In this issue:

Bridging the Digital Divide: Why Shelving the NBN Isn’t an Option

Some Thoughts on the European Debt Crisis

A Strengths-Based Approach to Working in Indigenous Health and Education

Preventing and Creating Mental Illness

Planning for a Growing City, and Rebuilding Brisbane

Bridging the Digital Divide: Why Shelving the NBN Isn’t an Option

Commitment to the NBN is wavering. It’s copping criticism on many fronts, and has become yet another weak point for a government whose policy agenda is in disarray. In this article, Karyn Brinkley draws attention to the bigger picture and argues why it is essential for Australia to have fast, reliable broadband.

Some Thoughts on the European Debt Crisis

Hysteria is what mostly passes for debate about government debt in the media. The Australian government seems to pander to this in its dogged pursuit of a return to budget surplus. But public debt in Europe and the United States far surpasses levels in Australia. Here, Bruce Littleboy brings a sense of calm to the discussion by putting matters in a broader theoretical and historical context.

A Strengths-Based Approach to Working in Indigenous Health and Education

Modern culture focuses a lot on deficits in the belief that criticism and the identification of problems is the formula for progress. With this perspective, however, we ignore the tremendous resources of resilience and creativity in the midst of dysfunction. In this article, Alison Nelson argues for a strengths-based approach to indigenous health and education.

Preventing and Creating Mental Illness

The growing awareness of issues of mental health and illness in Australia is a good thing. It’s critical for reducing the stereotypes and stigma that prevent many from reaching out for help, and also for pressuring governments to improve the services available for those that do. But we need to be careful about the way we approach the problems, for there is a risk of creating as well as preventing illness, writes Martin Leet.

Planning for a Growing City

In the wake of the January floods, Brisbane quickly got back to business. But the recovery process will be a marathon, not a sprint, and will take many months, even years. In order for recovery to happen, future development must proceed. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk sets out the challenges still facing Brisbane, and the planning process that should help the city rebuild.