Argument analysis

“Emissions have fallen not because of federal leadership, but in spite of its absence”

“It has been the states and territories - not Canberra - quietly doing the heavy lifting on climate action”

Wright implements direct, accusatory statements that channel blame towards the broader Australian government. Further, he credits the state governments for the decrease in emissions and makes it clear that the federal government’s involvement was minimal. This prompts Australians to agree with Wright's opinions and criticise the lack of federal government involvement.

Youth crime

Shone begins his argument by claiming that current processes for youth detention are ineffective, as the same solution is being repeated with no progression in results. He reinforces this argument by utilising an Einstein quote, which defines insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Einstein is a well-known, intelligent figure, so by linking him to the argument, Shone adds further credibility.

He employs his level-headed, empathetic tone by acknowledging the effort being made to address the issue. However, he does critique the method in which youth crime is being solved and goes as far as to say that it is creating a “university of crime.”

Coles-worth

Ross Gittins brutally critiques the Australians government’s involvement in the alleged duopoly between Woolworths and Coles in an opinion piece published in The Age on the 6th of February 2024. Gittins presents key arguments, such as the fact that these supermarkets have been known to employ misleading advertising to discount items, as a way of urging the government to take more demanding action. These arguments are made through a sarcastic, witty tone to mock the government and highlight its incompetence to the Australian audience. The use of humour continues within the cartoonish image of Jim Charmers stuck between the bars of a barcode.

Gittins opens his piece by acknowledging that the cost of living crisis and grocery costs are under the control of “Coles’ worth”.