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The timing could hardly be worse. During the worst oil supply shock in history, an equipment failure triggered a major fire yesterday at one of Australia’s two remaining oil refineries – the Viva site near Geelong, which supplies half of Victoria’s fuel and 10% of the national total.
The blaze, which thankfully caused no injuries, caused Viva to cut its fuel output to "minimum rates".
As Tony Wood explains, even if the damage is repaired promptly, this incident shows we need to embrace other technologies to radically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Meanwhile, for the thousands of Victorians exposed to pollution from the fire, Brian Oliver and Peter J. Irga say there is no long-term cause for health concern, although people with existing lung conditions may suffer worsened symptoms.
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Miki Perkins
Environment & Energy Editor
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Tony Wood, Grattan Institute
This fire should prompt us – again – to consider the future role of liquid fuels in Australia.
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Brian Oliver, University of Technology Sydney; Peter J. Irga, University of Technology Sydney
The blaze at the Geelong oil refinery in Victoria has reportedly been extinguished. But residents in the area may be worried about the health effects of lingering smoke.
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Peter Layton, Griffith University
In a time of global crisis, the strategy fails to tackle the thorniest of issues – including Trump’s America – with much clarity.
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
An effective opposition is good at policy. At present, the Liberals' new immigration policy leaves the public in the dark on detail.
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Ashlynne McGhee, The Conversation; Isabella Podwinski, The Conversation
Most political parties fear a scandal, but not One Nation. The defections, punch-ups, chaos and controversies mount, and still it survives.
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
We speak to independent economist Chris Richardson on the fuel crisis and the Australian economy.
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Irene Nikoloudakis, Adelaide University
For workers still being deliberately underpaid, it’s vital to ensure these laws are actually working.
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Allen Cheng, Monash University
Everything you need to know about the flu vaccine, including the nasal spray, egg-free options, who it’s free for and what to do if you’re scared of needles.
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Symon Braun Freck, The University of Melbourne
A death doula works as a community partner offering support to the dying.
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Politics + Society
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Ali Mamouri, Deakin University
Iran’s leaders are demanding sovereignty over the strait for a reason: it protects them from future attacks and can be a very effective bargaining chip.
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John Hart, Australian National University
The president’s recent behaviour has led to calls for the 25th amendment to be invoked, but it is a highly unlikely and complex process.
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Stephanie Wescott, Monash University; Naomi Pfitzner, Monash University; Sarah McCook, Monash University; Steven Roberts, Monash University
In a cabinet reshuffle, Paul Edbrooke has been appointed Victoria’s first minister for men and boys. Academic evidence gives him some clear policy priorities.
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
The federal government has secured access to 250,000 tonnes of extra urea from Indonesia for Australian farmers.
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Health + Medicine
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Hal Swerissen, La Trobe University
The number of complaints about assessments for home-based aged care are rising. Now the ombudsman is getting involved. Here’s what needs to happen next.
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Business + Economy
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John Quiggin, The University of Queensland
You don’t have to be born rich to make big money in Australia, but it certainly helps.
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Murat Ungor, University of Otago
There have been repeated calls for a food security strategy in NZ, but little progress. Will a global fertiliser shock now prompt leaders to act?
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Science + Technology
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Steve Prabu, Curtin University; University of Oxford; James Miller-Jones, Curtin University
Astronomers have discovered stellar winds can cause black hole jets to change direction – just like wind on Earth can blow around the water in a fountain.
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Annabel Blake, University of Sydney; Eduardo Velloso, University of Sydney; Marcus Carter, University of Sydney
Not all engagement with AI chatbots looks the same – far from it.
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Books + Ideas
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Nicola Redhouse, The University of Melbourne
This week, our world feels more uncertain than ever. It’s tempting to turn away – but attentive curiosity and ‘radical open-mindedness’ are better ways to combat chaos.
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Endangered Antarctic species
“After reading this article I am curious to know why there was no mention of the massive krill fishing industry that targets vital feeding grounds of Antarctic whales, penguins and seals. The comment in the article that 'we need to reduce the interaction of marine species with industrial fishing' does not go nearly far enough to address the impact of this growing greedy (and completely unnecessary) industry. Surely, along with bird flu and climate change, the issue of krill fishing is of equal major concern to the survival of these vulnerable creatures, and should have been addressed as part of this article.”
Carey Barlow
Taylor’s Aussie values
“When did Australian values develop? Before or after we genocided much of our original population? Before or after we supported Indonesia’s invasion and occupation for 24 years in East Timor? Or did those values suddenly materialise when Howard and Downer were forced by public pressure to create INTERFET to force the Indonesian military out? Or do they materialise when in opposition?”
Rob Wesley 
We'd love to hear from you. You can email us with your thoughts on our stories and each day we'll publish an edited selection.
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Australia-Korea Foundation (in conjunction with InASA and Seoul National University)
Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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