Dean Jaensch
Dean Jaensch is a political scientist and election analyst. He is an adjunct professor of politics at Flinders University, South Australia. He has been one of Australia’s foremost political commentators for several decades.
Articles by Dean Jaensch
Donations have no place in the political race
Over the past few years, the rivers of private donations to political parties have grown into a flood of Queensland…... Read more
Is it really worth propping up the ailing car industry?
Australian governments have a long history of offering taxpayers’ money to private businesses in an effort to get them to…... Read more
A well deserved payrise for these upstanding citizens
Just when we thought that politics had started its summer holidays, and the “big questions” were put aside for a…... Read more
Time for our morning constitutional change
It is likely that the 2013 federal election will be accompanied by three referendum questions. The last 110 years have…... Read more
Qantas standoff has cleared the air for real reform
An industrial dispute has two sides – employer and employee. The Qantas dispute had a very important third side –…... Read more
In politics it’s all just a little bit of history repeating
For SA Premier Mike Rann, “school” ends today, and from 9am tomorrow, he is on holidays. This is earlier than…... Read more
Keep the Upper House until they fix the Lower House
In his personal review of his legacy to South Australia, Premier Rann had two main regrets. The first was his…... Read more
Disrespecting pollies is as Aussie as flies at a barbie
A small minority of people have expressed some concern with the ABC top-rating satire, At Home With Julia. The main…... Read more
Gillard is up the creek in dire need of a paddle
A straightforward decision by the High Court: the government’s “Malaysian solution” was illegal. But that simple decision is surrounded by…... Read more
Shut the hell up and get back to running the nation
Australia, which includes the national government and parliament, faces a number of crucial issues. A short list: the carbon tax;…... Read more
Push for toughened privacy is supreme hypocrisy
The Gillard government, in concert with the Greens, is planning to toughen up privacy laws. The immediate spark for this…... Read more
Moving forward, let me say this on working families…
Australia is one of the most multi-ethnic societies on earth. As a result, we are living in a kaleidoscope of…... Read more
Thou shalt separate Church and State
Politics. Religion. Combine the two and the result can be very nasty indeed. Think about a short list: the Crusades,…... Read more
Has Gillard (finally) struck on a winning policy?
Prime Minister Julia Gillard faces a number of unresolved problems in 2011. These include the continuing backwash of the school…... Read more
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A sneak preview of PM Kevin Rudd Mark II
After modest carousing following his second elevation to Prime Minister - no more than half an hour -…
Scorched earth is all that will remain if they keep this up
Never underestimate the furiously protective streak of an adult daughter towards her father. Last night…
Kindergarten philosophy
My freshly kindergarten-ed daughter has been learning all sorts of stuff at her new school. Last weekend,…
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choice ringside rantings
From: Australia, we’re a bunch of heartless travel snobs
Justin says:
My 2 cents worth, If you feel the need to belittle other peoples holidays/methods of travel/experiences/destinations/restaurants they choose etc etc, then you should probably take a look at yourself in the mirror as well. People should be free to travel as they can best afford, best suits… [read more]From: This Sally’s no lay down, she’s a lay down misère
Jacques Meoff says:
"Why can't we have more athletes like Sally Pearson?" The answer is actually pretty simple, notwithstanding the simple fact that she is an incredible athlete, the AIS pour 99 percent of their money into supporting the swimmers. Unless you form part of that team you fund yourself to train, travel and… [read more]Gentle jabs to the ribs
No wuckin forries. These nuckin futs are tuckin fops
Well, puck me with a fitchfork. The F-word is apparently an acceptable part of Australian speech. That’s… Read more
