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Want a dog‑friendly workplace? Here’s what you’ll need to get right

Want a dog‑friendly workplace? Here’s what you’ll need to get right

As employers rethink wellbeing in a post-pandemic workplace, the key question is whether policies for pets at work are lawful, evidence-based and...

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The Conversation

Giuseppe Carabetta

Farmers are boosting their profits and production – with nature’s help

Farmers are boosting their profits and production – with nature’s help

Nature and agriculture are often at odds. But an Australian study suggests farmers who plant more trees are better off – financially and...

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The Conversation

Jim Radford

The sound of our cities: why the Australian pedestrian button belongs in our archives

The sound of our cities: why the Australian pedestrian button belongs in our archives

The sound of the PB/5 pedestrian crossing button shapes our cities. It is now part of the National Film Sound Archive of Australia’s 2026 Sounds of...

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The Conversation

Miles Park

Choosing a school holiday program can be tricky. Here’s how to identify a good one

Choosing a school holiday program can be tricky. Here’s how to identify a good one

Look out for programs that give kids a choice, include at least some outdoor time and have a mix of different activities.

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The Conversation

Alyssa milton

How one local council helped 1,200 low‑income residents finance solar and home energy upgrades

How one local council helped 1,200 low‑income residents finance solar and home energy upgrades

Council staff said human resources and time are essential, with one noting: ‘We have to go through a fair amount of information to explain how solar...

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The Conversation

Paris hadfield

When is the best time to get your flu shot? 2 infectious diseases experts explain

When is the best time to get your flu shot? 2 infectious diseases experts explain

There has already been a lot of flu this year but the flu season is unlikely to peak until late winter.

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The Conversation

Meru Sheel

Despairing at the state of the world? The ancient Greeks and Romans knew the feeling

Despairing at the state of the world? The ancient Greeks and Romans knew the feeling

Withdraw, endure, or laugh? The ancients have some advice about facing disillusionment.

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The Conversation

Konstantine Panegyres

Trump welcomes Columbus to the White House – and reignites America’s history wars

Trump welcomes Columbus to the White House – and reignites America’s history wars

By resurrecting statues toppled in protests during his first term, Donald Trump wants to reverse attempts to ‘erase history’. But history is never...

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The Conversation

Garritt C van Dyk

How will the Iran war change the Middle East? We asked 5 experts

How will the Iran war change the Middle East? We asked 5 experts

The US, Israel and Iran war will shift alliances and create insecurity for years to come.

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The Conversation

Scott lucas

Bumblebees can perceive rhythm, despite their brains being the size of a sesame seed

Bumblebees can perceive rhythm, despite their brains being the size of a sesame seed

Turns out humans are not alone in mastering rhythm.

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The Conversation

Andrew Barron

Grattan on Friday: A future plan on fuel should be central to Albanese government’s reform agenda

Grattan on Friday: A future plan on fuel should be central to Albanese government’s reform agenda

Albanese said the fuel crisis won’t prevent the government from delivering its “most ambitious” budget. In doing so, he set the marker of how to...

02.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Michelle Grattan

Fuel prices are driving more Australians to EVs ‑ and secondhand cars are in high demand

Fuel prices are driving more Australians to EVs ‑ and secondhand cars are in high demand

There’s been a surge of interest in EVs as the oil crisis hits – and secondhand EVs are especially in demand

02.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Scott Dwyer

Do trans women have an advantage in sport? The genetics of sex are complex

Do trans women have an advantage in sport? The genetics of sex are complex

By enforcing a ‘sex test’ for athletes, the International Olympic Committee has reignited the debate about what a ‘level playing field’...

02.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Jenny Graves

‘Small and underwhelming’: Albanese’s gambling reforms won’t do much to reduce harm

‘Small and underwhelming’: Albanese’s gambling reforms won’t do much to reduce harm

Anthony Albanese’s new gambling reforms promise much but are really a cautious, politically palatable compromise.

02.04.2026 9

The Conversation

Samantha Thomas

An ancient oracle warned invading Persia would backfire – from Croesus to Trump, rulers have failed to listen

An ancient oracle warned invading Persia would backfire – from Croesus to Trump, rulers have failed to listen

The ancient Greeks and Romans invaded Persia multiple times. The risks were high, the logistics complicated, and wars were a lot easier to start than...

02.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Peter Edwell

In the age of AI, why do Australian company boards have so few technology experts?

In the age of AI, why do Australian company boards have so few technology experts?

From cyber attacks to artificial intelligence, no business can ignore the role of technology. New research shows Australia’s boardrooms are missing...

02.04.2026 5

The Conversation

Natalie Elms

How to enjoy Easter chocolate without wrecking your sleep

How to enjoy Easter chocolate without wrecking your sleep

If you love a late-night chocolate egg, you may struggle to sleep. A sleep expert explains why.

02.04.2026 8

The Conversation

Charlotte Gupta

Easter has a soundtrack just like Christmas, so why do we never hear it?

Easter has a soundtrack just like Christmas, so why do we never hear it?

For one thing, most of it isn’t the kind of music you’d want to shop to.

02.04.2026 7

The Conversation

Wendy Hargreaves

Winter crops need to be sown ‑ but Australia’s farmers are worried about fertilisers and fuel

Winter crops need to be sown ‑ but Australia’s farmers are worried about fertilisers and fuel

Without adequate fertiliser, crops such as wheat and barley produce lower yields with lower protein content.

02.04.2026 5

The Conversation

Marit e. kragt

Apps pressure delivery riders into courting danger – here’s what needs to change

Apps pressure delivery riders into courting danger – here’s what needs to change

The riskier the ride, the cheaper your food delivery.

02.04.2026 7

The Conversation

Andres fielbaum

I hate it when other adults ‘parent’ my kids. What can I do?

I hate it when other adults ‘parent’ my kids. What can I do?

Get-togethers with friends and family are fun but rarely perfect. Children can feel overwhelmed or overexcited. Adults get triggered.

02.04.2026 7

The Conversation

Christiane Kehoe

Offenders serving community sentences are more likely to keep jobs, earn more – new research

Offenders serving community sentences are more likely to keep jobs, earn more – new research

New Zealand’s shift to community-based sentences has cut costs, helped offenders to retain work and higher earnings, with no major change to...

02.04.2026 4

The Conversation

Peer ebbesen skov

Friday essay: how to have brave conversations in an age of loud moral certainty

Friday essay: how to have brave conversations in an age of loud moral certainty

When we lose the ability to politely disagree, it narrows the space for thinking out loud. Here are 5 tips for conversations that allow constructive...

02.04.2026 6

The Conversation

Farid Zaid

What is Benjamin Netanyahu’s end game in the Iran war?

What is Benjamin Netanyahu’s end game in the Iran war?

The war in the Middle East is a huge political book for the Israeli prime minister in an election year – but it may come at a great cost.

02.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Martin Kear

As the Iran war disrupts supplies, will it affect access to medicines?

As the Iran war disrupts supplies, will it affect access to medicines?

Here’s what’s in place to protect supplies in the short term, and the risks of long-term instability.

02.04.2026 6

The Conversation

Jack Janetzki

New Stan film Whale Shark Jack is a kid‑focused tribute to WA’s awe‑inspiring coastline

New Stan film Whale Shark Jack is a kid‑focused tribute to WA’s awe‑inspiring coastline

What the film lacks in depth, it makes up for in heart, spirit and spectacular landscapes.

02.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Ellie mcfarlane

Is free public transport a good idea? It depends on who gets on board

Is free public transport a good idea? It depends on who gets on board

Victoria and Tasmania have announced free fares, but NSW is firmly against the idea. Will it work to get people out of cars?

02.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Milad Haghani

We can’t implant our brains in robot beavers – but Hoppers gets a lot right about animal science

We can’t implant our brains in robot beavers – but Hoppers gets a lot right about animal science

The new Disney/Pixar film Hoppers may seem like standard animated fare. But it reflects real scientific themes and philosophies.

02.04.2026 6

The Conversation

Rebecca lynne hendershott

Want to be a citizen scientist? Here are 5 ways to get involved

Want to be a citizen scientist? Here are 5 ways to get involved

Citizen science relies on people like you. Here are five projects where science lives beyond the lab.

02.04.2026 3

The Conversation

Miki Perkins

Bigger storms, more often: new study projects likely future rainfall impacts on NZ

Bigger storms, more often: new study projects likely future rainfall impacts on NZ

New models show NZ’s heaviest rainfall is likely to grow more intense and frequent, with some regions facing twice as many extreme events by 2100.

02.04.2026 6

The Conversation

Muhammad fikri sigid

As NASA launches a crewed Moon mission, Australia is once again playing a critical role

As NASA launches a crewed Moon mission, Australia is once again playing a critical role

Ground stations in Australia are crucial for contacting the astronauts travelling to the Moon.

02.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Tristan Moss

Does AI mean more uni students are plagiarising their work?

Does AI mean more uni students are plagiarising their work?

A new study shows most university students who copy from AI are also plagiarising in other ways.

02.04.2026 6

The Conversation

Guy Curtis

This common antidepressant helps people cut back on methamphetamine – new study

This common antidepressant helps people cut back on methamphetamine – new study

If approved, mirtazapine would be the first prescription medicine for people with methamphetamine dependency.

02.04.2026 5

The Conversation

Rebecca mcketin

Housing construction costs are already rising, increasing risks of builders going bust

Housing construction costs are already rising, increasing risks of builders going bust

Home builders with fixed price contracts can only absorb so much cost pressure. Research shows which builders were already at most risk, even before...

02.04.2026 4

The Conversation

Lyndall Bryant

Unethical brain rot: why are millions watching AI fruits have affairs on TikTok?

Unethical brain rot: why are millions watching AI fruits have affairs on TikTok?

This new wave of AI short dramas is absurdly addictive. Understanding the psychology is the first step towards breaking the spell.

02.04.2026 20

The Conversation

Niusha Shafiabady

We have the proof that logging makes Tasmania’s forests more flammable

We have the proof that logging makes Tasmania’s forests more flammable

After almost 60 years, scientists have been able to prove an influential theory that wet eucalypt forest regrowth is more fire prone.

02.04.2026 10

The Conversation

David Bowman

Do people still care about opera? An insider raises some doubts

Do people still care about opera? An insider raises some doubts

Opera singer, producer and librettist Caitlin Vincent explores big questions about her art form in Opera Wars – a lively book bristling with ideas.

02.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Peter Tregear

Toxic blooms and invasive clams are forcing a rethink on the Waikato River

Toxic blooms and invasive clams are forcing a rethink on the Waikato River

Two million people drink water from the Waikato. But the river is degrading as pollution and invasive clams spread faster than monitoring protocols...

02.04.2026 5

The Conversation

Adam Hartland

Albanese to announce interest‑free loans for businesses hit by fuel crisis

Albanese to announce interest‑free loans for businesses hit by fuel crisis

The policy announcement will come in a speech where Albanese emphasises the government’s economic reform agenda and commitment to an ‘ambitious’...

01.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Michelle Grattan

Albanese warns Australians coming months ‘may not be easy’

Albanese warns Australians coming months ‘may not be easy’

In the first national address since 2020, he encouraged Australians to “do their part”.

01.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Michelle Grattan

A New York Times critic used AI to write his review – but criticism is deeply human

A New York Times critic used AI to write his review – but criticism is deeply human

Alex Preston has admitted to using AI to write a New York Times Book Review. He has not only embarrassed himself, but broken the trust of his readers.

01.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Bec Kavanagh

Is the Fitzroy River a suitable venue for the Brisbane Olympics, given it’s home to crocodiles?

Is the Fitzroy River a suitable venue for the Brisbane Olympics, given it’s home to crocodiles?

It sounds crazy – hosting Olympic rowing and canoeing on a river home to crocodiles. Yet that’s what is likely to happen in Brisbane in 2032.

01.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Richard Baka

Nearly half our permanent migrants are working below their skill level: former Treasury Secretary

Nearly half our permanent migrants are working below their skill level: former Treasury Secretary

In a Wednesday address, Martin Parkinson said the focus on migration numbers misses the more immediate questions about how migrants can apply their...

01.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Michelle Grattan

Banning card surcharges will make paying simpler – but not necessarily cheaper

Banning card surcharges will make paying simpler – but not necessarily cheaper

From October, there’ll be no nasty surprise charges when you pay by card. But some shoppers may have to pay more than they do today – here’s why.

01.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Vibhu Arya

Trump underestimated Iran’s resilience. Now there is only one way out of the war

Trump underestimated Iran’s resilience. Now there is only one way out of the war

Iran’s regime was structured to withstand attacks from more powerful foes. It’s also resolved to deny the US and Israel a victory at all costs.

01.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Amin Saikal

Should the parliament decide if Australia goes to war?

Should the parliament decide if Australia goes to war?

As it stands, the power to commit Australian troops to war is with the executive government. But many think it should be done with parliamentary vote.

01.04.2026 7

The Conversation

Nicole Townsend

Albanese to address the nation on the Middle East war and fuel crisis

Albanese to address the nation on the Middle East war and fuel crisis

Albanese will speak tonight after Chalmers announced policies to support small business.

01.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Michelle Grattan

Australia is tightening the rules on children’s privacy – here’s how it will work

Australia is tightening the rules on children’s privacy – here’s how it will work

A new code for children’s online privacy is currently open for consultation. Here’s what it contains.

01.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Tama Leaver

Alpha males, Harry Styles, and going mad with desire: what to watch in April

Alpha males, Harry Styles, and going mad with desire: what to watch in April

This month’s streaming lineup is full of bold and provocative conversation starters.

01.04.2026 4

The Conversation

Damien o'meara

Australians lost $2 billion to scams – and are still waiting for new anti‑scam measures to take effect

Australians lost $2 billion to scams – and are still waiting for new anti‑scam measures to take effect

New anti-scam measures passed federal parliament more than a year ago. So why aren’t they in force yet? And what can people do to protect themselves...

01.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Mohiuddin Ahmed