Media highlights – January 2025
From the fascination of magic to Lunar New Year and the practice of place naming, see where Faculty of Arts academics made headlines this month.

Dr Eve Vincent, from the School of Communication, Society and Culture, contributed a review of Rick Morton's book Mean Streak, which covers the Robodebt scheme, in Australian Book Review.
Associate Professor Peter Edwell, from the School of Humanities, was in conversation with 774 ABC Melbourne regarding inflation in the age of the Roman Empire.
Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, from the School of International Studies, was interviewed on ABC – PM about the death of former Taliban hostage Jibra'il Omar.
Dr Rachel Yuen-Collingridge, from the School of Humanities, was interviewed on ABC Radio National – God Forbid regarding the fascination of magic.
Professor Tom Murray, from the School of Communication, Society and Culture, was quoted in The Perth Voice about a mini film festival held in Fremantle which showcased the resilience and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Dhakiyarr Vs The King and The Skin of Others, directed and co-directed by Professor Murray, were screened at the festival.
Dr Sung-Ae Lee, from the School of International Studies, provided comment to ABC Online regarding the translation of Korean books into other languages.
Honorary Professor Anna Howe, from the Macquarie School of Social Sciences, contributed an article to The Canberra Times regarding the challenges facing older renters.
Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, from the School of International Studies, provided comment to ABC regarding the death of Australian academic and former Taliban hostage Jibra'il Omar.
Associate Professor Peter Edwell, from the School of Humanities, contributed an article to The Conversation regarding inflation in the age of the Roman Empire.
Dr Toby Davidson, from the School of Humanities, contributed an article to Australian Book Review regarding the life and work of Australian poet Francis Webb.
Dr Chris Vasantkumar, from the School of Communication, Society and Culture, provided comment to The Herald Sun regarding society's declining demand for cash.
Professor Michelle Arrow, from the School of Humanities, was in conversation with ABC Radio National regarding the significance of Germaine Greer's international bestselling book The Female Eunuch.
Dr Rachel Yuen-Collingridge, from the School of Humanities, was in conversation with ABC Radio National about how we define magic.
Professor Peter Greste, from the School of Communication, Society and Culture, contributed an article to The Guardian about his hunger strike in support of activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah.
Dr Mariam Farida, from the School of International Studies, provided comment to 720 ABC Perth regarding the task of rebuilding Gaza.
Professor Peter Greste, from the School of Communication, Society and Culture, provided comment to ABC regarding his hunger strike in support of activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah.
Dr Jane Simon, from the School of Communication, Society and Culture, contributed an article to The Conversation regarding Australian photographer Carol Jerrems.
Distinguished Professor Bronwyn Carlson, from the Centre of Critical Indigenous Studies, provided comment to The Sydney Morning Herald regarding the debate surrounding the date of Australia Day.
Dr Andrew Burridge, from the School of Communication, Society and Culture, co-wrote an article in The Conversation presenting the case for social support systems over incarceration.
Professor Michelle Arrow, from the School of Humanities, was in conversation with ABC regarding the history of Australia Day and the contention surrounding the date.
Associate Professor Shirley Chan, from the School of International Studies, was quoted in the ABC about the role of Gladiolus flowers in Lunar New Year.
Associate Professor Jonathan Symons, from the School of International Studies, was quoted in PV Magazine about how Donald Trump might impact climate policy.
Professor Surya Deva, from the Macquarie Law School, was mentioned in Fashion Value Chain was quoted regarding a worldwide expert group on business and human rights, together with representatives from the garment industry and UN agencies in India, who participated in an interactive roundtable on Responsible Business Conduct in the Textile and garment sector organised by the United Nations in India.
Associate Professor Matthew Bailey, from the School of Humanities, was interviewed on ABC Radio National about Australia’s relationship with shopping centres. This interview was widely syndicated across the ABC network.
Associate Professor Shirley Chan, from the School of International Studies, was interviewed on ABC – PM about Lunar New Year and the commencement of the Year of the Snake. This interview was widely syndicated across the ABC network.
Dr Andrew Burridge, from the School of Communication, Society and Culture, was interviewed on ABC Radio Sydney – Drive regarding the practice of place naming. The interview begins at 45 minutes and 25 seconds into the recording.