Blogged by Natasha Tonks.
Reported by Nick and April.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is predicting the number of cancer related hospital admissions will rise by 23,000 per year over the next few years.
The statistics are from a new report on cancer in Australia which finds the aging population is driving the increase in cancer related admissions.
The Institute of Health's Christine Sturrock says the increase shows that cancer will continue to have a major impact on the health system.
A campaign against proposed changes to tertiary education funding has been initiated by the National Union of Students.
They say the model will disadvantage students due to resources being allocatde towards more popular subjects, with regional universities suffering the most.
A review comissionsed by the Federal Government recommended that funding will not be tied to institutions but rather to individual students.
Palm Island residents are shocked at the decision of a Townsville court yesterday to overrule the original coroner's findings of the death in custody of Mulrunji Doomadgee.
Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley won his appeal yesterday against the original coroner's report which stated that Doomadgee's fatal injuries were caused by Hurley when he lost his temper.
Community worker Sam Watson says residents of Palm Island were shocked at the decision, which comes just weeks after the four year anniversary of Mr. Doomadgee's Death.
Sixty-Six countries have called for the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality.
The appeal is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states in article one that 'All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.'
The sizty-six countires are deeply concerned by the violations of Human rights and fundamental freedoms based on sexual orientation.
The Australian Government has lodged a report to the United Nations about the implemation of the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Minister for the status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, says the lodging of the report demonstrates Australia's commitment to end discrimination against women.
An education kit on Women's Human Rights has been released informing the public on the CEDAW and the new protocols to help physically and sexually abused women.
A former Rwandan Army Colonel has been sentenced to life imprisonment for organising the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
The UN-backed tribunal has found him guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Two other military officers have also been convicted for their role in the mass killings.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Zedlines: 18/12/2008
Reported by Sophie, Isabel and Ellie
Today is UN-declared International Migrant Workers Day.
The day marks and celebrates the rights of migrants to work which is a basic human right.
It is an occasion for international solidarity and for making migrants voices heard.
International Migrant Workers Day coincides this year with the 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Australian Workers Union has released a report saying they have had a positive impact in preventing wage discrimination for migrant workers concentrated in the manufacturing sector.
One of the report's authors, Dr Brian D'Netto, said the perceived main challenges for migrant workers is that there is inadequate recognition of overseas skills, a lack of language fluency for many new migrants as well as social isolation.
The report said many highly skilled migrants working in jobs well below their skill level in order to survive.
Dr D'Netto said unions want to see more training, development and career opportunities provided for workers from ethnic backgrounds.
A report of the review of Australian Higher Education by independent Bradley Review was released yesterday afternoon saying students needed greater support while studying.
The Review recommended lowering the age of independence to 22 and increasing fortnightly payments to $400 before payments are affected.
Currently, students are only able to earn $236 per fortnight before their payments are reduced.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young welcomed the review's suggestions and students are paying more to live because the cost of living has increased.
She also says the pressure to work long hours is having an effect on their studies.
Ms Hanson-Young has called on Education Minister Julia Gillard to seriously consider the Bradley Review's recommendations and make a change to have greater income support for students.
The Bradley Review also said that 40 per cent of Australians aged 25 to 34 should have a degree by 2020 and recommended $6 billion of funding.
Part of the government's plan for education reform is to remove various regulations in university enrolment, including no limitations on student numbers.
However, the Opposition said the government can't afford these promises.
Blogged by Ellie
Today is UN-declared International Migrant Workers Day.
The day marks and celebrates the rights of migrants to work which is a basic human right.
It is an occasion for international solidarity and for making migrants voices heard.
International Migrant Workers Day coincides this year with the 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Australian Workers Union has released a report saying they have had a positive impact in preventing wage discrimination for migrant workers concentrated in the manufacturing sector.
One of the report's authors, Dr Brian D'Netto, said the perceived main challenges for migrant workers is that there is inadequate recognition of overseas skills, a lack of language fluency for many new migrants as well as social isolation.
The report said many highly skilled migrants working in jobs well below their skill level in order to survive.
Dr D'Netto said unions want to see more training, development and career opportunities provided for workers from ethnic backgrounds.
A report of the review of Australian Higher Education by independent Bradley Review was released yesterday afternoon saying students needed greater support while studying.
The Review recommended lowering the age of independence to 22 and increasing fortnightly payments to $400 before payments are affected.
Currently, students are only able to earn $236 per fortnight before their payments are reduced.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young welcomed the review's suggestions and students are paying more to live because the cost of living has increased.
She also says the pressure to work long hours is having an effect on their studies.
Ms Hanson-Young has called on Education Minister Julia Gillard to seriously consider the Bradley Review's recommendations and make a change to have greater income support for students.
The Bradley Review also said that 40 per cent of Australians aged 25 to 34 should have a degree by 2020 and recommended $6 billion of funding.
Part of the government's plan for education reform is to remove various regulations in university enrolment, including no limitations on student numbers.
However, the Opposition said the government can't afford these promises.
Blogged by Ellie
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
National Tertiary Education Union on report recommending a $6 billion injection into Australian universities
Reported by Rose and Emma 17.12.08
The National Tertiary Education Union has released a report recommending a $6 billion injection into Australian universities.
President of NTEU Dr Carolyn Allport says the quality and accessibility of universities will be improved significantly after 15 years of neglect.
The report suggests improvements for staff and students over a four year period.
"It will enable universities to increase the number of students who come to universities, the Bradley review puts no limit on the number of students who can enroll," Dr Carolyn Allport says.
The Bradley review of higher education makes 49 recommendations in total, but raises two main points - it says Australia needs more university graduates and funding should be driven by demand.
The review also recommends an urgent increase in student support payments, finding current levels are inadequate.
"Current levels of income support are inadequate to support the participation and success of students from low socio-economic backgrounds," the final review report said.
You can see the full report here
The National Tertiary Education Union has released a report recommending a $6 billion injection into Australian universities.
President of NTEU Dr Carolyn Allport says the quality and accessibility of universities will be improved significantly after 15 years of neglect.
The report suggests improvements for staff and students over a four year period.
"It will enable universities to increase the number of students who come to universities, the Bradley review puts no limit on the number of students who can enroll," Dr Carolyn Allport says.
The Bradley review of higher education makes 49 recommendations in total, but raises two main points - it says Australia needs more university graduates and funding should be driven by demand.
The review also recommends an urgent increase in student support payments, finding current levels are inadequate.
"Current levels of income support are inadequate to support the participation and success of students from low socio-economic backgrounds," the final review report said.
You can see the full report here
Monday, December 15, 2008
ZEDLINES 15/12/2008
Protests have swept across Australia on Saturday to mark dissent surrounding the Rudd Government's internet censorship plans.
Protests in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney and four other cities were forum to the concerns that the filter could drastically impair internet speed, block legitimate sites, and potentially be misused by government.
Organisers "The Digital Liberty Coalition" catered for a 1500-strong audience, coordinating talks by Amnesty International, academics from various state and national Universities, Electronic Frontiers Australia, and Fiona Patten of the Australia Sex Party.
Protests in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney and four other cities were forum to the concerns that the filter could drastically impair internet speed, block legitimate sites, and potentially be misused by government.
Organisers "The Digital Liberty Coalition" catered for a 1500-strong audience, coordinating talks by Amnesty International, academics from various state and national Universities, Electronic Frontiers Australia, and Fiona Patten of the Australia Sex Party.
Oxfam has again criticised Australia's participation in the UN climate change negotiations, saying that developed countries have not stepped up to do their fair share.
Progress has been made with a last minute decision to allow developing countries direct access to funds, but the problem remains finding where the money for adaptation will come from.
Oxfam Australia Director, Andrew Hewett, says the deal for the Adaptation Fund was on the table for the entire two weeks but was blocked by Australia, Canada and Russia until the last couple of hours of negotiations.
In Queensland news, a caterpillar plague in Yandaran is threatening the lives of residents, with one woman being hospitalised and others forced to wear full body protection suits.
The North Bundaberg residents say the caterpillars have taken over, with billions destroying local flora amid fears growing for the safety of family pets and the residents themselves.
Dallas Boothey, a resident forced to where a fully body protection suit admits "it's not funny anymore" and victims are requesting help to control the outbreak.
Two women have been charged with importing heroin at Melbourne Airport and will appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court this morning.
The South African women were questioned by Customs officer who became suspicious that they may have been concealing drugs internally.
The two then passed a combined total of 176 pellets, believed to contain heroin, which will now undergo forensic testing.
In related news Mercedes Corby is back in the media spotlight this time joining the ranks of Jen Hawkins and Miranda Kerr on the cover of Ralph.
Mercedes – made famous by her sisters drug smuggling conviction, was ready to do something fun and positive.
Ralph's editor has expressed hopes to also get Schapelle on the cover should she get an early release from Kerobokan jail where she's serving her 20 year sentence.
On the topic of energy news, in an announcement by Environment Minister Peter Garret yesterday a new star-system of energy consumption ratings was introduced.
Arriving amidst the pre-christmas buying frenzy, the star ratings will aim to mitigate the carbon imprint of television usage in Australia, which factors in fourth behind climate control, fridges and lighting.
Starting off as a voluntary step by manufacturers, the system will be mandatory by October 2009.
Animal Liberation activists will stage a protest against New South Wales Broiler shed standards today in Sydney.
An investigation carried out by Animal Liberation filmed birds involved in a breach of the Code of Practice for Domestic Poultry, including dead and dying birds in the sheds.
More than 30 birds were unable to stand or reach food and water. Animal Liberation spokesperson Emma Hurst says the RSPCA will be notified of the conditions of the facilities, which are typical of chicken suppliers that provide to major supermarkets.
A man in Sydney's south has pleaded guilty in court to manslaughter following the 2007 death of his neighbour after an argument regarding water restrictions turned violent.
In October 2007 violence erupted between neighbours when the convicted, Mr Munter, made a passing comment about water usage as the now deceased 66-yo watered his garden.
The charge was dropped from murder to manslaughter and Mr Munter has been granted conditional bail awaiting sentencing in March.
Anti violence protesters in Rio de Janero have laid 16 thousand coconuts along the famous copacabana beach, each representing a victim of urban violence
The protesters are speaking out for victims of violence and homicide as well as police officers dying in the line of duty, those who have been shot in gunfights between authorities and gangs of narcotics traffickers.
A burglar who broke into a home in Kuala Lumpur was found dehydrated and fatigued by the owners who returned from holidays to the man who claimed to have been held captive by a ghost.
Police have reported that the man believes he was held captive by a supernatural being who wouldn't let him leave the residence after entering, and prevented him from getting food or water for 3 days.
Australia's childcare situation has been slammed again, this time by UNICEF for meeting just 2 of the 10 benchmarks listed and come in behind the US, the UK and Mexico.
The report says children in remote areas and ethnic minorities are most disadvantaged and warns poor quality care has the potential to cause both immediate and long time harm to children.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Zedlines 12 December 2008
Reported by Chris, Nick and April
Blogged by Natasha Christian.
For the first time in history, Brisbane's Gateway Bridge will close briefly in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The bridge will be closed for the installation of a 'gantry' which will take about three hours to complete.
A three year old girl is paralysed in hospital after being bitten by a tick while at her Sunshine Coast home.
She is on a respirator but in a stable condition at Brisbane's Mater Children's hospital and is likely to stay in hospital for several weeks.
Symptoms of a tick bite may include; itchiness, loss of co-ordination, blurred vision and difficulty of speaking and swallowing.
If any of these symptoms occur please seek medical assistance.
With the school holidays starting this afternoon, the community is being urged to keep a close eye on schools over the Christmas break to help protect them from vandalism.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford, says the Communities vigilance has been crucial in reducing vandalism by 24 percent over the last 12 months.
A 'School Watch Hotline' is in place to report possible crime, which receives roughly 60 calls a month from community members.
According to the Medical Staff Association at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, the financial crisis has jeoparadised the Government's original plan for a Queensland Children's hospital on Brisbane's Southside.
Health Minister, Stephen Robertson says that the new facility will go ahead as planned and existing commitments will be followed through.
The hospital plans to be opened in stages from 2011 to 2014 and will cost 1.1 billion dollars.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found that public dental patients are more likely to have fewer teeth, gum disease and tooth decay.
The Institute's latest report says 42% of public dental patients were found to have tooth decay compared to 26% of the general population.
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon says the coalition's blocking of a Commonwealth Dental Health Program has held up much needed services.
Ms. Roxon says the Dental Program would provide extra services for Pensioners and Indigenous Australians.
The Federal opposition and business groups are calling on the government to put emissions trading on hold due to the economic crisis.
Emissions trading is schedueled to begin in 2010 but as job losses increase, it has been called to be put back until 2012.
But Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says that if Australia does not act on climate change, it will deliver a huge economic burden in the long term.
Unions are calling on employers to do everything possible to protect jobs and incomes in the lead up to Christmas.
The recent rise in unemployment last month highlights the need for measures to be taken to protect the nation's workforce.
Australian Council of Trade Union's secretary Jeff Lawrence, says the small increase in unemployment to 4.4% is concerning, however the country isn headed for recession just yet.
Blogged by Natasha Christian.
For the first time in history, Brisbane's Gateway Bridge will close briefly in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The bridge will be closed for the installation of a 'gantry' which will take about three hours to complete.
A three year old girl is paralysed in hospital after being bitten by a tick while at her Sunshine Coast home.
She is on a respirator but in a stable condition at Brisbane's Mater Children's hospital and is likely to stay in hospital for several weeks.
Symptoms of a tick bite may include; itchiness, loss of co-ordination, blurred vision and difficulty of speaking and swallowing.
If any of these symptoms occur please seek medical assistance.
With the school holidays starting this afternoon, the community is being urged to keep a close eye on schools over the Christmas break to help protect them from vandalism.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford, says the Communities vigilance has been crucial in reducing vandalism by 24 percent over the last 12 months.
A 'School Watch Hotline' is in place to report possible crime, which receives roughly 60 calls a month from community members.
According to the Medical Staff Association at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, the financial crisis has jeoparadised the Government's original plan for a Queensland Children's hospital on Brisbane's Southside.
Health Minister, Stephen Robertson says that the new facility will go ahead as planned and existing commitments will be followed through.
The hospital plans to be opened in stages from 2011 to 2014 and will cost 1.1 billion dollars.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found that public dental patients are more likely to have fewer teeth, gum disease and tooth decay.
The Institute's latest report says 42% of public dental patients were found to have tooth decay compared to 26% of the general population.
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon says the coalition's blocking of a Commonwealth Dental Health Program has held up much needed services.
Ms. Roxon says the Dental Program would provide extra services for Pensioners and Indigenous Australians.
The Federal opposition and business groups are calling on the government to put emissions trading on hold due to the economic crisis.
Emissions trading is schedueled to begin in 2010 but as job losses increase, it has been called to be put back until 2012.
But Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says that if Australia does not act on climate change, it will deliver a huge economic burden in the long term.
Unions are calling on employers to do everything possible to protect jobs and incomes in the lead up to Christmas.
The recent rise in unemployment last month highlights the need for measures to be taken to protect the nation's workforce.
Australian Council of Trade Union's secretary Jeff Lawrence, says the small increase in unemployment to 4.4% is concerning, however the country isn headed for recession just yet.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Zedlines: 11/12/2008
Reported by Isabel and Ellie
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change talks are underway in the Polish city of Poznan.
The European Union’s Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said that European leaders will agree on a 20 per cent reduction target by 2020 and a further 80 to 95 per cent reduction by 2050.
Australian Federal Climate Change Minister Penny Wong is at the conference to argue that the economic crisis should not stop action on climate change.
But she also says that Australia’s policy will be the same as other nations.
The two week negotiation process seeks to continue making commitments between nations to reduce carbon emissions following the Kyoto Protocol, and as a precursor to further talks in Denmark next year.
Poland are entering final negotiations to sell 15 million Euros worth of greenhouse emission rights to Ireland.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, nations that are significantly under their emission targets – called Assigned Amount Units - can sell the excess to other nations.
The AAUs are being sold at 10 euros per ton.
The deal contains a clause stating that Ireland must invest these AAUs in developing clean energy or promoting energy efficiency.
Other Eastern European nations like Latvia, the Ukraine and the Czech Republic are also selling their excess AAUs.
The humble humming bird is the latest inspiration behind exciting new technology for completing radical heart surgery.
Queensland professor Dr Geoffrey Boyle has used the animals technique for hibernation to develop a similar action for the human heart to be used during cardiac procedures.
The cardio protection technology known as AdenocaineTM has the ability to safely stop the heart for for surgical procedures and then be restarted with less drugs and complications after the operation.
Read on for the interview with Dr Boyle by Isabel Fitzagerald...
What is it about a hummingbird's hibernation process that inspired this technology?
What other benefits are there for the patients?
The technology has the enormous potential to save lives, reduce hospital and health costs, and all by replicating nature.
Dr Boyle has been granted one hundred thousand dollars grant by the Queensland Government to take help take the technology global.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett yesterday called for restraint by conservationists during protests over whaling taking place in the Southern Oceans.
He said the Government condemned violent or life threatening acts and particularly mentioned Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and their methods of protest.
The Sea Shepherd are renowned for their aggressive and risky actions against Japanese whaling ships.
They have been successful on many occasions of stopping or reducing whale killings due to their proactive protesting.
Blogged by Ellie
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change talks are underway in the Polish city of Poznan.
The European Union’s Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said that European leaders will agree on a 20 per cent reduction target by 2020 and a further 80 to 95 per cent reduction by 2050.
Australian Federal Climate Change Minister Penny Wong is at the conference to argue that the economic crisis should not stop action on climate change.
But she also says that Australia’s policy will be the same as other nations.
The two week negotiation process seeks to continue making commitments between nations to reduce carbon emissions following the Kyoto Protocol, and as a precursor to further talks in Denmark next year.
Poland are entering final negotiations to sell 15 million Euros worth of greenhouse emission rights to Ireland.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, nations that are significantly under their emission targets – called Assigned Amount Units - can sell the excess to other nations.
The AAUs are being sold at 10 euros per ton.
The deal contains a clause stating that Ireland must invest these AAUs in developing clean energy or promoting energy efficiency.
Other Eastern European nations like Latvia, the Ukraine and the Czech Republic are also selling their excess AAUs.
The humble humming bird is the latest inspiration behind exciting new technology for completing radical heart surgery.
Queensland professor Dr Geoffrey Boyle has used the animals technique for hibernation to develop a similar action for the human heart to be used during cardiac procedures.
The cardio protection technology known as AdenocaineTM has the ability to safely stop the heart for for surgical procedures and then be restarted with less drugs and complications after the operation.
Read on for the interview with Dr Boyle by Isabel Fitzagerald...
What is it about a hummingbird's hibernation process that inspired this technology?
“What inspired the technology was that natural hibernators have this ability to put themselves into suspended animation. From knowing how they do that, I asked the question: could the human heart be pharmacologically manipulated to operate like the heart of a natural hibernating animal?
And that’s what led us down to the discovery of then manipulating that human heart pharmacologically and putting that into suspended animation.
We can do it for the short term or long term, and that’s what the technology is all about.”
What other benefits are there for the patients?
“It's unlike the current technology…it’s safer for the patient and much more predictable for the surgeon because it's a much more natural way to arrest the heart.
We use it to arrest the heart in cardaic surgery as well as transplantation. It's currently being used in 30 US hospitals. And I think about 15,000 patients have benefited from it in the US.”
The technology has the enormous potential to save lives, reduce hospital and health costs, and all by replicating nature.
Dr Boyle has been granted one hundred thousand dollars grant by the Queensland Government to take help take the technology global.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett yesterday called for restraint by conservationists during protests over whaling taking place in the Southern Oceans.
He said the Government condemned violent or life threatening acts and particularly mentioned Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and their methods of protest.
The Sea Shepherd are renowned for their aggressive and risky actions against Japanese whaling ships.
They have been successful on many occasions of stopping or reducing whale killings due to their proactive protesting.
Blogged by Ellie
Monday, December 8, 2008
Zedlines 09/12/08
Reported by Chris and Jemma
Blogged by Jemma
The Queensland Greens have urged treasurer, Andrew Fraser, not to cut back on public transport spending.
Greens MP Ronan Lee says, Mr Frazer needs to decide which sort of infrastructure will be a solid investment in the future.
The Greens will be campaigning hard in the lead up to the forthcoming state election on a massive and rapid development of Queensland's public transport and cycling infrastructure.
The Commonwealth has announced it will match Queensland’s two million dollar commitment to the search for the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur.
268 people were killed when the ship sank 65 years ago, including 39 Queenslanders.
The final resting place of the ship remains a mystery, but is believed to be somewhere off North Stradbroke Island.
The European Union has included 11 new Zimbabwean officials in its blacklist, bringing the tally to 171.
This means they are not allowed to travel within the European Union.
In addition, this follows a catastrophic outbreak of cholera that has claimed almost 600 lives.
US security guards working for a private security company in Iraq have been charged over the killing of 14 Iraqi civilians and the injuring of 20 others in 2007, Al Jazeera has reported.
Five men from security firm Blackwater have been charged in a US court with manslaughter, attempt to commit manslaughter and weapons violations.
A sixth man involved pleaded guilty to charges last week.
Authorities in Amsterdam have announced they plan to halve the number of brothels and marijuana shops in the cities red light district.
The deputy major of Amsterdam says they want to fight money laundering, human trafficking and extortion.
He also says the city can keep the sex and the drugs, but in a way that shows the city is in control.
A rhino broke out of its enclosure at a South Australian zoo yesterday morning in an attempt to reach two female rhinos in a separate enclosure.
Zoo staff say the public were not at risk as the rhino remained within the zoo's outer fence.
Blogged by Jemma
The Queensland Greens have urged treasurer, Andrew Fraser, not to cut back on public transport spending.
Greens MP Ronan Lee says, Mr Frazer needs to decide which sort of infrastructure will be a solid investment in the future.
The Greens will be campaigning hard in the lead up to the forthcoming state election on a massive and rapid development of Queensland's public transport and cycling infrastructure.
The Commonwealth has announced it will match Queensland’s two million dollar commitment to the search for the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur.
268 people were killed when the ship sank 65 years ago, including 39 Queenslanders.
The final resting place of the ship remains a mystery, but is believed to be somewhere off North Stradbroke Island.
The European Union has included 11 new Zimbabwean officials in its blacklist, bringing the tally to 171.
This means they are not allowed to travel within the European Union.
In addition, this follows a catastrophic outbreak of cholera that has claimed almost 600 lives.
US security guards working for a private security company in Iraq have been charged over the killing of 14 Iraqi civilians and the injuring of 20 others in 2007, Al Jazeera has reported.
Five men from security firm Blackwater have been charged in a US court with manslaughter, attempt to commit manslaughter and weapons violations.
A sixth man involved pleaded guilty to charges last week.
Authorities in Amsterdam have announced they plan to halve the number of brothels and marijuana shops in the cities red light district.
The deputy major of Amsterdam says they want to fight money laundering, human trafficking and extortion.
He also says the city can keep the sex and the drugs, but in a way that shows the city is in control.
A rhino broke out of its enclosure at a South Australian zoo yesterday morning in an attempt to reach two female rhinos in a separate enclosure.
Zoo staff say the public were not at risk as the rhino remained within the zoo's outer fence.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
ZEDLINES: 8/12/2008
The Tenants Union of Queensland has given a mixed response to the new housing rights introduced in legislature yesterday.
The new legislation including bringing the "without grounds" eviction notice margin up from two weeks to two months, and explicitly outlawing open house situations, has been overshadowed by gaps such as the lack of prior notice laws for rent increases, and the lack of a fairness protocol in the expulsion of evicted residents.
Penny Carr, statewide coordinator for the TUS, observes that this state's legislature is the only one allowing for unfair expulsions, be it under so called “reasonable force”.
Australian consumers are imperative to monitoring and maintaining the organic food industry according to the Biological Farmers of Australia.
The new legislation including bringing the "without grounds" eviction notice margin up from two weeks to two months, and explicitly outlawing open house situations, has been overshadowed by gaps such as the lack of prior notice laws for rent increases, and the lack of a fairness protocol in the expulsion of evicted residents.
Penny Carr, statewide coordinator for the TUS, observes that this state's legislature is the only one allowing for unfair expulsions, be it under so called “reasonable force”.
The Bligh government has begun to confront a crisis of a different note today, and in the spotlight is the rapidly declining Koala population in south-east Queensland.
Piggybacking the already existing Koala Plan will be a range of initiatives, centering around a 2 million Koala habitat map zoning job.
Sustainability and Climate Change Minister, Andrew McNamara, attributes the action to a specialised task group established in August by the Premier.
Taking a different look at the global economic crunch, Mission Australia is launching a campaign to raise $60, 000 for our nation's homeless, who will be in greater than ever turmoil with the crisis.
The campaign involves going to a website for Bayer Australia and designing a butterfly, for each submission of which Bayer will donate one dollar into Mission Australia's local projects.
For those of you who would like to contribute a butterfly design, please go to transformhomelessness.com.au and follow the prompts.
The federal government's new initiative to filter Australian Internet servers is inadequate and unwanted according to a nationwide protest group.
“Save the Net” protesters say the government's censorship scheme challenges our right to freedom of speech and freedom of choice.
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says the filtering program aims to block 10,000 sites containing 'inappropriate' material, but critics say the scheme will only slow down the internet and increase running expenses.
Protesters will hit the streets across the country on Saturday 13th December, you can find “Save the Net” on facebook for more details about the event.
A report from the Australia Institute has found the value of time wasted on unsolicited telemarketing calls in Australia amounts to $1.58 billion each year.
With two in three Australians stating that telemarketing should be banned altogether, the paper highlighted the negative connotations associated to the selling system.
The report also found that the government based Do Not Call Register only minimizes telemarketing calls by about 30%, cutting the number of calls from ten to seven per month.
Australian consumers are imperative to monitoring and maintaining the organic food industry according to the Biological Farmers of Australia.
Products often carry un-substantiated labels and BFA warns consumers to be wary of claims such as 'natural', 'free range' and 'barn fresh'.
Organic productions enforce strict guides for animal welfare and balanced nutrition ensuring both the animal and the consumer can benefit.
And to international news, almost 5,000 demonstrators have rallied outside the Athens National museum in a violent protest against police after the the killing of a 15-year old boy on Saturday.
The youth's death is believed to have resulted after an altercation with police, and the officers involved have been arrested.
Chaos was reported throughout the city, with demonstrators smashing shop windows, setting fire to cars and sending three police officers to hospital.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Zedlines Friday 5th December.
Reported by Ali, Andrew, Peta, Chris and Nick.
Blogged by Natasha Christian.
The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, has announced new changes to the ABSTUDY eligibility criteria which will ensure Indigenous scholarship holders receive financial assistance.
The changes are designed to help to close the gap in education outcomes between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians.
Numerous studies have highlighted that aboriginal students have lower graduation achievement rates.
A proposed preamble to the State Constitution that would recognise Indigenous Queenslanders has earned high praise from Aboriginal groups.
Premier Anna Bligh has called for bipartisan support of the proposal in time for the state's 150th anniversary next year.
The preamble would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people of the state, with Aboriginal activists believing the change would also aid the reconciliation process.
The achievements of several inspirational Australians were recognised at last night's National Disability Awards.
The awards, which help celebrate the 'International Day for People with Disability,' were presented at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra.
The winner of the Community Contribution Award was 24 year old Sarah Cullen, who recently launched a support group for young stroke survivors and their carers.
A recent survey has found that two out of three Australians intend to cut back spending this Christmas, while the countries youth are expected to spend up big.
Despite the worlds current economic turmoil, thirty-seven percent of generation Y respondents say they plan to spend more this year than last.
The Queensland Fair Trade collective will run a Christmas Market this weekend at the Marymac Community Centre in Annerly.
Shannon Sheedy from the collective says the stallholders are passionate about what they sell.
The ancient art of Tai Chi is being promoted by health experts as an alternative treatment for numerous health problems.
Mastering the slow movements are said to not only reduce stress and improve physical fitness, but can also help those suffering from diabetes.
Physician Barbara Zuegg believes the increased circulation and stretching from the controlled moves, helps to maintain low and even blood sugar levels.
Today is International Volunteers Day and Volunteering Australia says more support is needed to ensure that demand for services can continue to be met.
Over five and a half million Australians volunteer their time, an estimated $70 Billion dollar contribution to the community.
Volunteering Austrlia Spokesperson Peter Cocks says he expects The Global Financial Crisis will effect the amount of time people can offer and demand on services in the welfare sector.
In international news, the anti-immigration movement continues to gain momentum in the United States.
The most recent survey conducted by the FBI shows racial hate crimes are on the rise.
The CEOs of two leading American car companies have announced they will work for a salary of just one dollar a year, if the US government gives them access to a loan.
A thirty-eight billion dollar loan is being proposed by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, who say that the recent financial recession in America has had an adverse affect on the car industry.
Blogged by Natasha Christian.
The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, has announced new changes to the ABSTUDY eligibility criteria which will ensure Indigenous scholarship holders receive financial assistance.
The changes are designed to help to close the gap in education outcomes between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians.
Numerous studies have highlighted that aboriginal students have lower graduation achievement rates.
A proposed preamble to the State Constitution that would recognise Indigenous Queenslanders has earned high praise from Aboriginal groups.
Premier Anna Bligh has called for bipartisan support of the proposal in time for the state's 150th anniversary next year.
The preamble would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people of the state, with Aboriginal activists believing the change would also aid the reconciliation process.
The achievements of several inspirational Australians were recognised at last night's National Disability Awards.
The awards, which help celebrate the 'International Day for People with Disability,' were presented at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra.
The winner of the Community Contribution Award was 24 year old Sarah Cullen, who recently launched a support group for young stroke survivors and their carers.
A recent survey has found that two out of three Australians intend to cut back spending this Christmas, while the countries youth are expected to spend up big.
Despite the worlds current economic turmoil, thirty-seven percent of generation Y respondents say they plan to spend more this year than last.
The Queensland Fair Trade collective will run a Christmas Market this weekend at the Marymac Community Centre in Annerly.
Shannon Sheedy from the collective says the stallholders are passionate about what they sell.
The ancient art of Tai Chi is being promoted by health experts as an alternative treatment for numerous health problems.
Mastering the slow movements are said to not only reduce stress and improve physical fitness, but can also help those suffering from diabetes.
Physician Barbara Zuegg believes the increased circulation and stretching from the controlled moves, helps to maintain low and even blood sugar levels.
Today is International Volunteers Day and Volunteering Australia says more support is needed to ensure that demand for services can continue to be met.
Over five and a half million Australians volunteer their time, an estimated $70 Billion dollar contribution to the community.
Volunteering Austrlia Spokesperson Peter Cocks says he expects The Global Financial Crisis will effect the amount of time people can offer and demand on services in the welfare sector.
In international news, the anti-immigration movement continues to gain momentum in the United States.
The most recent survey conducted by the FBI shows racial hate crimes are on the rise.
The CEOs of two leading American car companies have announced they will work for a salary of just one dollar a year, if the US government gives them access to a loan.
A thirty-eight billion dollar loan is being proposed by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, who say that the recent financial recession in America has had an adverse affect on the car industry.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Zedlines: 4/10/08
Reported by Isabel, Sophie and Ellie
92 nations have signed treaty banning cluster bombs.
Norway was the first nation to sign the Convention on Cluster Munitions last night in Oslo.
Britain, France and Germany also signed and are starting to destroy stockpiles of the munitions.
In an unexpected move, Afghanistan signed the treaty despite pressure from the United States, who has refused to support the ban.
What is a Cluster Bomb?
Sex offenders will be relocated to homes in Townsville and Rockhampton prisons.
Queensland Corrective Services are going to spend six hundred and fifty thousand dollars developing houses on prison reserves for sex offenders.
The houses will be fenced and fitted with CCTV. Offenders will be under constant police supervision.
Hal Stone of the Capricorn Coast Community Safety Group said the decision is much wiser than letting sex offenders live among neighbourhoods, where families may feel unsafe.
The decision comes after controversy surrounding convicted pedophile Dennis Ferguson, who moved to the suburb of Carbrook and was driven out by angry residents five months ago.
Both the Federal Government and Federal Opposition have voted to continue logging koala habitat forests in New South Wales.
The Senate voted fifty one to six against a motion moved by Greens Leader Bob Brown which called to halt logging in any koala habitat forests in New South Wales.
Senator Brown said the government's logging was fragmenting the habitat of the koala and facilitating its road to extinction.
Australian entertainer Rolf Harris has apologised for his offensive comments towards indigenous Australians, saying he should have kept his mouth shut.
Mr Harris told Fairfax newspapers that Aboriginal children were never disciplined, and that indigenous Australians expected "other people to come in and clean up their mess."
The comment came as a response to a documentary Mr Harris had seen about indigenous accomodation in Uluru. He was promoting an illustrated book of his hit song “Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport” which includes this verse:
Mr Harris has not sung the verse since 1960.
His comments drew the ire of prominent Aboriginal leader Lowitja O'Donoghue, however Ms O'Donoghue said as far as she was concerned as long as Harris apologised the matter was "fixed".
The sixth Young Designers' Market will be held at Southbank this Sunday.
Starting at 10 am, the market is showcasing up to seventy stalls including a range of fashion, jewellery and prints.
See what it's all about here.
Blogged by Ellie
92 nations have signed treaty banning cluster bombs.
Norway was the first nation to sign the Convention on Cluster Munitions last night in Oslo.
Britain, France and Germany also signed and are starting to destroy stockpiles of the munitions.
In an unexpected move, Afghanistan signed the treaty despite pressure from the United States, who has refused to support the ban.
What is a Cluster Bomb?
Cluster bombs are dropped from planes or fired from artillery guns which explode midair and scatter hundreds of smaller bombs.
Some of these bombs do not explode and instead act as landmines, which can explode years after a conflict has ended.
About one hundred thousand people have been killed or injured by these bombs since 1965.
You can read more at the Cluster Munition Coalition website.
Sex offenders will be relocated to homes in Townsville and Rockhampton prisons.
Queensland Corrective Services are going to spend six hundred and fifty thousand dollars developing houses on prison reserves for sex offenders.
The houses will be fenced and fitted with CCTV. Offenders will be under constant police supervision.
Hal Stone of the Capricorn Coast Community Safety Group said the decision is much wiser than letting sex offenders live among neighbourhoods, where families may feel unsafe.
“It would seem – so far about the proposal - that it would [be] more safe because it actually relocates these people into an environment where they're not in the community.”
The decision comes after controversy surrounding convicted pedophile Dennis Ferguson, who moved to the suburb of Carbrook and was driven out by angry residents five months ago.
Both the Federal Government and Federal Opposition have voted to continue logging koala habitat forests in New South Wales.
The Senate voted fifty one to six against a motion moved by Greens Leader Bob Brown which called to halt logging in any koala habitat forests in New South Wales.
Senator Brown said the government's logging was fragmenting the habitat of the koala and facilitating its road to extinction.
Australian entertainer Rolf Harris has apologised for his offensive comments towards indigenous Australians, saying he should have kept his mouth shut.
Mr Harris told Fairfax newspapers that Aboriginal children were never disciplined, and that indigenous Australians expected "other people to come in and clean up their mess."
The comment came as a response to a documentary Mr Harris had seen about indigenous accomodation in Uluru. He was promoting an illustrated book of his hit song “Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport” which includes this verse:
Let me Abos go loose, Lew
Let me Abos go loose
They're of no further use, Lew
So let me Abos go loose
Altogether now!
Mr Harris has not sung the verse since 1960.
His comments drew the ire of prominent Aboriginal leader Lowitja O'Donoghue, however Ms O'Donoghue said as far as she was concerned as long as Harris apologised the matter was "fixed".
The sixth Young Designers' Market will be held at Southbank this Sunday.
Starting at 10 am, the market is showcasing up to seventy stalls including a range of fashion, jewellery and prints.
See what it's all about here.
Blogged by Ellie
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Zedlines: 03/ 12/ 08
Reported by Cathy Niven and Emma Gough
The Australian Government's proposed Premises Act will take into consideration the aging population, people with disabilities and parents with prams; all of whom were previously ignored by legislation.
Community Relations Manager of Spinal Injuries Australia John Mayo says the building code of Australia only provided minimal technical compliance for people with disabilities and needed updating to provide adequate facilities for the population.
Mr Mayo says the Premises Act will give people the opportunity to access services and information regardless of disability.
The Alliance of Small Island States has made a plea for the world to commit to a strong action plan on climate change at the United Nations talks in Poznan, Poland.
Many island nations such as Tuvalu and Kiribati risk being submerged by climate change induced rising sea levels.
Other nations like Fiji risk losing important agricultural land.
Greenpeace head of campaigns Steve Campbell says the Rudd Government has embarrassed itself in front of our neighbouring nations, which have the most to lose from climate change.
Mr Campbell says Australia should show international leadership and support island nations in their call for keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees.
The Government's internet content filter will be no longer available for download after December 31st.
There has been no formal announcement by the Government but there has been a change to the NetAlert site stating downloads will no longer be available after 2008.
NetAlert promised to provide every Australian household access to an internet content filter to block unwanted content.
It is thought the ISP filtering system will not be ready by 2009.
The Public Health Association of Australia is pushing the Australian Government (PHAA) to allow Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) to be available for prisoners.
Chief Executive Officer of the PHAA Michael Moore says prisoners are one of the most marginalised groups in the community.
He says the health of those in prison could be improved significantly if Medicare and PBS were utilised.
Research in Australia has shown a higher death rate among prisoners, compared to the wider community.
Legislation changing tenancy laws has been passed in the Queensland parliament.
Under the laws the frequency of rent rises is limited to six months and rent bidding has been outlawed.
The notice period to terminate a tenancy at the end of a fixed term without grounds has increased from two weeks to two months.
The laws were introduced after skyrocketing rent, growth in off-campus student accommodation, rental accommodation for seniors and the emergence of rent bidding or auctions.
The Australian Government's proposed Premises Act will take into consideration the aging population, people with disabilities and parents with prams; all of whom were previously ignored by legislation.
Community Relations Manager of Spinal Injuries Australia John Mayo says the building code of Australia only provided minimal technical compliance for people with disabilities and needed updating to provide adequate facilities for the population.
Mr Mayo says the Premises Act will give people the opportunity to access services and information regardless of disability.
The Alliance of Small Island States has made a plea for the world to commit to a strong action plan on climate change at the United Nations talks in Poznan, Poland.
Many island nations such as Tuvalu and Kiribati risk being submerged by climate change induced rising sea levels.
Other nations like Fiji risk losing important agricultural land.
Greenpeace head of campaigns Steve Campbell says the Rudd Government has embarrassed itself in front of our neighbouring nations, which have the most to lose from climate change.
Mr Campbell says Australia should show international leadership and support island nations in their call for keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees.
The Government's internet content filter will be no longer available for download after December 31st.
There has been no formal announcement by the Government but there has been a change to the NetAlert site stating downloads will no longer be available after 2008.
NetAlert promised to provide every Australian household access to an internet content filter to block unwanted content.
It is thought the ISP filtering system will not be ready by 2009.
The Public Health Association of Australia is pushing the Australian Government (PHAA) to allow Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) to be available for prisoners.
Chief Executive Officer of the PHAA Michael Moore says prisoners are one of the most marginalised groups in the community.
He says the health of those in prison could be improved significantly if Medicare and PBS were utilised.
Research in Australia has shown a higher death rate among prisoners, compared to the wider community.
Legislation changing tenancy laws has been passed in the Queensland parliament.
Under the laws the frequency of rent rises is limited to six months and rent bidding has been outlawed.
The notice period to terminate a tenancy at the end of a fixed term without grounds has increased from two weeks to two months.
The laws were introduced after skyrocketing rent, growth in off-campus student accommodation, rental accommodation for seniors and the emergence of rent bidding or auctions.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Zedlines: 02/12/2008
Reported by, Chris, Aneta and Stephen.
Blogged by Jemma Fletcher.
A march in Brisbane this morning will call for the Government to end the unfair treatment of construction workers.
The rally, to begin at 09.30 at Queens Park, is calling for the abolishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
State secretary for the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union, Micheal Ravbar, says the event hopes to raise the profile of unjust conditions.
The state’s most comprehensive report into the residential sector has revealed a likely rough period for housing construction.
The number of housing constructions is forecast to fall by 12 per cent during the next year.However, renovations are expected to increase by 4 per cent over the same period.
The sector is projected to see a moderate rebound by 2010, bolstering overall activity in the Queensland economy.
Many people will be planning their resolutions for 2009 with quitting smoking at the top of the list.
Around one in six Queenslanders smoke daily and with New Years Eve fast approaching, many people will be planning their resolutions for 2009 with quitting smoking at the top of the list, says Philip Feinstein, National Co-ordinator of SmokEnders Australia.
The international smoking support group has helped over a million people quit the addiction, 40 000 of which here in Australia.
Over 30 000 people are hospitalised each year in Queensland placing unnecessary strain and costs on our health system.In addition, Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of preventable death in the state but is steadily declining.
A significant leak inside the Victorian police may have compromised drug trafficking investigations across the country, the Age has reported.
It has been alleged that confidential information has been given to crime bosses and alleged killers.
The leak is thought to have originated from the Victoria Police covert support unit after suspects in custody were found with information prepared by the unit.
Department of Immigration figures show that formal warnings to employers breaching the four-five-seven working visa scheme has increased dramatically.
Union President Julius Roe stated today that these figures are a clear message that the scheme is being systematically abused to undercut wages and conditions rather than addressing the skills shortage.
Visa workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation as they often speak little English, have poor understanding of their rights and can be threatened with deportation if they speak up.
The CSIRO has created advanced new software which will boost Australia’s capabilities in understanding the impact of air pollution.
"The Air Pollution Model increases our ability to pinpoint pollutant behaviour in a wider range of atmospheric conditions,” says CSIRO’s Dr Peter Hurley.
Over the coming years the new model will continue to fill the gap between simple air pollution models and the more complex systems.
Blogged by Jemma Fletcher.
A march in Brisbane this morning will call for the Government to end the unfair treatment of construction workers.
The rally, to begin at 09.30 at Queens Park, is calling for the abolishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
State secretary for the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union, Micheal Ravbar, says the event hopes to raise the profile of unjust conditions.
The state’s most comprehensive report into the residential sector has revealed a likely rough period for housing construction.
The number of housing constructions is forecast to fall by 12 per cent during the next year.However, renovations are expected to increase by 4 per cent over the same period.
The sector is projected to see a moderate rebound by 2010, bolstering overall activity in the Queensland economy.
Many people will be planning their resolutions for 2009 with quitting smoking at the top of the list.
Around one in six Queenslanders smoke daily and with New Years Eve fast approaching, many people will be planning their resolutions for 2009 with quitting smoking at the top of the list, says Philip Feinstein, National Co-ordinator of SmokEnders Australia.
The international smoking support group has helped over a million people quit the addiction, 40 000 of which here in Australia.
Over 30 000 people are hospitalised each year in Queensland placing unnecessary strain and costs on our health system.In addition, Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of preventable death in the state but is steadily declining.
A significant leak inside the Victorian police may have compromised drug trafficking investigations across the country, the Age has reported.
It has been alleged that confidential information has been given to crime bosses and alleged killers.
The leak is thought to have originated from the Victoria Police covert support unit after suspects in custody were found with information prepared by the unit.
Department of Immigration figures show that formal warnings to employers breaching the four-five-seven working visa scheme has increased dramatically.
Union President Julius Roe stated today that these figures are a clear message that the scheme is being systematically abused to undercut wages and conditions rather than addressing the skills shortage.
Visa workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation as they often speak little English, have poor understanding of their rights and can be threatened with deportation if they speak up.
The CSIRO has created advanced new software which will boost Australia’s capabilities in understanding the impact of air pollution.
"The Air Pollution Model increases our ability to pinpoint pollutant behaviour in a wider range of atmospheric conditions,” says CSIRO’s Dr Peter Hurley.
Over the coming years the new model will continue to fill the gap between simple air pollution models and the more complex systems.
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