Interviewed by former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer for Optus Sport, Mary put paid to that theory: “I honestly just wear gloves because I get really fidgety. Usually I train with a ring on, but if it’s cold, I wear gloves, and I can’t wear a ring in a match, so I usually wear gloves.” Sky News reports that Mary has captured the imagination of Australians because of her star performances in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

INDIGENOUS VOICE WILL ‘ENRICH OUR DEMOCRACY’ SAY JUDGES

“I’m often asked why I support the Voice and my answer often surprises people,” writes Richard Denniss, executive director of the Australia Institute, in a newsletter to supporters. “I’m voting Yes because that's what, after more than a decade of consultation, Indigenous Australians asked me to do.” Denniss also encourages Australians to read the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which asks people ‘to walk together to build a better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution, and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty making and truth-telling’. The No campaign is “trying to turn a referendum to enshrine a Voice to Parliament into a legalistic debate between non-lawyers,” says Denniss.

Denniss also refers to “the clear, concise and compelling words” of an eminent group of retired judges supporting a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum. An open letter by the judges, emphasises how the Voice “will deliver on the call made in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and enrich our democracy. Australia’s First Nations peoples have seldom been allowed entry, let alone a place at the table. If successful, the referendum on the Voice will not diminish the influence of anyone. But it will help to correct an historic wrong.”

You can link here to the Australia Institute’s website which contains an abundance of informed articles, analysis and commentary on major issues facing Australia.

DEATH OF ONE OF THE PANDEMIC’S FEW HEROES

Marylouise McLaws - courageous, honest, credible (UNSW)

Marylouise McLaws, the internationally-recognised epidemiologist who came to prominence when the Covid pandemic tore through Australia in 2020-22, has died 18 months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Emeritus Professor McLaws, 70, an academic at the University of New South Wales for 35 years, was one of the few expert and credible public voices at a time when most politicians, health agencies and university specialists were playing down the severity of the pandemic and opposing – and even denouncing - the firm measures required to bring it under control and protect more lives.

Prof McClaws announced her withdrawal from public life immediately upon learning of her diagnosis early last year. She was a person of great wisdom, integrity and courage. When I learned of her death late last night, I felt a resurgence of the anger and contempt I have for the incompetent and unethical ‘authorities’ who lied through their teeth as thousands of people had their lives ruined so that capitalism wouldn’t have a minor setback. It was a national scandal and the political investigations and enquiries promised at the time have been allowed to quietly retreat beyond the horizon. Read more here.