Secondary teacher (now retired), unionist and Australian Labor Party member since 1972. 8 years teaching in the Northern Territory: 4 in Katherine, followed by 4 in Maningrida, an aboriginal community in Arnhem Land. Returned in June 2008 to Melbourne to live after 15 months in Broome.
Kevin's website is Red Bluff
Latest posts by Kevin Rennie
Yang Hengjun's death sentence jolts improving relations between Australia and China
"Something worth noting (and may not be readily apparent): Yang Hengjun is an Australian citizen. But to the Chinese government, he's Chinese."
National broadcaster axes Australian journalist Antoinette Lattouf over Gaza social media post
"Does anyone think an ABC reporter would have been sacked for posting a message on social media supporting Israel?"
In search of Australia's treasured koala
With Australia facing potentially catastrophic bushfires this summer like the 2019–2020 season, one of its favorite animals, the koala, is under threat on a number of other fronts as well.
‘Matilda': Australian word of the year following magnificent 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Some fans made the ultimate sacrifice to attend the quarter final game against France: 'I gave up Taylor Swift tickets for the Matildas'
Australia's bid to co-host COP31 climate conference faces obstacles
Since the election of the new Labor government in 2022, Australia’s international reputation regarding climate action has risen considerably as result of stronger emissions targets and its enhanced safeguard mechanisms.
Australian parliamentarians visit Washington to lobby for Julian Assange's release
Despite the visit, support for Assange's release remains low in the US. If extradited, he could face a sentence of up to 175 years in prison.
Australia's elusive platypus faces many threats to its survival in the wild
In general, experts are on the same page that platypuses are struggling and will continue to decline if nothing changes.
Australian journalists imprisoned in China anxiously await diplomatic breakthrough
Australian novelist Yang Hengjun has been awaiting the verdict on his case in China for more than two years after being accused of spying. Now he fears he may die in detention
‘Welcome to Sex': Australian sex-ed book tops bestseller list, despite campaign to block sales
"If you are not providing your young teen with sex education then you’re relying on what they learn from porn or from chatting with other students."
Hong Kong pro-democracy exiles not intimidated by China’s arrest warrants and bounties
"Trying to spread fear at home, abroad, and travelling in between. Further incentive to fight for the #rights, #freedom, and #democracy that we deserve"
Gay penguin parenthood stories ruffle some conservative feathers
From Australia to United States, some conservatives are blocking the inclusion of gay penguin stories in schools and libraries.
Australia’s Safeguard Mechanism legislation will force big polluters to cut carbon emissions
"Implementation of the safeguard mechanism bodes well for Australian #climate policy and may also pave the way for carbon pricing beyond the industry sector."
Australian environment minister blocks coal mine near Great Barrier Reef
"Tears in my eyes. Thank you Minister and all those working alongside you.. This is a beautiful act for our beautiful imperiled planet."
Australia explores ways to combat widespread greenwashing of carbon emissions
"As consumers become increasingly interested in purchasing sustainable products, there are growing concerns that some businesses are falsely promoting their environmental or green credentials."
Australian PM Anthony Albanese adds to growing political pressure to #FreeJulianAssange
The Australian PM has finally talked about Julian Assange ... and while distancing himself from Assange’s well-motivated actions, has said he has raised it with representatives of the US administration.
Australia's unique natural wonders are at risk from ecotourism expansion
"These islands attract millions of visitors a year keen to experience their natural wonders. Yet often this very “ecotourism” is contributing to their degradation."
Can environmental conservation and tourism exist together harmoniously?
"Ecotourism is an illustration of the wider phenomenon facing climate action: the interests of economic development are all too often diametrically opposed to the interests of environmentalism."
Part 2: Australian nurse discusses her humanitarian mission to Ukraine's frontlines
"The world is out there, your skills are needed, chances are it is you that is stopping yourself. Get out there and chase your dreams and give it a go."
Australian nurse discusses her humanitarian mission to Ukraine's frontlines
"Irrespective of whichever side you may have family or friends on, there are innocent lives that are being used as pawns in a very vicious game."
Aussie 14-year-old leads a trailblazing online news service
"Mate, I’m just seeing your broadcasts now and they are bloody fantastic! I tried doing what you’ve done when I was young and got nowhere near your professionalism."
Australia changes government as climate action takes centre stage
There may have been lots of swirling currents but the results of the federal election overwhelmingly showed that 2022 was, finally, the year of climate politics.