Crystal Andrews

1 month ago | crikey.com.au | Crystal Andrews |Crystal Andrews

Recent news events underscore the importance of getting universal coverage right. During the out-of-control Grampians bushfire in December, firefighters protested that mobile phone reception on the fireground was “nearly non-existent”. Today, communities in Queensland and NSW are relying on their phones as they’re warned to heed emergency weather notifications ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred making landfall.

Dec 19, 2024 | crikey.com.au | Crystal Andrews

After 1,000 submissions, a heated debate session, and one very enthusiastic winner (congrats, Max!), the Shitstirrers Index has become one of Crikey’s most successful initiatives. How can I tell? Well, not only have the articles attracted a high number of readers all week and a huge amount of comments, shares and reach on our social platforms… they’ve also generated lots of (good-spirited) complaints.

Oct 10, 2024 | crikey.com.au | Crystal Andrews |Crystal Andrews

Statements read in Parliament took on a different tone this week, with 96 senators and MPs using their time to deliver a speech written by a young person as part of the Youth Voice in Parliament initiative. Facilitated by youth organisation Raise Our Voice Australia (ROVA), participating members read speeches from people in their electorate or state aged 25 and under. While ROVA sets the prompt, those submitting speeches are free to apply the question to any topic or policy area.

Aug 11, 2024 | crikey.com.au | Crystal Andrews |Crystal Andrews

A new Australian meme was born over the weekend: Raygun, aka Rachael Gunn, the Olympic breakdancer who bombed so hard she sparked an avalanche of international discourse. The 36-year-old b-girl and academic failed to score a single point in the first (and potentially last) breakdancing competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with an unconventional routine featuring kangaroo hops and floor-writhing in place of the sport’s usual tricks.