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
Indigenous people in Australia prepare for COVID-19
With more than 150,000 of Australia's indigenous people living in remote areas and often facing major health issues, special emphasis is being put on protecting this vulnerable population against COVID-19.
COVID-19 on the frontline: Insights from an Australian humanitarian nurse
"there are areas around the world where people cannot buy soap and do not have access to running water. It is these countries that will suffer the most..."
Great Barrier Reef mass bleaching threatens world heritage icon
"...there is also the most widespread bleaching event in the Great Barrier Reef. Put a fork in us. We're done."
Groundswell of support to free Julian Assange around February extradition hearing
"Don’t be fooled: Julian Assange is a journalist, not a hacker, and the US wants to make his work—national security journalism—a crime"
China travel ban heightens threats to Australia's trade, tourism and education sectors
"#Coronavirus is more than a minor cold for the Chinese economy... They’ve got more to worry about than another week’s travel ban to Australia."
Australians capture the devastating impact of ‘black summer’ fires on photos
Australian volunteer firefighter: “I go home and hug my kids tight. But they don't know why.”
#AustraliaBurning: Prime Minister's handling of national disaster sparks widespread criticism
"Our country is leaderless & while it burns, instead of being the leader we need & want, Mr "I can't hold a hose" Morrison is having a NYE party."
Chinese defector's spying allegations rock Australian politics
'What an utterly insane suggestion that Chinese Australians should “publicly show” their stance on anything related to China to prove their “loyalty”. '
Iranian-Kurdish refugee Behrouz Boochani free at last from Australian offshore detention
"I just arrived in New Zealand. So exciting to get freedom after more than six years."
Racehorse slaughter divides nation over iconic Melbourne Cup
'I was going to go to the Melbourne cup this year the first time in 67 years I've just canceled I couldn't support such a horrible industry'
Australians respond to media campaign that calls out “creeping culture of secrecy”
Mixed reactions to the Australian media's #righttoknow campaign range from broad community support to denial by government ministers and senior public servants, plus some predictable cynicism on social media.
Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun still detained by Beijing after six months
There have been concerns that he has not received adequate support from the Australian government.
Australia’s digital rights advocates and tech sector push back against law undermining encryption
"The new legislation directly targets encryption and basically coerces developers, device manufacturers and service providers to allow the government to spy on people’s encrypted data."
Police raids on major media organisations expose lack of press freedom in Australia
"These continued attacks on press freedoms in Australia should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Freedom of the Press to scrutinise the Govt is crucial to liberal democracy."
Christchurch massacre brings out the best and worst in humanity
"He may have sought notoriety but we, in New Zealand, will give nothing — not even his name."
Uproar in Australia as lid lifted on Cardinal Pell's child sexual abuse convictions
"Almost immediately, the parade of aggrieved, disappointed, distressed, shocked, disbelieving, sad, angry Catholics and other Pell supporters began moving like a sullen, offended beast across the media, in unedifying protest..."
Australian court's historic rejection of coal mine highlights the impact of climate change
"NSW Land and Environment Court decision in #Australia on coal and #climatechange is sending shockwaves around the world."
Australia remembers Black Saturday on the 10th anniversary of catastrophic bushfires
"Ten entire years, and I still don’t think one single day has passed without me mentioning – or at least thinking about – the fires"
Pressure mounts for Thailand to free Melbourne-based Bahraini refugee Hakeem al-Araibi
"Australia just gave our highest award to 2 divers for risking their lives to rescue 12 Thai boys from underground caves. We know where Hakeem is. He just needs a...
Indonesian military suspected of using chemical weapons against West Papuan separatists, reports Australian newspaper
"Villagers are traumatised and very scared. They have fled into the jungle. Christmas should be a time of peace but not a time of fear."
