ALTRAV,

Only very limited minds can declare their opinions
to be a certainty or a truth.

Therefore to argue with someone like you, who has renounced
the use and authority of reason and whose philosophy
consists in holding the opinions of others in
contempt, is like administering medicine to the
dead, or endeavouring to convert an atheist by
scripture.

There is no point to it.

//Public holidays abound that are based on religious law; we should do away with them in a secular society.//

Bah humbug, you old Grinch.

Foxy, try again, I have a very open mind, it is you who has a limited mind, as you refuse to think beyond the very narrow boundaries of your beliefs, which are restricted to your unrealistic, simplistic take on life and people in general.
You would implode, emotionally, if you ever allowed yourself to extract your head out of your books for a moment and put the same effort into going outside amongst 'real' people and experiencing the 'real' world.
You would go into shock.
I know my 'comments' are based on truth, I leave the 'opinions' to you and your mates.
Not a salient point between you.
Foxy, again you have the wrong end of the bull.
If you do actually read my comments, you know you just made another furphy, by suggesting I 'renounced the use of authority and reason'.
As for 'holding the opinions of others in contempt'.
That much at least, we agree, because if the 'others' opinion is flawed, and most 'opinions' are, then I counter with logic as to why.
It appears that some commentors believe that the act of giving an opinion precludes them from quoting a fact, because it is only an opinion and that means they can say whatever they think, true or not.
I have always practiced and preached, common sense and reason, and you know this, so if I argue against something, it is justified.
An opinion is a waste of time, if your going to comment, at least make it something that is realistic in expectation, because honestly, your cred is fading with these incessant pointless, endless rants which carry no valid point or weight.

ALTRAV,

The ego is what drives you.

Self-praise is the first sign of insecurity.

In my opinion anyone who claims to speak
"the truth" is probably talking out of the
wrong end, anyway.

ALTRAV,

You claim to post only the truth, but in reality you also are only posting your opinion.
Mind you, quite a lot of what you post may have some essence in truth, but in putting all Muslims in one basket you reveal a bias - justly or no - and hence, opinion.

Foxy,

Great to see you keeping on keeping on.
I have ignored OLO for quite a while, mostly because so many only spruik bigotry or narrow-mindedness or thoughtless provocation, trolling or fishing (phishing?), or just plain rubbish. Or because I have simply had no interest in the subject matter(s) being discussed.

However, on the topic (as it has veered) I would not be in favour of adding more religious holidays to the Aus agenda.
As for the rest, well, we want more recent 'arrivals' to fit in as far as possible (but not necessarily to become 'ocker'), so, no need to 'rock the boat' by unessential pandering, in my view.

Christmas, Easter ok, because they are part of the Aus culture - a bit like Aus Day, Labour Day and the Queen's Birthday - but one day, with advances in multiculturalism, some of these may also go the way of the Dodo, or of the 'Our Father' recital in various quarters.

On the actual article, I think the authors have it right - that Tas has it right on discrimination in schools, and that Scomo and The Coalition should listen, pay heed, and stop all the floundering.
The Fed Gov I feel has gotten into a 'minority' position for a reason - or reasons - and need to get back on track post-haste, before the baby goes out with the bath-water. (Have I shown my political bias here?)
(TBCont'd:)

Continuing:

My view on discrimination: If a teacher cannot fit in to the culture of the relevant school, then they shouldn't be there. And, teachers should be trained in gender-acceptance, and in ways to diffuse and dispel any incidence(s) of gender bias in their classroom and school.
As for students, there should be no gender bias by the school, teachers, student body or school admin or culture, and it must be up to the school, admin and teachers to ensure this is the case.
Similarly, bullying must be outlawed; just as we would hope to get rid of domestic abuse - in all its forms and guises (in respect of both of these forms of despicable and unacceptable behaviour).

Anyhow, have a Merry Christmas (or, Season's Greetings if you prefer).

(I'd also like to see detention centres closed, children enjoying a safe, happy and constructive life with their families, and for all the world's psychological problems, confusions and delusions cured - and an end to violence, illness, disease and climate change.) Blimey!