Whenever I write about world events there usually follows a flow of emails telling me how wrong I am or questioning why I bother discussing non-domestic affairs.

I have no problem with those who disagree with my perspectives (as long as they are courteous) but those who tell me what to write about actually miss the point. 

In life before politics I was involved in the business sector where a lot of focus was on the end of financial year. That date was material in measuring business performance, establishing budgets and calculating team bonuses. For me, it was the moment to take stock of where you are at and where you are going. That process has stayed with me to this day.

Your Weekly Dose of Common Sense is a little late today because we are in the midst of debating the government’s proposed education funding Bill. There is talk of all sorts of deals being cooked up between the Greens, One Nation, Xenophon and the Liberal Party. However it ends up, this Bill signals the abandonment of principle within the once proud Liberals. They are now doing exactly what they rightly condemned when Labor were in government.

Foreign investment is a hot topic that seems to polarise Australians. It’s also a matter that isn’t always a black and white issue. 

I have just returned from two days in South Australia’s Riverland district. It’s a beautiful and productive part of the state with a tight-knit community. 

There’s been a lot of media commentary about the meeting of Aboriginal activists demanding changes to our Constitution. The ‘Recognise’ campaign has been running for years and has had many notable supporters including corporates and politicians.

Words can scarcely do justice in condemning the barbarism attached to the Manchester bombing. Unfortunately it is not the first, nor will it be the last atrocity committed in the name of Islam. At best, we can only hope it prompts a reality shock for our political elites and media.

One question I am often asked is what impact Australian Conservatives might have on the election of a Federal Coalition government.

For the first time in many months I am struggling to choose a topic for my Weekly Dose of Common Sense. It’s not that there is a lack of subject matter but more that the political scene is so monotonous it’s becoming boring.

Last night’s budget makes one thing crystal clear. Under the major parties, Australia is headed toward European levels of national debt. Trust me when I tell you it will not end well.