Yarra’s plan to shrink bike lanes an accessibility and safety step back
Yarra City Council has voted to approve a controversial parking plan that will see increased parking spaces and a narrower bike lane in Richmond. As an RMIT expert explains, creating new car parks has the potential to jeopardise public safety.
Celebrating the success of the AFLW beyond financial metrics
Season 10 of the AFLW is set to kick off its longest season yet with the removal of the compressed fixture and an added round. As the game continues to grow, an RMIT expert unpacks the success and future of the AFLW.
Legal action against Kmart highlights fundamental issues in Australia's response to forced labour
An advocacy group has commenced legal action against Kmart, alleging its products are sourced from Chinese factories that are linked to forced labour. While Kmart has denied the claims, an RMIT expert explains that the legal proceedings may reveal significant gaps in Australia’s commitment to eradicating modern slavery.
Victorian electricity bonus falls short
The Allan Labor government has today announced a fifth round of the Power Saving Bonus (PSB). Two RMIT experts comment on the equity and efficacy of the program and explain why, although welcome, it may not go far enough to protect energy vulnerable households.
Harmful content outweighs educational content as YouTube falls under the social media ban
The Albanese government has decided to include YouTube in its world-first social media ban for under-16s. Initially exempt due to its educational content, the platform was added following advice from the eSafety Commissioner who identified it as a major source of harmful content exposure to children. An RMIT expert explains.
Queer creatives driving change in Australia’s TV industry
There is an emerging expectation amongst viewers to see queer TV professionals behind the creation of gender and sexually diverse stories in Australian TV. A new RMIT study unpacks the motivations, barriers and labour behind the queer stories that appear on Australian screens.
Princess Polly’s new B Corp status undermines the credibility of the certification
Princess Polly recently received B Corp certification, an acknowledgement aimed at recognising high social and environmental performance. However, RMIT experts argue that granting this to an ultrafast fashion brand undermines the certification's value for other sustainable fashion companies.
The Seine has opened to swimmers – could the Yarra be next?
Paris recently opened the River Seine for public swimming for the first time in more than a century, after it was cleaned up for swimming events at last year’s Olympics. Advocates have long campaigned for the Yarra River in Melbourne to be rehabilitated, and as an RMIT expert explains, the benefits could be greater than providing a new spot for swimmers.
