FREETAFEFREEUNI
How Single-Issue Parties Could Transform
AustralianPolitics
ErinCoull
Independent polling indicates most Australians support free higher education and wiping student debt The federal Labor government’s $16-billion debt reduction policy, which knocked 20% off the loans of over three million Australians, helped secure their landslide victory in 2025 But this is only a small step towards truly accessible and equitable higher education – and Victoria’s new Free TAFE Free Uni party will allow voters to demand more in the upcomingNovemberstateelection,throughtheballot paper.
Party secretaryThomas Dolan says that while other parties, including the Greens, already support free uni and student debtforgiveness,“thereisalotofbaggagethatcomesalong withmostparties”Inaclimatewherevoterswhosupportthe same policies remain divided by culture wars and distrustful of major party politics, “a single issue party cuts through” During his time campaigning, Thomas has received a surprisingly positive response “from all walks of life” Alongside many uni students, Thomas recalls 70-year-olds who remembered free education signing their names to support the party, alongside young parents struggling under debt As well as a wide demographic appeal, the party’s simple message has cut through the political spectrum; “I rememberthisonepersongoing‘InormallyvoteOneNation but I support this,’ right next to someone who was a communist”
This wide-ranging support quickly made FreeTafe Free Uni eligible for registration with the Victorian Electoral Commission.A new political party requires the support of at least 500enrolled voters.FreeTafeFreeUniwassupported by 1500, 950 of them enrolled voters. Despite this support and enthusiasm, an $840.50 registration fee, thorny social media advertising laws and no public funding made getting thepartyoffthegroundanenormouschallengeforThomas tograpplewith “Howdoyougetthemessageoutwhenyou don’thavemillionsofdollarsinfunding?”Formonths,asmall but dedicated team of volunteers set up signs outside campuses and street stations, holding conversations and occasionally copping abuse from passers-by “We’re having todosortofguerrillapoliticalmarketing,becausethesystem has beendesignedtolockusout,”hesays
This grassroots community campaigning is incredibly powerful The rise of grassroots parties like Free Tafe Free Uni allows disenfranchised, disengaged and disheartened voters to regain some control over their politics – and reshape these systems to better represent them When ballot papers more accurately reflect the issues that most affect them,voteshavegreaterimpactandcivicparticipationbecomesmoremeaningful
Free Tafe Free Uni is planning to run 128 candidates in every Victorian electorate in November and Thomas is optimistic about the party’s prospects:“if we could get ten volunteers spending three hours a week standing outside a major train station signing people up for Free Tafe Free Uni, I think we could win two seats in the next election, right?”Withover80membersalreadyexpressinginterestinstandingforparliament,the party’sfutureislookingbright,withplanstoregisterineachstateandterritory,aswellas federally.“Iwantyoungpeopletostandforparliament,”saysThomas.“Wedon’thaveto wait for permission;we can create our own parallel structures and opportunities.If you wanttohaveapositiveimpact,we’veworkedouttherulebook.”
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Do you somehow have too much free time? Check out some of the events happening around UTAS and surroundings
DARCHSIDE’S CLIMATE COSTUME PARADE:
Tuesday 17 March, 5pm
2 Invermay Road, Curtain Hall, Inveresk Campus
One of the classic events of the Launceston architecture school returns, watch the fashion show that brings Paris Fashion Week to shame
GEOLOGY SOCIETY TRIVIA NIGHT:
Wednesday, 18 March, 6pm onwards
236 Sandy Bay Rd, The Mayfair Bar
Dust off your brain to rediscover that very specific trivia tidbit you learnt when you were eleven and then head down to the Geology Society Trivia night Tickets can be found on Rubric.
TUBES SILENT DISCO: Friday, 20 March, 6pm – 9pm
83 Melville Street, The Forest Building UTAS
Have a blast in The Forest, with snacks, dancing and what will surely be some Aussie bangers playing all throughout the night Tickets can be found on Rubric.
HOBART MARCH FOR FORESTS: Sunday, 22 March, 11am
Meet Cr Bathurst and Murray Street and march to Parliament Lawns
REALORMANUFACTURED? AI,MISINFORMATION,AND THENEWFACEOFWAR
ClarissaNix
A flood of videos and images claiming to show military strikes in the Middle East has recently circulated across social media, gaining millions of views. They depict explosions, missile launches, and destroyed military installations, presented as real-time footage from ongoing conflicts.
In many cases, these visuals are not what they seem. Journalists and content moderators have found that a significant number of them are either heavily edited, mislabelled, or entirely fabricated using artificial intelligence tools. AI can now generate highly realistic images, videos, and audio in seconds, making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish fact from fiction
The speed and scale of AI-generated content is overwhelming Social media platforms are being inundated with materials that are shaping public perception, influencing international reactions, and creating confusion In modern warfare, the battle isn’t only fought with weapons; it’s also fought through narratives Misinformation is spreading rapidly and distorting how entire conflicts are being understood and reported
AI is also transforming the battlefield itself Modern conflicts generate massive amounts of data, from drone and satellite imagery to intercepted communications AI systems are increasingly being used to process this information, identify potential threats, and assist military planning Companies such as Palantir Technologies have developed software capable of analysing large intelligence datasets, prioritising targets, and recommending military actions Meanwhile, AI models like Claude AI models, developed by Anthropic, are reportedly being used in national security contexts to support intelligence assessment and scenario simulation
This integration of AI drastically shortens the time between identifying a target and executing a strike. Tasks that once took days or weeks can now be performed in minutes. While this increases operational efficiency, it also raises serious ethical questions.
One of the primary concerns is the growing role of automation in lethal decision-making Fully autonomous weapons could potentially identify and attack targets without meaningful human oversight Even in semi-automated systems, humans may appr-
ove AI-generated recommendations without fully understanding the data or reasoning behind them, a process researchers describe as “cognitive off-loading”
AI systems also extend beyond weapons and intelligence Advanced algorithms can analyse massive datasets from communications, surveillance cameras, and social media to identify patterns and flag individuals or activities While this can aid military planning, it also introduces profound privacy risks, especially when used for mass surveillance
Companies are grappling with these ethical challenges Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has argued that AI should not be used to power fully autonomous weapons or conduct mass surveillance of civilian populations Yet governments and military organisations continue to push the boundaries of AI integration, creating tension between innovation, ethics, and national security
The rapid spread of AI-generated misinformation and the integration of AI into military decision-making are reshaping warfare in unprecedented ways. Conflicts are no longer defined solely by firepower, they are shaped by algorithms, data, and the ability to control narratives.
For the public, this creates a new challenge: how to determine what is real in a world where AI can fabricate hyper-realistic imagery, simulate attacks, and influence perception at scale For policymakers and technologists, the challenge is ethical: ensuring that AI serves human oversight, preserves accountability, and respects civil liberties, even in the context of national security
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the battlefield is no longer just physical, it is digital, informational, and moral Navigating this landscape will require vigilance, transparency, and a renewed focus on the principle that technology should augment human decision-making, not replace it
DC IS FINALLY AT LARGE, SORRYMARVEL
EbonyRobson-Wells
As somebody involved in both the Marvel and DC fandoms, I’ve noticed a slow change over the past ten years or so: lifelong Marvel fans are migrating to the DCU at alarming rates.Why?
Once Avengers: Endgame– the neat bow tied on phase four of the MCU– was released to cinemas, MCU fans everywhere were curious as to how Marvel would continue to make their films interesting and relevant, considering the“original” Avengers had now either died or gone off-planet The answer? They didn’t
While Endgame has been given a Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes of 94%, recent films from Marvel have struggled to keep up with the hype.She-Hulk:Attorney at Law from 2022 managed to scrape by with 80% from critics, but flopped in audience ratings.
The real nail in the coffin was the release of Superman in 2025, starring David Corenswet as the man in red and blue spandex This film was something fans had been asking for for years: a Superman that was created for kids, who wore bright colours, who wasn’t totally focused on aurafarming and instead wanted to “savekids-maxx” (looking at you, Cavill) An ongoing trend in DC films until this point was to create movies solely for adults, completely abandoning the franchise’s original audience: children This film brought them back Instead of only teenagers and adults flocking to see this movie in cinemas, kids were seeing it too Everybody, and I mean everybody I speak to about this film, love it, and it's reflected in its Tomatometer score: 83%, a whopping 50% up from the last DC film released
So, it appears Marvel is slowly losing grip on its audience, and DC is more than prepared to swoop in– some could say like a superhero Will Marvel redeem themselves with their future movies, or will they continue to dig their own grave?
INCASEYOUMISSEDIT
Newsthatmadetheheadlines
Macquarie Point Stadium Not Set to be Ready Until 2031
Despite being promised earlier by the AFL, the corporation delivering on the stadium says that a 2031 start to the Devils is far more likely.
The American Department of Justice Pulled 40,000 of the Epstien Files OffTheirWebsite
These files were allegedly pulled to fix and remove some of the nudity that is found in the files. The DOJ has only released 3.5 million of the 6 million pages of evidence associated with the Epstein case despite calls to release all the files
David Littleproud has resigned as the leader of the Nationals Littleproud stated being “buggered” as part of the reason for his resignation Matt Canavan has been elected the new leader of the Nationals
Seven Athletes And Support Staff From the Iranian Women’s SoccerTeam Have Been Granted Asylum in Australia
These athletes and staff were granted asylum after refusing to sing the national anthem druing the Women’s Asian Cup, and concerns they would be persecuted in Iran for treason Four of these people have since started the process of returning home
CAMPUS SPORT
SOCIAL SESSIONS!
INIRAN
Israel
SO, WHAT’S HAPPENING?
On the 28th of February the United States and Israel launched missile strikes on Iran, killing Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The strikes began what the US confirmed to be “major combat operations in Iran”, code-named “Epic Fury” Iran responded by attacking neighbouring Gulf States including the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait (the US host military bases and personnel in these states, fast tracking the conflict)
At least 2,000 people have been killed across the Middle East since the 28th of February
The Pentagon has stated that US expenditure on the war exceeded 11 3 Billion USD in the first six days Other sources say it is likely more
THE KEY PLAYERS:
The US
The US has partnered with Israel to combat Iran. US President Donald Trump claimed attacks were to “eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime” by striking supposed Iranian nuclear weapons facilities, Trump also urged Iranians to “take over your government” saying right now is “your [Iran’s] only chance for generations”.
In 2017 the Trump administration withdrew the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (aka The Iran Nuclear Deal), designed to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifted international economic sanctions The US’s withdrawal collapsed the diplomatic framework designed to restrict Iran’s nuclear power, and by doing so, as Dr Goetze puts it, this allowed for a“you want war, you get war”situation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel attacked Iran to “remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime" and to "allow Iranian people to take their destiny in their own hands”
Dr Goetze contextualises Israel’s attacks on Iran as a broader geopolitical strategy active since 1967, noting that Iran represents a "strategic but not necessarily existential threat to Israel's control in the region”. Israel is therefore determined to "destroy what it can” in its hegemonic war in the region.
Following the attacks, Benjamin Netanyahu has said “the combined effort with the United States enables us to do what I have sought for 40 years, to deliver a decisive blow to the terror regime”
Iran
Iran has responded by attacking neighbouring Gulf States including the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Goetz says that Iran is choosing a systemic war strategy, meaning “as long as they’re not losing, they are winning”
Before the attacks, Iran was experiencing severe unrest. On 28 December 2025, nationwide protests erupted across all 31 provinces following a currency collapse, soaring inflation, repression, and worsening living conditions. Authorities responded with mass killings, arrests, enforced disappearances, and incommunicado detention, with over 30,000 civilians reportedly killed. On 8 January, the regime shut down internet access to prevent documentation of these abuses Ultimately, war advantages any regime where there is internal opposition, as repression becomes easier
The regime also has the strategic ability to block oil, with resulting supply shocks causing prices to skyrocket- with the poorest first to suffer
*Please note that the conflict is fluid. This was written on the 13th of March 2026 with the intention to provide a basic overview of the conflict, for educational purposes only. This document provides limited information and should not be relied upon as your own source of information Reasonable care is taken to ensure that the content and information included is as up-to-date and accurate as possible at the time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken towards Togatus for any errors or omissions
KEY QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Q.What does it mean for petrol prices?
A Strikes have targeted oil facilities, shipping has essentially been stopped in the Strait of Hormuz, which has blocked oil supplies to the world, inflating prices
Q.What does it mean for interest rates?
Higher oil prices put upward pressure on inflation, which later increases interest rates
Q.When will the war end?
At this stage, nobody knows, but Dr Goetze said it won't be soon Given Trump’s myopic attention to financial markets and disregard for experts, everything is up in the air Additionally, considering Israel’s history and intentions, nothing is certain
Q What does it mean for Gaza?
So far, the conflict has led to further border closures, severely limiting humanitarian aid People in Gaza have no capacity to compensate if oil cannot circulate freely making access to necessities even harder to access.
HOW IS AUSTRALIA INVOLVED?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated “we support the US acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” signalling support for “the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.”
He has said that Australia won’t take any offensive action against Iran. On the 10th of March, on request of the UAE, Australia deployed missiles, aircraft and 85 personnel to the UAE, asserting this is defensive action.
The debate on Australia’s involvement is murky; some argue that Australia should not get involved in a conflict that threatens the strength and structure of the international order Australia needs On the other hand, Dr Goetz says growing national security risks, and Australia’s military being heavily dependant on the US, creates a mindset where “there is actually no other choice than to support the US, even if that goes against formerly declared principles”
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW, AS A STUDENT?
I asked Dr Goetz how we should view these events as young people.
1.The situation highlights the need for a fundamental rethink on how the world operates. From foreign politics to climate change, as young people we need to make it clear that we want something different.
2.The situation nurtures an anxious environment. Remind yourself that we are lucky enough to be in Tasmania; be positive, be grateful. Fuel is going up and prices are going to go up, but we are not in a war zone.
3.Take your distance from the screen to prioritise your mental health, but do not leave your empathy- so stay educated but touch some grass!!! You can be empathetic, without being in hyperattention mode all the time.
HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED?
We’re living in a time where censorship of the media means it’s getting harder to have substantial and viable information from all sides Make sure you know and trust any social media sources and find multiple perspectives Get started here:
ABC daily updates
ABC Planet America, ABC Media Watch, ABC If you’re Listening Podcast
BBC
Crooked Media- Pod Save America
Runaway Country podcast with AlexWagner Al Jazeera GermanWave‘DW’ Arte EuropeWeekly
HOW CAN I HELP?
You can help by donating to organisations that have local connections These include, but are not limited to; the Middle East Children's Alliance, Doctors Without Borders, and the Red Cross
THEMOSMANPARKMURDERS ANDTHEDEVALUINGOF DISABLEDPEOPLE'SLIVES
HazelJennings
On the 30th of January 2026, brothers Leon, 16, and Otis, 14; father Jarrod Clune; and mother Maiwenna Goasdoue were found dead in their Mosman Park home in Perth in a suspected double murder-suicide. Following the boys' deaths, Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess stated that "dangerous narratives" have spread, minimising the boys' deaths using their autism diagnoses and high support needs as a "justification of their murder" The Commissioner stated, "We've seen this play out in similar situations where the narrative has been about the burden of disability on parents and families as in some way to downplay the murder of two children”
After the boys' deaths, article after article was released, with interviews of anonymous family friends, in a seeming attempt to downplay the event One anonymous family friend reported, “Mai (the boys’ mother) was such a beautiful person,” victim-blaming the boys in descriptions of their behaviour “You’re talking about violence, meltdowns, vicious behaviour that could leave you with injuries”
There is no doubt in my mind the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has serious problems But despite so many on social media sympathising with these parents’ actions, this was not a‘failur-
e of the system’ This family was well-off and whilst money cannot buy happiness, it can buy support; Leon and Otis had previously been enrolled at the private Christ Church Grammar School (fees per student ranging in the tens of thousands)
These are the realities of the case This was no ‘mercy killing' Mental health issues and stress may explain behaviour but never excuse it Skye Kakoschke-Moore, the CEO for Children and Young People with Disabilities Australia, stressed that “their lives have value” (ABC) Ultimately, as someone who is autistic and has family members with high support needs, I believe this discourse illuminated genuine issues within the NDIA; however, these structural issues should not be used to excuse family violence
For more articles and digital versions of the articles in this edition check out our lovely, beautiful, amazing website
Lots of love from the 2026 Togatus Editorial Team:
Ineka Leffler, Editor-in-Chief
Ella Vanderzwan, Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Amalie Cox, Creative Director
Anaya Shepherd, Digital Editor
Jasmine Jones, Content & Copy Editor Erin Coull, Content & Copy Editor
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