Greg Barns
@barnsgreg.bsky.social
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substack.com/@gregbarns/n...
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Greg Barns (@gregbarns)
January 26, Invasion Day - Some Thoughts Tomorrow is termed by European Australians Australia Day. But the historically and legally accurate term is Invasion Day. We should be working today b...
https://substack.com/@gregbarns/note/c-204737042?r=4mtyqu
10 days ago
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Lets forget that January 26 marked the beginning of
#genocide
of First Nations Australians, that their land was stolen etc This is white washing propaganda
#auspol
10 days ago
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My piece today on the appalling hate speech bill. Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny â and this one ticks every box
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
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Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny â and this one ticks every box
A sweeping new bill to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism was rushed through federal parliament this week with minimal scrutiny and major rule-of-law flaws. Its vague definitions, retrospective r...
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01/bad-laws-are-the-worst-sort-of-tyranny/
12 days ago
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www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/w...
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Israel Tells Doctors Without Borders to End Its Work in Gaza
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/world/middleeast/israel-bars-doctors-without-borders-gaza.html
27 days ago
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Denise Shrivell
29 days ago
Albo is going to give into them.
#auspol
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Kym Davey and me today on why a Bondi royal commission is not needed Rethinking the call for a royal commission after Bondi
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
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Rethinking the call for a royal commission after Bondi
After initially calling for a federal royal commission into the Bondi attack, Greg Barns and Kym Davey explain why they have changed their minds â and why existing legal processes may offer greater ac...
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01/rethinking-the-call-for-a-royal-commission-after-bondi/
28 days ago
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about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Denise Shrivell
about 1 month ago
Here's a very handy clickable list of publishers & commentators in Aust's independent news media sector. Please support & share these news media publishers - & of course sign up to TrueNorth!
#auspol
>
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
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#auspol news media list
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Gc08dB8O24TrVz2FSI8-COKa9upZA85d79l8BxdBMT8/edit?usp=sharing
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Denise Shrivell
about 2 months ago
Don't want you to fail - but do want you to support and oversee evidence based policy as needed by our kids and communities. The social media ban is not that
#auspol
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My piece today on the problematic social media ban
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/12...
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Australiaâs social media ban puts free speech on the chopping block <pic>
Australiaâs social media ban for under-16s is being sold as a protection for children, but it raises serious questions about free speech, democratic participation and the perverse effects of prohibiti...
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/12/ban-blocks-free-speech/
about 2 months ago
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#ApartheidIsrael
sinks to a new low with state sanctioned murder OFFICIAL â Israelâs proposed death-penalty law is a war crime
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11...
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OFFICIAL â Israelâs proposed death-penalty law is a war crime
Not satisfied it seems with the continued genocide of Palestinians, Israel is now looking to execute Palestinian prisoners by introducing a death penalty law.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11/official-israels-proposed-death-penalty-law-is-a-war-crime/
3 months ago
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Fascinating interviews with, among others, John Menadue who was Secretary Prime Minister and Cabinet on November 11. Episode 1 - The 50th anniversary of the Whitlam government
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/10...
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Episode 1 - The 50th anniversary of the Whitlam government
We kick off with a topic close to our hearts, the 50th anniversary of the Dismissal of the Whitlam Government.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/10/episode-1-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-whitlam-government/
3 months ago
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My Hobart Mercury column today on the danger of industry policy -eg, bail outs for smelters in South Australia and Tasmania.
3 months ago
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"neither laws nor judges can be divorced from their social and historical context" Annual Goldring Lecture at @UOW by New South Wales District Court judge Andrew Haesler. Powerful speech for dark times.
republicchambers.com.au/2025/10/31/2...
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2025 Goldring Lecture University of Wollongong - Judge Andrew Haesler, District Court of NSW - Republic Chambers
GOLDRING LECTURE FINALWallawaani âWallawaaniâ Joanne Selfe of the judgeâs Ngara Yura Program tells me that in Dharga/Dharawal âWallawaani,â means âmy [âŠ]
https://republicchambers.com.au/2025/10/31/2025-goldring-lecture-university-of-wollongong-judge-andrew-haesler-district-court-of-nsw/
3 months ago
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Why would any leader take anything the venal corrupt President of the US, Trump, seriously? The so called Australia US rare earths deal is not worth the paper its written on
3 months ago
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Albanese and Rudd sold out freedom of the press this week
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/10...
My piece on the appalling lack of push back by Australia on the banning of
@abcnewsbot.bsky.social
John Lyons
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Albanese and Rudd sold out freedom of the press this week
Many Australian journalists think Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ambassador Kevin Rudd did a wonderful job this week in handling the corrupt narcissist who runs the United States, Donald Trump.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/10/albanese-and-rudd-sold-out-freedom-of-the-press-this-week/
3 months ago
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Answer No
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/a...
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Can an Israel Philharmonic Concert Be Just About Music?
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/arts/music/israel-philharmonic-orchestra-carnegie-hall.html
4 months ago
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This orchestra should, if it put human rights first, make a statement against genocide
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/a...
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Israel Philharmonic Draws Protests as Fragile Cease-Fire Holds in Gaza
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/arts/music/israel-philharmonic-carnegie-hall-protests-middle-east.html
4 months ago
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Paul Thistoll
4 months ago
The economy is not going to recover in time to give Luxon an election boost. This means Winston, Luxon, and Seymour will try to stir up culture wars to distract us. Don't get sucked in - just hammer home the lousy economic performance, the incredibly high cost of living, and the general despair.
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Denise Shrivell
4 months ago
One of the Austs on the flotilla who was taken illegally & held by the Israel Govt - says the Aust Govt did not really support them. They were among the last to be released - & their release & deportation to Jordan was facilitated by other Govts. What a betrayal đđĄ
#auspol
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October 7 protests against Israel are legitimate. Attempts by governments to stop them is a dangerous abuse of power.
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/10...
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7 October not a day to abuse protesters
When it comes to the domestic political fallout from the Gaza conflict, there are no more reliable and uncritical friends of Israel than Victoriaâs Premier Jacinta Allan and her New South Wales counte...
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/10/october-7-not-to-a-day-to-abuse-protesters/
4 months ago
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With my colleague Stuart Rees today on why recognition of Palestine is the right thing for Australia to do.
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/09...
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Recognising Palestine a long overdue act of courage
At the UN this week, in a long overdue act of courage, the Australian Government has recognised the State of Palestine.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/09/recognising-palestine-long-overdue-act-of-courage/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAM-ge9jbGNrAz6B2mV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeptSLhVLYBzsHK4VK5kH1FdCSTMR1WUFamH_OWYMMI_8GOgfkC30GNDch2Rc_aem_8jEN42ZWMyHuK9YChlm-aA
4 months ago
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Denise Shrivell
5 months ago
TrueNorth sends its 400th newsletter on Monday! Every weekday for close to 2 years I've shared articles & commentary from Australia's excellent independent news publishers & commentators To help me improve TrueNorth please share your views through the survey link
#auspol
>
linktr.ee/deniseshrivell
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Rex Patrick
5 months ago
#FOI
isnât a sexy sport, but it is used by engaged citizens, NGOs and media to increase participation in democracy and to scrutinise Govt. @AlboMPâs FOI Amendment Bill is an assault on open government and shows him to be a
#transparency
fraudster.
#auspol
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FOI Amendment Bill: Not what Faulkner or Allan Hawke wanted
The Explanatory Memorandum for the governmentâs Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 claims it implements or responds to certain recommendations from previous reviews and inquiries, citing in pa...
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/09/foi-amendment-bill-not-what-faulkner-or-allan-hawke-wanted/
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Denise Shrivell
5 months ago
Wish I thought that the Albanese Labor Govt was going to stand their ground with Trump over John Lyonsâ very valid questions - but sadly I donât.
#auspol
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My piece today on Albanese government's regressive FOI policies
#auspol
FOI changes big backward step for government transparency
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/09...
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FOI changes big backward step for government transparency
There has been much commentary, most of it critical, about federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowlandâs recently introduced Bill that amends the Freedom of Information Act by restricting access through...
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/09/foi-changes-big-backward-step-for-government-transparency/
5 months ago
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Time to legalise drugs - smart policy not prejudice
5 months ago
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Simon Rosenberg
6 months ago
"It is extraordinary that Australian universities would adopt the IHRA definition. The truth must out. Why did they do it? Who put pressure on them and why did they succumb?"
@barnsgreg.bsky.social
on the toxic impact of
#ZionistMcCarthyism
.
#auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/08...
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Universities, free speech and the High Court
Greg Barns looks at the legal implications for universities, who last year adopted an IHRA-aligned definition of antisemitism, in wake of a large scale boycott of the Bendigo Writers Festival.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/08/universities-free-speech-and-the-high-court/?utm_source=Pearls+%26+Irritations&utm_campaign=5dbd5a23b4-Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0c6b037ecb-5dbd5a23b4-583168951
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My piece today
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/08...
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Australia must defend International Criminal Court
If it were China or Russia, the imposition of sanctions and threats of harm to prosecutors and judges of the International Criminal Court would be front page news in Australia.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/08/australia-must-defend-international-criminal-court/
5 months ago
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The failure of universities in Australia to stand up for freedom of speech on Gaza. La Trobe the latest with its disgraceful ban on discussion of Gaza at the Bendigo Writers Festival. My piece today.
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/08...
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Universities, free speech and the High Court
Greg Barns looks at the legal implications for universities, who last year adopted an IHRA-aligned definition of antisemitism, in wake of a large scale boycott of the Bendigo Writers Festival.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/08/universities-free-speech-and-the-high-court/
6 months ago
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RuthForrest MLC to be Treasurer in a @TasmanianLabor government This is excellent news. The smartest thinker on fiscal and tax reform in Tasmania
6 months ago
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The war criminal
#Netanyahu
genocide now includes occupying aka annexing
#Gaza
and yet no blanket sanctions on
#Israel
In other words enabling the genocide
6 months ago
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Joanna Mendelssohn
7 months ago
What really gets me about Segal is that her report arrived the same week as both the Coronerâs report into Kumanjayi Walkerâs death & the Yoorrook report detailing genocide in Victoria. When will governments act to prevent discrimination against Aboriginal people?
#auspol
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My column in the Hobart Mercury today
6 months ago
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The Tasmanian election does not provide a mandate to the Liberals or Labor to proceed with the AFL stadium
6 months ago
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My piece today on the dangerous plans of Anti-Semitism Envoy Jillian Segal Antisemitism envoy's report 'Trumpian'
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/07...
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Antisemitism envoy's report 'Trumpian'
The report of the Albanese Governmentâs antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, contains recommendations that will lead to erosion of freedom of expression and the right to protest.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/07/antisemitism-envoys-report-trumpian/
7 months ago
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Antoinette Lattouf
7 months ago
In this episode, we unpack The Ageâs coverage of an anti-Semitic incident in Melbourne take a look at a different genocide and the conspicuous absence of major coverage + we pull apart the curious case of the âactivist journalistâ We Used To Be Journos out now
podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/w...
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'Death to the IDF' and other chants - my piece on the freedom of speech issues involved.
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/07...
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Freedom of speech and chants
âDeath, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]â and âDeath, death to the IOF [Israeli Occupying Force]â. Chants that some in the Palestinian support movement in Melbourne used last weekend.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/07/freedom-of-speech-and-chants/
7 months ago
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While she blames Hamas for her husbandâs death, she said she was frustrated by the failure to free the remaining hostages, calling it a cost of Mr. Netanyahuâs actions in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/w...
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The Cost of Victory: Israel Overpowered Its Foes, but Deepened Its Isolation
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/world/middleeast/israel-cost-of-victory.html
7 months ago
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My piece on the great win by
@antoinettelattouf.bsky.social
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/06...
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Lattoufâs win over ABC a big victory for freedom of expression
Journalist and broadcaster Antoinette Lattoufâs win over the ABC in the Federal Court is a significant victory for freedom of expression.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/06/lattoufs-win-over-abc-a-big-victory-for-freedom-of-expression/
7 months ago
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My article today
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/06...
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Bombing Iran a clear breach of international law
As the world reacts to the entry of the US into Israel's attack on Iran, Greg Barns says the actions betray the rules-based order.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/06/bombing-iran-a-clear-breach-of-international-law/
8 months ago
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My take on the Tasmanian election
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/06...
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Tasmania in the news for all the wrong reasons
Itâs rare that the biggest news in Australian politics emanates from Tasmania.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/06/tasmania-in-the-news-for-all-the-wrong-reasons/
8 months ago
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@lex08.bsky.social
Brilliant take down of Trump
www.theage.com.au/world/north-...
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As a judge, Iâm sounding the alarm: the out-of-control White House is dismantling justice
Donald Trumpâs war on the International Criminal Court is ramping up, and we should all be worried about what comes next.
https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/as-a-judge-i-m-sounding-the-alarm-the-out-of-control-white-house-is-dismantling-justice-20250608-p5m5rx.html
8 months ago
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#politas
The @afl stadium bill redefines draconian - there are zero appeal rights. Its martial law stuff by Premier Rockliff and all for a sports stadium My column Hobart Mercury today
8 months ago
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My column today's @themercurycomau - Australia's failure to impose sanctions on Israel is reprehensible
8 months ago
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Rex Patrick
9 months ago
A new
#FOI
reveals Ambassador Kevin Rudd has been talking the
#AUKUS
talk, with success. Yet no amount of talk will help the US walk the AUKUS walk. The Congressional Research Service and US Government Accountability Office both say the US canât deliver us Virginia Class submarines.đ
#auspol
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Rudd talking the AUKUS talk in Washington, but is the US walking? - Michael West
A new FOI reveals Kevin Rudd has been talking the AUKUS talk, with success. But no amount of talk will cause the US to walk the AUKUS walk.
https://michaelwest.com.au/rudd-talking-the-aukus-talk-in-washington-but-is-the-us-walking/
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Nevvie the Border Collie
9 months ago
What is happening right now in Gaza is horrific as people (including children) are starved to death or dying in bombings from Israel. It has to stop!
#auspol2025
#gaza
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In Gaza
#Israel
is starving the population. But Australia continues to trade with a state that is committing genocide. Time to name and shame Australian companies making money from this pariah state
9 months ago
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reposted by
Greg Barns
Simon Rosenberg
9 months ago
"it is in the area of human rights protection that Dreyfus has been most disappointing. If he was serious about the rule of law, he would ensure that a human rights act was legislated for by now."
@barnsgreg.bsky.social
on a mediocre AG.
#auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/05...
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Dreyfus leaves little legacy
In his term as attorney-general, Mark Dreyfus failed to address many big issues.
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/05/dreyfus-leaves-little-legacy/
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@markgkenny.bsky.social
9 months ago
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