imagine how this assault would have been portrayed had it happened at a local govt school?

#KingsBeingKings #Education #AcademicSky
A question of ‘free will’ According to one senior source in the King’s community: “A Year 11 student was struck on the back of the head by the headmaster Tony George during a Faith Forum class in the Futter Hall in the closing week of Term 2. “This occurred after the boy had asked the Headmaster a challenging question about theology (said to concern the issue of ‘free will’). Both staff and boys are said to have been shocked at the incident. There is confirmation by senior staff that the Headmaster descended from the stage to ‘clip the boy over the ear’. The incident has been confirmed by MWM after speaking to a number of Old Boys, former staff and members of the school community. Although a ‘clip over the ear’ by teachers is not regarded as a serious incident by many in the independent school tradition, this incident comes at a time of concern about Tony George’s stewardship of the school.
July 29, 2025 at 3:29 AM
milokei.bsky.social
'McFadden [Dep Commish] has misled the public, ignored evidence, laid incorrect charges, made inconsistent statements, engaged in victim blaming and taken the case in the wrong direction' - Higginson

#Auspol #NSWPol #ProtectProtest #ACAB
he NSW Police Force charging a civilian that it appears one of its officers has assaulted is par for the course. However, in Hannah’s case, the cops took the matter one step further and charged her under laws usually reserved for rioters, seemingly because it had sunk in that punching a legal observer in the face with such force that the injury was clearly severe was not a good outcome. So, just for good measure but without much forethought, NSW police initially charged Thomas with refuse to comply with a direction given in accordance with this section, contrary to section 87MA(4) of the LEPRA. This is similar to the regular offence of failing to follow a move-on order, but it only applies after a senior police officer has called an emergency incident, and it carries a fine of $5,500. The 2005-enacted offence is contained within part 6A of the LEPRA, which holds emergency powers that can only be unlocked by senior police, when a large-scale public disorder is taking place. Yet, the four protesters arrested alongside Hannah copped the regular section 199 LEPRA charge. So, when it was realised early last week that Thomas’ charge sheet bore a rioting offence, even though these powers were not in play at the time of arrest, McFadden then downgraded this emergency charge to the regular minor offence of failure to follow a direction on 7 July. The Greens justice spokesperson said that the ever-changing case is now in the territory of “malicious prosecution, police violence and serious police misconduct”, which begs NSW premier Chris Minns to step in and take control of the fallout before the public loses more confidence in the NSW Police Force. Assistance commissioner McFadden had stated on Sunday, 29 June 2025, just two days after Thomas was punched in the face by a police officer that he’d “had a preliminary review of the body worn video with a number of commanders and one of our operations experts” and that there was no information at that stage that “indicates any misconduct on behalf of my officers“. “Police assistant commissioner Brett McFadden must stand down and an investigation into his conduct be established,” Higginson made certain on Monday. “McFadden has misled the public, ignored evidence, laid incorrect charges, made inconsistent statements, engaged in victim blaming and taken the case in the wrong direction.”
July 17, 2025 at 3:54 AM
milokei.bsky.social
Academics for public universities succinctly nailing the real reason #Macquarie #University wishes to cut #Sociology & #PoliSci programs. Understanding power helps to undermine powerful forces. Sign the petition here www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/sa...

#AcademicSky #Auspol #AcademicChatter
We submit that this is an attack not just on Sociology and Politics, but on the very idea of a public university. Sociology and Politics teach students to understand power, inequality, and the ways that our institutions function and respond to social change. Should we be chastised for assuming that this is precisely why they are being targeted?
July 14, 2025 at 9:20 AM
milokei.bsky.social
@alexmckinnon.bsky.social highlights that NSW cops are currently running $162M+ for the five years to June 2023 in legal and settlement fees to keep it out of courts. Hannah will be one of the very, very many civilians assaulted and harassed by the #NSWpolice #ACAB #Auspol
Last October, just as the protests were kicking off, NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson asked the state government how many civil claims were made against NSW Police for things like assault, wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, unlawful searches and harassment between July 2018 and June 2023, and how much money was paid out. A month later the stats came back: Over those five years, the state government paid out $161,942,963 in civil claims against NSW Police. A massive 1,962 claims were filed against police — more than one a day — of which 1,522 were settled one way or another in the same financial year. That means NSW taxpayers paid an average of more than $620,000 a week for five years to settle cases of police brutality, harassment and humiliation, which were continually brought before the courts at a rate of more than one per day.
June 30, 2025 at 9:30 AM
milokei.bsky.social
It is worthwhile repeating a pithy phrase by an anonymous author:

'Bombing for peace is like fucking for virginity'

#NoWar #ScoMo #UnflushableTurds of #Auspol
Scott Morrison tweet praising Trump's announcment of bombing Iran with the words 'Peace through strength'
June 22, 2025 at 9:33 AM
milokei.bsky.social
Maq Uni restructuring is symptomatic of the rot infesting university mgmt throughout the land (and elsewhere). Just when you think the hollowing out has to stop somewhere it accelerates into new disciplines. #Sociology now at risk there due to pitifully small thinking

#AcademicSky #SaveHASS
We must oppose the reductive logic underpinning the Macquarie proposal. The HASS fields, including sociology, remain crucial to the international standing of Australian universities, and are a drawcard for our students. We note that the Job-Ready Graduate Package has done nothing to deter students’ interest in HASS. The contention that HASS courses are financially unviable is simply not born out by indicators of teaching and research income. Despite this, the management of Australian universities has been reduced to forms of ‘strategic planning’ that amount to cherry picking (and often guessing at) the most profitable fields – and restructuring accordingly. This reflects an inability to envisage and enact innovative institutional responses to national and global developments shaping higher education. It fails to uphold a vision of the contemporary university as one that balances income and profit with intellectual contribution, social purpose and cultural impact. We urge the senior management of Macquarie University to revise their current restructuring proposal and adopt a more constructive and future-orientated vision. We extend this plea to other Australian universities currently reviewing their programs and staffing. Our collective task is to strengthen what our universities are and can be, not deplete them.
June 20, 2025 at 7:31 AM
milokei.bsky.social
Woodside CEO: Nothing more than an overpaid troll

#Auspol #ClimateCrisis #SaveThePilliga #KeepItInTheGround #NoNorthWestShelf
Guardian Australia headline which reads 'Australia news live: Woodside boss says young people ‘ideological’ on fossil fuels while ‘happily ordering from Temu’'
May 27, 2025 at 3:24 AM
milokei.bsky.social
Alan Kohler definitively laying out the political arithmetic more succinctly and accurately than any other notable political scientist #Auspol media lets through the cat door.

The Libs will never, ever take meaningful climate action
The Liberal Party didn't lose 40 seats in a decade only because of climate change, but it's the main reason. And now the new leader, Sussan Ley, must choose between two ways to cement the party's doom: either keep the Coalition together without an electable climate policy, or have one and go it alone, without the Nationals. Either way, they're done for. Ley can't have an electable climate policy and be in a coalition with the Nationals.
May 19, 2025 at 4:12 AM
milokei.bsky.social
I always read @thesaturdaypaper.com.au editorial first, before the other articles. I love it's simplicity of style and clarity of meaning. It pulls no punches as the paper expects none in return. This is a perfect example

#AusPol #AusVotes25
Surely this is the end, the rock bottom drunks talk about at their first meeting. For more than 20 years, the Liberal Party has staggered further and further from the political centre, stopping occasionally to bicker with gays or yell at the weather that it isn’t real.
May 10, 2025 at 12:52 AM