The hot potatoes of 2021

Description

2021 has been a year of challenges and changes for so many people worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued its overreach into our daily lives; with lockdowns, vaccine rollouts, quarantine rules, border closures, and protests making headlines for much of the year in Australia. The pandemic is but one of a myriad of issues which has demanded the attention of our politicians and policymakers this year. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel reflect on the year that was 2021, and contemplate the coming twelve months.

In this episode:
Given the devastating effect of COVID-19 on the lives and livelihoods of so many around the world, you might expect people to lose faith in God, or religion. However, in many cases, it has served to strengthen the faith of those who already believed in God. 

The third iteration of the federal government’s Religious Discrimination Bill was introduced in the final days of parliament this year. It garnered considerable public interest and debate over religion and its place in Australia.

Australia’s commitment to climate change mitigation was another hotly contested issue this year. After much deliberation, the federal government committed to net zero emissions by 2050. But where does public sentiment sit on climate change?