Australian OPTIONS - Ten years on

Australian Options is 10 years old. It is not a bad milestone in publications, particularly one that has as its brief the ponderous task of promoting discussion about social justice and political change. The times favour conformism not challenges. But, there is a thirst in the community for information about the real state of Australia and the world which does not appear to make sense. We fight wars in the name of peace and democracy and then are surprised that the Muslim world is angry and that terrorism is a retaliatory tool. We live comfortable existences but are anxious with uncertainty about work and the future.

Globally there is general consensus that the natural world is in serious disrepair and the social condition of the poor is in similar parlous state. Yet, Australia, like other nations in the Western world, has never been richer. How do we manage this collective wealth and technology for everyone's benefit, and how do we create conditions for purposeful, safe and satisfying lives? This remains the political challenge for humanity that, in many respects, lives the dark ages.

The grip of uncertainty has masked the increased power of corporations over the past 10 years and their regressive influence over the conditions of working people. For example, work is increasingly casualised and the wealthy pay less tax. In many cases these developments have been a result of government decisions. However, in the catch cry of the anti-global movement—another world is possible and Australian Options will continue to explore that.

We have had some very fine contributions of generous, committed and knowledgeable individuals with their hearts and minds firmly in the public interest like Hugh Stretton, Frank Stilwell, John Quiggin, Greg Combet, Eva Cox, Barbara Pocock, Bob Ellis, Patrick Dodson, Walden Bello and many more. The continuity has also been possible because of a hard-core group of activists who for 10 years have kept faith with unforgiving deadlines.

We will endeavour to present and examine ideas for betterment. This is not just an issue for the Left but one for anyone who respects truth and principles as fundamental criteria on which to assess political choices.