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Not Just the Cat’s Fault

David Salomon — 2025-04-11T11:24:28+09:30

The role of these “enemies” – namely, foxes and feral cats – in driving dozens of Australia’s animals towards extinction has solidified into a ...To find out, we compiled the last recorded sightings of extinct mammals and compared them to maps estimating the arrival of foxes and cats in the area. ...We found anecdotes that foxes and cats sometimes eat these possums, but no studies showing they cause population decline.

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Arian Wallach, Future Fellow in Ecology, Queensland University of Technology and Erick Lundgren, Postdoctoral Fellow in Ecology, University of Alberta

Bjelke-Petersen and Trump: Strongmen, Silences, and the Cost of Control

David Salomon — 2025-04-09T16:24:44+09:30

He believed he was defending moral order, even as corruption flourished around him. ...He found favour among American evangelicals not because he was righteous, but because he played the role of the strongman who would protect their version of the world. ...When complexity arrived — Indigenous sovereignty, racial justice, environmental limits — they both saw it as a threat, not an invitation. ...Trump used fear of immigrants, “woke mobs,” and the so-called deep state. ...And the media — even those that opposed them — often played right into it. ...The Fitzgerald Inquiry revealed layers of corruption that stunned even those who had suspected it. ...While Bjelke was tightening his grip, a quiet but fierce resistance was building in Aboriginal communities — on the streets, in courtrooms, and around kitchen tables. ...In both cases, the strongman didn’t kill democracy — but he showed us how fragile it is. And how much it depends on ordinary people refusing to look away. ...What connects Bjelke and Trump isn’t just their authoritarian instincts. It’s the way they surfaced the deeper fractures in their societies — and forced those fractures into the open. They didn’t invent racism, or class divides, or the fear of change. ...That truth can be buried, if the story is compelling enough. ...There’s a temptation to see men like Bjelke and Trump as aberrations. ...The work of rebuilding — of healing, truth-telling, restoring balance — doesn’t end when they fall. ...As we head into another federal election, it’s worth remembering that history doesn’t always repeat — but it often circles back in disguise. The rise of strongman politics is not just something that happens “over there” or “back then.” It grows in the cracks of disillusionment, in the spaces where truth becomes inconvenient, and where fear is more persuasive than vision. Bjelke and Trump remind us what’s at stake when we trade complexity for control. This isn’t about left or right — it’s about the kind of country we want to become, and who gets to belong in its story.

From 1973 to 2025: What Happened to Fairness in Australia?

David Salomon — 2025-04-09T09:46:07+09:30

The U.S. pulled out of the Bretton Woods system in 1971, effectively ending the gold standard and allowing currencies to float — destabilising markets and making financial speculation more lucrative. ...In October 1973, a group of Arab oil-producing countries imposed an oil embargo on nations that supported Israel in the Yom Kippur War, including the United States and its allies. ...Here in Australia, 1973 was the beginning of the Whitlam government — a period of bold reform: free tertiary education, Medibank (the forerunner to Medicare), increased arts and urban policy funding, and a renewed emphasis on equity. ... Rising inflation and a worsening global economic outlook saw the economy falter, and Whitlam’s dismissal in 1975 brought Malcolm Fraser to power on a more conservative economic agenda. ...From the late 1970s onwards — and accelerating through the 1980s and ’90s — many advanced economies, including Australia, began moving away from industrial production (like car manufacturing, steel, textiles) and toward services (like education, hospitality, health care) and, more importantly, finance (like banking, insurance, and investment services). ...When we moved away from “making things” to “managing money,” we also lost a key connection between productivity and wages. In manufacturing, if productivity increases — say, a factory becomes more efficient — then workers can reasonably argue for a share in those gains. ...It’s about making money from the movement of money itself — currency trading, property speculation, derivatives, mergers, buybacks, and short-term gains. In this world, the value of assets — especially housing — gets driven up, not by real demand or social need, but by bets on future profits. ...There was a retreat from the full employment policies of the postwar era, and a growing belief that markets, not governments, should set economic direction. ...Starting with the Prices and Incomes Accord (1983), they convinced the union movement to moderate wage demands in exchange for increases in the “social wage” — Medicare, superannuation, and education investment. ...Meanwhile, tax policy — especially negative gearing and the capital gains discount (1999) — made property investment more attractive, pushing up housing prices far beyond wage growth. ...High commodity prices inflated government revenues, but the structural changes under the surface — from labour market casualisation to financialisation of housing — entrenched vulnerability for ordinary workers. ...In 2025, we’re in the middle of another pivotal federal election — one that, in many ways, is a reckoning with the last fifty years. ...The tone is fierce, with Labor painting Dutton as too divisive, and Dutton countering with a narrative of Albanese’s weakness on borders, energy, and inflation. In their first debate, the crowd was split, but it was clear the key issues were ones we’ve seen before — wages, energy, cost of living, housing, and immigration. ...The economic model we’ve had since the mid-70s — centred on deregulation, privatisation and growth for growth’s sake — has delivered for some, but left many behind. ...It’s a reminder that we’re not insulated from these shifts — and that local elections are shaped by global pressures. ...The history since 1973 shows us that fairness doesn’t disappear all at once — it frays slowly, through hundreds of decisions that shift risks onto individuals while concentrating gains at the top. ...As we cast our votes in 2025, perhaps it’s time to reflect not just on policies, but on deeper priorities.

Governance Innovation: Rethinking Leadership for the Future

David Salomon — 2025-03-25T13:17:01+10:30

At the core of governance innovation is relational governance, which challenges the conventional top-down systems that dominate much of the world today. This model recognises that true leadership is not about exerting power from the top, but about cultivating relationships—among people, between communities, and with the land. ...This is not just about people leading people—it’s about people leading together, acknowledging that leadership is a shared responsibility. In relational governance, every voice matters, from Indigenous communities with traditional ecological knowledge to local groups and citizens who bring unique perspectives. This model invites collaboration as a cornerstone of governance, embracing a leadership structure where communities have the power to shape decisions that affect their futures. By emphasising connection over control, relational governance creates stronger, more resilient systems where everyone has a stake in the outcome. ...This holistic view has guided traditional systems of leadership for millennia, offering insights that are urgently needed in today’s fractured world. By integrating Indigenous ecological knowledge, governance innovation can bring forth practices like regenerative land management, sustainable trade systems, and communal care, all of which have stood the test of time. ...It recognises that innovation isn’t just about technology, but about changing how we engage with one another and the world around us. ...Stewardship involves taking responsibility not just for immediate needs, but for the long-term health of the land, the economy, and future generations. ...This approach leads to more sustainable practices in agriculture, resource management, and community development, encouraging policies that prioritise ecological health and equity over short-term profits. ...The future of governance lies in innovation—in reimagining leadership systems that prioritise people, planet, and communities over profit and power. Relational governance, as envisioned in the Pathmakers Framework, offers a bold new approach to leadership that is rooted in connection, sustainability, and shared responsibility. It’s clear that the challenges we face today demand a new kind of leadership—one that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and is deeply rooted in ecological principles. ...In conclusion, governance innovation isn’t just about creating new systems—it’s about transforming the ways we engage with each other and the world. By prioritising relationship-based governance, we can create systems that work for everyone and everything, ensuring a future that thrives on cooperation, respect, and sustainability. ... 1 Economic Reciprocity – This landmark focuses on fostering mutual exchange and ensuring that communities benefit equitably from the resources and opportunities that come from working together, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and shared prosperity. 2 Environmental Connection – This landmark is about building and strengthening the connection between people and their environment, recognising the interdependent relationship that sustains both. ... 4 Relational Governance – This landmark encourages the development of new and inclusive governance systems that respect the rights of all people, particularly Indigenous peoples, and foster resilience, adaptation, and sustainability in the face of changing social and environmental conditions. ...These landmarks work together, each influencing and being influenced by the others, forming an interconnected framework that promotes holistic and grounded approaches to community resilience, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.

Community Collaboration: The Heartbeat of the Pathmakers Framework ��

David Salomon — 2025-03-25T12:52:17+10:30

From the creation of shared resources like hunting grounds or water management practices to ceremonies and celebrations, collaboration has always been a method of fostering unity and mutual responsibility. These collaborative processes go beyond short-term benefits—they nurture long-term relationships that ensure the health and wellbeing of both people and the land. ...It invites us to think about communities not as isolated groups but as part of a larger, interconnected system that includes the land, ecosystems, and future generations. By engaging in community collaboration through this lens, we build a more sustainable, ethical, and responsible model for addressing the challenges we face today. ...By valuing what each person or group brings to the table, we ensure that the collaboration is based on respect and mutual benefit. This principle connects directly to the earlier concept of economic reciprocity, which stresses that what we take from the land and our communities must be balanced by giving back. ...In the same way, community collaboration in the Pathmakers Framework encourages a broad, inclusive approach where diverse voices and ideas are heard and valued. ...This knowledge has been honed over millennia and holds key insights into how to live in balance with the land, honor ecological cycles, and maintain social harmony. ...By incorporating this knowledge into modern collaborative practices, we ensure that the wisdom of the past informs the solutions of the future. ...We can learn a great deal from Indigenous models of collaboration, where relationships are nurtured over time, and where the needs of the land and the people are considered in tandem. ...Work across sectors and knowledge systems: Whether through interdisciplinary partnerships, community-driven projects, or cross-cultural initiatives, the most effective collaborations are those that bring together diverse perspectives, skills, and approaches. ...Indigenous governance systems, based on shared responsibility and consensus, offer valuable insights into how leadership can be distributed and collective decision-making can thrive. ...When collaboration is rooted in shared responsibility for people, place, and future generations, it leads to outcomes that benefit everyone. ...It is through working together that we can create systems that are truly sustainable—systems that reflect the interconnectedness of people, land, and all living beings. By learning from traditional models of collaboration and applying them to contemporary challenges, we can build resilient, thriving communities that honor the past, address the present, and secure a better future for all. ...Together, we have the power to shape a future grounded in mutual respect, shared purpose, and deep connection to the land. ... 1 Economic Reciprocity – This landmark focuses on fostering mutual exchange and ensuring that communities benefit equitably from the resources and opportunities that come from working together, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and shared prosperity. ... 4 Relational Governance – This landmark encourages the development of new and inclusive governance systems that respect the rights of all people, particularly Indigenous peoples, and foster resilience, adaptation, and sustainability in the face of changing social and environmental conditions. ...It fosters an understanding of how cultural heritage shapes identity, strengthens communities, and contributes to the resilience of people and place. These landmarks work together, each influencing and being influenced by the others, forming an interconnected framework that promotes holistic and grounded approaches to community resilience, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.

Environmental Connection: Reweaving Our Relationship with Country

David Salomon — 2025-03-25T12:24:00+10:30

Growing up on the Darling Downs, I was surrounded by people who read the land in ways that went far beyond book learning. Good farming country wasn’t just a matter of luck—you could tell a lot from the trees that grew there. ...It was humour with a sharp edge—many families had little choice about the land they were given, and they had to make do, no matter how unforgiving it was. ...And yet, for all that farmers lived by the land’s cycles, their perspective was still different from what we might now call ‘deep ecology.’ Their connection was practical, shaped by the realities of working with (and sometimes against) the land to make a living. ...First Nations cultures offer a different way of seeing—one that’s not just about minimising harm but about fostering a deep, reciprocal relationship with place. ...It means understanding that healthy landscapes don’t just happen; they are actively cared for, through fire management, seasonal knowledge, and a living relationship with land that stretches across generations. ...One of the biggest myths out there is the idea of ‘energy transitions’—that we move seamlessly from one energy source to another, as if upgrading to the latest iPhone. ...The problem isn’t just *which* energy source we use; it’s the assumption that we can swap out fuels while keeping the same endless-growth mindset. A real environmental connection means questioning the deeper logic of our economic and energy systems, not just making them ‘greener.’ ...Indigenous land management, regenerative agriculture, and localised conservation efforts are proving that there are ways to live in balance with Country, rather than constantly trying to control it. ...- 🌾 Regenerative Farming – Moving away from industrial monocultures and back towards farming methods that restore soil health, sequester carbon, and work with natural systems. - 🤝 Community-Led Conservation – Projects that recognise local knowledge and involve people in caring for the land, rather than treating conservation as something separate from human life. ...But if it’s seen as kin, as something to be in relationship with, then caring for it becomes second nature. ... 1 Economic Reciprocity – This landmark focuses on fostering mutual exchange and ensuring that communities benefit equitably from the resources and opportunities that come from working together, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and shared prosperity. 2 Environmental Connection – This landmark is about building and strengthening the connection between people and their environment, recognising the interdependent relationship that sustains both. It highlights the importance of caring for country and understanding the environmental processes that shape and are shaped by human actions. ... 4 Relational Governance – This landmark encourages the development of new and inclusive governance systems that respect the rights of all people, particularly Indigenous peoples, and foster resilience, adaptation, and sustainability in the face of changing social and environmental conditions. ...It fosters an understanding of how cultural heritage shapes identity, strengthens communities, and contributes to the resilience of people and place. These landmarks work together, each influencing and being influenced by the others, forming an interconnected framework that promotes holistic and grounded approaches to community resilience, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.

The Economic Reciprocity Landmark of the Pathmakers Framework

David Salomon — 2025-03-23T12:02:43+10:30

Unlike transactional exchanges, where value is measured purely in financial terms, reciprocal economies recognise the broader web of relationships, between people, land, and future generations. In Indigenous traditions, reciprocity ensures that taking from the land is always balanced by giving back, whether through ceremonies, conservation practices, or sharing resources within the community. As a child growing up on the Darling Downs, I witnessed an economic system that, on the surface, seemed driven by hard work and self-sufficiency. Farmers traded favours as much as they traded goods, whether it was borrowing machinery, lending a hand during harvest, or the unspoken agreement that if someone’s fence was down, you helped fix it. ... Yet, as I learned more about Indigenous economies, I realised how much deeper this principle runs in cultures that have sustained themselves for tens of thousands of years. ...Ochre from one area, shells from another, and even complex agreements over resource use were all part of an intricate economic system founded on trust and mutual obligation. ...This shift disrupted reciprocal systems, replacing them with market-driven transactions that often ignored the deeper connections between people and place. ...Clearing scrub for pasture, over-extracting water during droughts, these were short-term necessities in a market-driven system, but they clashed with an older, more reciprocal way of thinking. Over time, many settlers developed their own sense of stewardship, but the tension between profit and responsibility remains a defining challenge in our economic systems today. ...One of the greatest failures of modern economic thinking is treating the environment and social wellbeing as externalities, a term economists use to describe costs or benefits that aren’t reflected in market transactions. ... When the land is seen merely as a resource, rather than a living entity with which we are in relationship, the result is degradation, inequality, and economic systems that ultimately undermine themselves. ...Whether through regenerative agriculture, ethical business practices, or rethinking policies that prioritise short-term gain over long-term wellbeing, applying this principle can reshape how we approach sustainability and prosperity. ...From Indigenous-led conservation initiatives to circular economies that emphasise reuse and regeneration, we are seeing a shift toward economic models that align with the principles embedded in the Pathmakers Framework. ...By recognising our place within a reciprocal system, where giving back is as important as taking, we move closer to an economy that sustains not just profits, but people, cultures, and the land itself. ...But when we engage with economic reciprocity, we acknowledge that our survival is tied to the wellbeing of the world around us. ... 1 Economic Reciprocity – This landmark focuses on fostering mutual exchange and ensuring that communities benefit equitably from the resources and opportunities that come from working together, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and shared prosperity. 2 Environmental Connection – This landmark is about building and strengthening the connection between people and their environment, recognising the interdependent relationship that sustains both. ... 4 Relational Governance – This landmark encourages the development of new and inclusive governance systems that respect the rights of all people, particularly Indigenous peoples, and foster resilience, adaptation, and sustainability in the face of changing social and environmental conditions. ...It fosters an understanding of how cultural heritage shapes identity, strengthens communities, and contributes to the resilience of people and place. These landmarks work together, each influencing and being influenced by the others, forming an interconnected framework that promotes holistic and grounded approaches to community resilience, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.

The Cultural Heritage Landmark of the Pathmakers Framework

David Salomon — 2025-03-22T12:14:11+10:30

The Pathmakers Framework invites us to see these landscapes not as separate from ourselves but as integral to our identity and the way we relate to the world. ... If we are not personally connected to a place, it is easy to overlook its significance—yet connection to land is fundamental to all of us, shaping our sense of belonging and responsibility. ...The river carried history in its flow, from the stories of the Indigenous peoples who had lived along its course for thousands of years to the farmers who depended on its waters. ...As a child on the Downs, I saw the landscape through the lens of my own family’s experience—where we planted crops, where the cattle were moved, where the old fences marked the boundaries of the farm. ...Yet, when place is treated as an externality—something separate from human life rather than intertwined with it—we risk severing our connection to it and losing vital knowledge about how to live in balance with our surroundings. ...By engaging with this knowledge, we can foster a deeper understanding of Governance Innovation—creating systems that reflect the ways in which Indigenous peoples have governed land for thousands of years. ...The Pathmakers Framework honours this way of knowing, acknowledging that cultural heritage isn’t static or ‘lost’—it’s still being carried, shared, and lived. This understanding of place is not exclusive to Indigenous traditions; settlers who have spent generations on the land also develop knowledge and deep-rooted connections. ...When we engage with Indigenous communities in meaningful dialogue, we build a stronger, more inclusive understanding of how to care for our land, together. ...Economic systems, when aligned with cultural heritage and care for Country, can ensure that the benefits of land stewardship are shared equitably, supporting sustainable livelihoods and community resilience. ...By integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern mapping and conservation efforts, we can protect these cultural landscapes while ensuring that they continue to hold meaning for future generations. Recognising our own connection to place can guide us in these efforts, helping us move beyond seeing land as a resource to be managed and toward understanding it as a living entity with which we are in relationship. ...It also requires us to confront the ways in which modern systems often treat connection to Country as an externality—something optional rather than essential to our wellbeing and survival. ...Their claims for cultural rights aren’t just about the past—they are essential for the future, as their knowledge is key to addressing the climate crisis. ...If we can strengthen that awareness, we move closer to a future where connection to Country is no longer seen as separate from daily life but as something fundamental to it. ...The Pathmakers Framework reminds us that cultural heritage isn’t just about the past—it’s about an ongoing relationship with Country. By respecting and engaging with these pathways, we do more than preserve history; we step into a deeper, more connected way of being in the world. ... It’s up to us to listen, to recognise our own place within them, and to move forward with the understanding that our relationship with the land is not separate from us, but an intrinsic part of who we are. ... 1 Economic Reciprocity – This landmark focuses on fostering mutual exchange and ensuring that communities benefit equitably from the resources and opportunities that come from working together, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and shared prosperity. ... 4 Relational Governance – This landmark encourages the development of new and inclusive governance systems that respect the rights of all people, particularly Indigenous peoples, and foster resilience, adaptation, and sustainability in the face of changing social and environmental conditions.

Pathmakers Framework: Navigating Change Together

David Salomon — 2025-03-19T13:49:24+10:30

The Pathmakers Framework is not a fixed or exclusive idea; it’s a tool—a way of creating pathways and finding our way through an uncertain world. ...What I’ve learned from First Nations peoples is that the journey isn’t just about progress or survival—it’s about connection. ...As we move forward, we must do so together—honouring these teachings and building pathways that lead to a more balanced and respectful way of being in the world. ...It’s a way to make sense of the terrain ahead when we’re not sure where to start, or even where we’re headed. ... Think of it as a map of sorts—not to a fixed destination, but a guide to help us through the challenges we face. ...This isn’t about the narrow view of profit or scarcity; it’s about collaboration, mutual respect, and sharing resources in ways that lift everyone up, not just a few. ...It’s more like a compass, helping us navigate the unknown, to take the next step, even when we’re not sure what that step looks like. ...Building on the same basis of interconnectedness and navigating uncertainty, the Hero’s Journey offers a valuable framework for understanding not just individual transformation, but the collective path we all walk. ...It’s a guide for this collective journey, helping us find our way when we don’t always know where to start. It doesn’t promise to have all the answers, but it offers a way to begin, a way to understand the terrain ahead, and a way to walk it together, step by step. It’s not about rushing to a destination—it’s about walking with intention, understanding the landmarks that guide us, and using those markers to support each other along the way. In a way, the Pathmakers Framework is the map we didn’t know we needed to navigate the collective Hero’s Journey—so we don’t walk alone. ...We often don’t think about grief as a tool for growth, but it’s essential if we’re going to move forward with clarity and intention. Grieving the world we’ve lost—whether that’s our culture, our environment, our communities, or even our sense of stability—allows us to truly process what’s happening in the present. It’s through this act of grief that we can begin to let go of what holds us back, and from that space, we can face the unknown. ...This isn’t about one group leading or dictating the journey—it’s about all of us finding our way forward, drawing on the wisdom and knowledge of the past, and moving towards a future that reflects our shared values. ...This framework is a guide for that shared journey, one that is open to all and grounded in mutual respect, understanding, and action. ... 1 Economic Reciprocity – This landmark focuses on fostering mutual exchange and ensuring that communities benefit equitably from the resources and opportunities that come from working together, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and shared prosperity. ... 4 Relational Governance – This landmark encourages the development of new and inclusive governance systems that respect the rights of all people, particularly Indigenous peoples, and foster resilience, adaptation, and sustainability in the face of changing social and environmental conditions. ...These landmarks work together, each influencing and being influenced by the others, forming an interconnected framework that promotes holistic and grounded approaches to community resilience, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.