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Concerns about spy agencies enhanced by Inspector-General’s report

Traditionally, spy agencies have had two big downsides. Firstly, they have breached our privacy and secondly they have targeted, in a discriminatory manner, people with dissenting views.

Is a US warship finally coming to New Zealand?

It’s still unclear whether the United States will accept an invitation to send a warship to the New Zealand Navy’s 75th birthday celebration next November.

Proportional Representation for Canada?

In the lead-up to the recent Canadian election, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau said that if he won it would be the last first-past-the-post election. Let’s hope he keeps his promise now he is Prime Minister.

Pundits say Clinton won, the people say Sanders

Who won the first TV debate between Democratic Party presidential hopefuls: Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton?

On visa bans and civil liberties

I oppose a ban on Chris Brown on civil liberties grounds, in which we all have a stake. Three of our freedoms come into play: the freedom to travel, freedom of speech, and the freedom to hear.

UN report recommends “hybrid” court to try Sri Lankan war criminals

An investigation by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has recommended a “hybrid special court” of international and local judges to bring to justice those guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sri Lanka.

Corbyn’s policies more popular than Miliband’s

The reality is that Corbyn’s policy platform is more popular than Ed Miliband’s was, with many policies also striking a chord with conservative voters. Polls quoted by the Independent newspaper show this

Child sex offender register won’t necessarily protect children

Having a balanced discussion of child sex offender legislation has always been difficult. People tend to shy away from questioning such legislation for fear of being branded as soft on those who sexually violate children, the most vulnerable members of our society.

Keith Locke: The downside to a child sex offender register

It's difficult to have an adequate discussion of sex offender legislation because anyone taking a critical stance risks being labeled as soft on sex crimes. The Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Register) Bill is a case in point. There has been little public debate even though Attorney-General Chris Finlayson says it offends our Bill of Rights.