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18.06.10 12:00 am
MEDIA RELEASES: •Government •Greens Tasmania •Australian Greens, Bob Brown •Australian Greens, Christine Milne •Tasmanian Liberals •Tasmanian Liberals, Will Hodgman •Tasmanian Labor, David Bartlett •Federal Labor •Federal Liberal •Australian Democrats •Tasmanian Socialist Alliance •Australian Socialist Alliance •Ethics and Sustainability Party •Senator Online - Australia’s first and only internet based political party
Politics | MediaCoalition to support local surf clubs
Senator Stephen Parry Deputy President of the Senate Liberal, Tasmania
04.02.12 6:46 am
Senator Stephen Parry
Deputy President of the Senate
Liberal, Tasmania
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 3 February 2012
Coalition to support local surf clubs in plan to reduce drownings says Senator Stephen Parry
Senator Stephen Parry has welcomed the release of the first stage of the Coalition’s Plan to Reduce Drownings and said the plan will assist every surf club in Tasmania.
“The $10 million plan released by the Coalition would provide surf clubs across Australia with average grants of $5,000 to assist surf clubs purchase much needed equipment over the next five years”, said Senator Parry.
“The funding would be directed towards the purchase of vital rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies. Priority will be given to surf clubs with identified equipment deficiencies.
“A typical surf club spends $3,000 a year on medical supplies like lotions, band-aids and bandages, so these grants will help surf clubs make ends meet.
“As a long-standing member of both the Burnie and Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Clubs I understand the valuable role these clubs play in our community. They teach water safety to hundreds of kids each year and pull countless people out of the surf.
“Our beaches are beautiful but they can be dangerous.
“It is because of the volunteers in our surf clubs that we can all enjoy the beach and feel safe doing so.
“This policy recognises the work of our surf life savers in saving thousands of lives every year.
“In 2010/11, 315 people lost their lives through drowning on our beaches and waterways, in homes and through floods across Australia. Fortunately, our surf life savers rescued thousands of others. Their work saved so many families from the terrible pain that follows the loss of a loved one.
“The $10 million plan also includes funding for an expansion of the Beach Drowning Black Spot Reduction Programme.
“Its not only surf life saving that do a great job in improving water saving, the Royal Life Saving Society and AUSTSWIM also do a terrific job in helping teach the principles of water safety to so many Australians.
Senator Parry said the Coalition would later this year release plans to also tackle drownings on waterways and in households.
CARBON TAX A RISK FOR TOURISM OPERATORS IN TASMANIA
Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition
04.02.12 5:44 am
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
THE HON. TONY ABBOTT MHR
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR WARRINGAH
CARBON TAX A RISK FOR TOURISM OPERATORS IN TASMANIA
The decision by Qantas and Jetstar to increase air fares from 1 July is further evidence that the carbon tax will harm regional economies.
Tourism operators in Tasmania are already feeling the impact of the high Australian dollar and the carbon tax will be another blow to local tourism operators and job seekers.
Under Labor’s carbon tax, the tyranny of distance will be made worse as airlines seek to recoup the increased costs of the carbon tax.
Qantas and Jetstar estimate the impact of the carbon tax on their operations will be in the order of $110 - $115 million in the coming financial year.
When Julia Gillard broke her word on the carbon tax, she made it even harder for Tasmania to attract tourists.
The cost of every tourism operator will rise under the carbon tax.
The tourism sector in Tasmania will be hit by the double whammy of the carbon tax - it will increase the cost of living on all Australian households and it will make visiting Australia more expensive.
It isn’t just the cost of airfares that will increase. The cost of food will rise, the cost of electricity will rise and the cost of holidays will rise. Not only will airfares rise, but restaurant prices will rise, hotel prices will rise and every cost associated with enjoying an Australian holiday will rise.
The Coalition has opposed the carbon tax in opposition and we will rescind the carbon tax in government.
STAFF TO BE BRIEFED ON SKILLS INSTITUTE FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURE
Skills Institute
03.02.12 5:38 am
The Skills Institute today met with unions and began a series of statewide staff
briefings on how it plans to address its forecast budget deficit.
The plan will see staff numbers reduced by approximately 55 full time equivalent
permanent positions.
CEO Malcolm White said he would be meeting with staff in the South, North and
North West over the next two days to discuss the changes and ensure all employees
were fully briefed.
“We will ensure the changes occur openly and transparently and will support staff
with internal and external employee assistance,” Mr White said.
“We have kept our staff and unions informed throughout this process and will
continue to do so.
“The staff reductions will be in accordance with Government policy, including
targeted voluntary redundancies and the surplus staff process.”
Mr White said it was well known within the Institute that the organisation faced a
budget deficit and had been finalising plans to address it.
“We are now operating in a much tighter financial environment and adjustments need
to be made to our staff levels,” he said.
“Training delivery that aligns with the economic and industry goals of Tasmania will
continue to be the focus of the Institute, including the training of trade apprentices, no
matter where they work in the State.”
AUSTRALIAN ADVOCATES WELCOME CRUCIAL U.S. VOTE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Alex Greenwich, Australian Marriage Equality
02.02.12 6:28 pm
AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Media Release
Thursday February 2nd 2012
AUSTRALIAN ADVOCATES WELCOME CRUCIAL U.S. VOTE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY
WASHINGTON STATE REJECTS CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS / EMBRACES MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Australian marriage equality advocates have hailed a key vote in favour of reform in the US state of Washington.
Washington is set to become the eighth place in the United State to allow same-sex marriages after the state Upper House today passed a marriage equality bill that is expected to easily pass the state Lower House and has the support of state governor, Christine Gregoire.
Today’s vote came after a Washington Senate Committee dealt with issues of concern to Republican Senators such as religious exemptions. The same process is expected to take place in Australia, where Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has said she will refer her bill to a Senate inquiry next week.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said the Washington Senate vote sends a message to Australian politicians that there is no substitute for full equality.
“Since 2009 Washington state has had a domestic partnership scheme which has not given same-sex couples full equality and which legislators now see was a half-measure.”
“This sends a clear message to Australian legislators: deeming same-sex couples as de facto partners or civil partners is not a substitute for the full legal equality that can only come with equality in marriage.”
Mr Greenwich’s comments come just days after it was revealed that federal MPs, Warren Entsch and Joel Fitzgibbon, plan to co-sponsor a civil union bill in federal parliament.
In a recent statement supporting marriage equality Governor Gregorie, a committed Catholic, said,
“Some say domestic partnerships are the same as marriage. That’s a version of the discriminatory separate-but-equal argument of the past. For years that argument was used to keep African Americans separate. But we Americans knew separate is not equal. Laws that keep some Americans in a separate status are inherently unjust. It’s now time for equality for our gay and lesbian citizens and that means marriage. When someone asks me what marriage means I don’t think of the legal protections of a marriage license. Instead I think about love, I think about commitment, I think about responsibility, I think about partnership. Same-sex couples should not be denied that meaning of marriage.”
Mr Greenwich also welcomed the support for reform from key conservative Republican senators and said this will send a message to Federal Opposition Tony Abbott and the Coalition.
“The message for the Coalition out of Washington State is that marriage equality is an issue that is being embraced by conservative politicians throughout the world, from Washington Republicans to UK Prime Minister David Cameron”.
Reading Culture With Scribe publisher, Henry Rosenbloom Fullers, TONIGHT 5.30pm
Rachel Edwards, Events Manager, Fullers Bookshop
02.02.12 2:37 pm
Henry Rosenbloom is the publisher at Scribe. He is also one of Australia’s most sought after commentators on the state of the book industry. He will be speaking at Fullers Bookshop TONIGHT at 5.30pm.
There is a lot of confusion about the changes that digitization will have on readers, writers, publishers and the book industry as a whole and Henry will be discussing the challenges and delights offered by the move to digital publishing and reading, and how this effects publishers, booksellers and readers alike.
He is a generous and articulate public speaker and, as Fullers begins to promote and sell E-books, he is the perfect person to help acquaint us all with this brave new world.
All are welcome to attend this free event though reservations are essential .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What's OnChina is now the world’s largest importer of softwood lumber and logs
Hakan Ekstrom, Wood Resource Quarterly
02.02.12 4:44 am
China is now the world’s largest importer of softwood lumber and logs despite a slowdown in imports during the 4Q/11, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly
Reduced activities in the housing construction sector in China decreased importation of softwood logs and lumber in late 2011, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. Despite the decline in the 4Q, total imports during 2011 reached a record high, making China the largest importer of logs and lumber in the world.
The full article can be found in the attached PDF file…..
GTWMU_China_log_and_lumber_imports_2011.pdf
Privacy is Everyone’s Business
Senator Catryna Bilyk
01.02.12 4:48 pm
Senator Catryna Bilyk
Labor Senator for Tasmania
Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety
MEDIA RELEASE
Privacy is Everyone’s Business
The Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety, Senator Catryna Bilyk echoed calls by the Australian Privacy Commissioner for businesses to ensure that their privacy practices are current and that customers’ personal information is stored and used securely to avoid privacy breaches.
“Privacy is something that concerns all businesses,” said Senator Bilyk “staff should be made aware of privacy practices to ensure they understand their obligations”.
“Breaches of privacy can have serious ramifications for businesses, with the resultant loss in consumer confidence leading to lower sales and jeopardising business viability” said Senator Bilyk.
“Businesses need to actively work to inform customers of privacy breaches to ensure that they minimise loss of data and/or financial losses”.
Businesses can minimise the risks of privacy breaches by providing refresher courses in privacy to their staff, auditing and mitigating against privacy risks, and by ensuring the organisation’s privacy policy is current.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has published information for businesses and government agencies to advise what to do in the event of a privacy breach.
The ‘Guide to handling personal information security breaches’ is available from http://www.privacy.gov.au.
Information for small businesses about protecting their customer’s personal and financial information is available from http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au.
More Information for small businesses about privacy, including brochures, advice summaries, information sheets, and policies are also available from http://www.privacy.gov.au.
Launch of Flight by Rosie at Fullers Bookshop, Thursday, February 9, 5.30pm
Rachel Edwards, Events Manager, Fullers Bookshop
01.02.12 3:46 pm
Rosie Dub
Chris Gallagher, the director of The Tasmanian Writers’ Centre will launch Rosie Dub’s latest novel, Flight (Harper Collins) at Fullers Bookshop on Thursday 9th of February at 5.30pm.
Rosie Dub is one of Tasmania’s best known novelists and is a sought after teacher of creative writing.
Flight tells the story of Fern, who takes flight onto the streets of Sydney, from Tasmania where she meets an array of unlikely allies: a woman cursed with the gift of prophecy, a mysterious bartender and Adam, an ex-soldier tormented by his past.
Dub’s first novel, Gathering Storm (Penguin) was released to popular acclaim in 2008.
All are welcome to attend this free event though reservations are essential – .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Refreshments will be served.
Already listed in TT’s What’s ON, HERE
What's OnPartnership, not luck, for desperately needed rehabilitation
Sue Hodgson, Tasmanian YPINH National Alliance Representative, Deborah Byrne, BIAT Executive Officer
01.02.12 9:00 am
The Young People in Nursing Homes Alliance (YPINH), together with the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania (BIAT), today called on Tasmanian disability and health services to work together to deliver desperately needed rehabilitation for young people with acquired disabilities.
The call comes as 30-year-old Dave Lewis launches his ‘Ride-for-Rehabilitation’ this morning to draw attention to the plight of young people who cannot get the rehabilitation they need to recover from brain and other injuries, or maintain their health in the face of progressive diseases like Multiple Sclerosis.
Living with an acquired brain injury (ABI) from a motor vehicle accident eight years ago, Dave understands only too well how vital rehabilitation is to recovery.
“Without the rehabilitation I received, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” Dave said.
“I certainly wouldn’t be able to ride around Tasmania and I definitely wouldn’t have the independence to live my life as I want to.”
Dr Bronwyn Morkham, head of the YPINH Alliance said while Dave is one of the lucky ones, a person shouldn’t need luck to recover.
“Health and disability services must collaborate to deliver the cognitive and physical rehabilitation and other supports young people with acquired disabilities need to recover their health,” Dr Morkham said.
“Without the rehabilitation that is so critical to their recovery, these people are condemned to a lifetime of care and dependence.”
BIAT Executive Officer Deborah Byrne agreed saying that greater awareness was needed about the importance of appropriate and timely rehabilitation across the spectrum of recovery.
“The value of rehabilitation following an acquired brain injury needs to not only be acknowledged, we need to see this acknowledgement translated into practical measures to plan and improve the provision of rehabilitation services in Tasmania,” Deborah said.
“This shouldn’t be about luck!”
ISLAND MAGAZINE LAUNCHING TONIGHT
Dale Campisi, Editor, Rachel Edwards, Managing Editor
01.02.12 6:02 am
Looking forward to a new future.
The recently threatened Island Magazine will be launching their 127th edition tonight, February 1 at 5.30 at The Lark Distillery Hobart at a free event that is open to the public.
The evening will reveal the latest edition of the magazine featuring beautiful photos from Brigita Ozolins’ installation ‘The Reading Room,’ new writing from Danielle Wood, Heather Rose and James Dryburgh amongst other new work.
Lark Distillery’s famous whiskey will be on offer to those attending the launch and the new editor, Dale Campisi will be in conversation with the similarily newly appointed Managing Editor, Rachel Edwards.
Dale is a published writer of food and travel books and a publisher at Arcade Publications. He has previously been a lecturer in writing and editing at the tertiary level and has undertaken postgraduate study exploring cultural change in the 1960s and 1970s as seen in the pages of Meanjin literary journal. He is on the board of the Deakin University Master of Arts and the Emerging Writers’ Festival Program Advisory Committee.
The staff of the magazine are excited about the future prospects with the magazine which was taken to new heights (the first ever edition to sell out, MONA 125) by former editor Sarah Kanowski. Sarah has returned to Brisbane to move into the role of presenter of ABC Radio National’s new Weekend Arts program.
For further information and interview enquiries contact:
Dale Campisi, Editor, Rachel Edwards, Managing Editor
Rachel Edwards
Editor
Islet: a free online journal of micro works from emerging writers and visual artists. An initiative of Island magazine.
e: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
p: 03 6226 2325
w: http://www.islandmag.com
21st Century Planning Healthier for the Community
Planning Institute Australia
01.02.12 5:32 am
Planning practice across Australia in the past decade and recent moves by the Federal
Government to better implement Urban Policy, show modern planning is creating healthier places
to live.
The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) says professional planners are better equipped than ever
before to know what constitutes healthy sustainable communities. PIA was responding to media
reports claiming planning flaws promote obesity.
PIA Chief Executive Officer Kirsty Kelly said today’s planning practice has the health of the
community as a top priority.
“The sort of things that are included in good planning now may not have been considered decades
ago. Indeed we still have spaces that were designed in the past that could well do with some
renewal and revitalisation,” Ms Kelly said.
“Major considerations in planning today include both the health of the community and the
environment and in many cases these things go hand in hand.
“Facilities for cyclists, more open and green space and ‘walkability’ in an area or precinct are right
up there as standard criteria.”
PIA recently collaborated with the National Heart Foundation and the Australian Local
Government Association (ALGA) to produce ‘Healthy Spaces & Places’ (HSP), a national guide to
creating communities that promote healthy living.
The development of HSP was backed by the Australian Government Department of Health and
Ageing. It involved focus groups Australia-wide, stakeholder consultation workshops and a team
of expert reviewers.
“This is an easy to use national guide to designing places for healthier living. It has a training
module attached so planners and allied professionals in local councils can engage with it.
“It has been shown in many studies that if we create attractive and inviting areas with facilities and
services accessed easily, people will love being there.
“Decades ago suburbs were allowed to spring up on the outskirts of a city or town without any
transport infrastructure, shopping facilities or other services.
“This meant the only way to go to work, go shopping or do anything was to get in the car and
travel some distance.
“This not only cut out the opportunity to actually walk somewhere but one study at Griffith
University in Queensland showed it also increased financial stress with families spending more on
petrol. This was made worse with petrol costs rising.
“Planning today aims for spaces and streets that are aesthetically pleasing and safe with
adequate lighting at night and shops, restaurants and offices accessed easily by pedestrians.
“People are more inclined to walk to their destination if the proper layout is provided. Good street
connectivity, mixed density and land use are all associated with activity such as walking or cycling.
“Today’s planning not only creates and promotes healthier communities it also looks at how crime
and other socials issues can be addressed through good design.
“This is not to ignore the need for continued major infrastructure in our rapidly growing cities but to
understand human needs in areas where people gather to work rest and play.”
Solutions to better planning in the 21st century can be found at http://www.healthyplaces.org.au
ABBOTT ASKED TO EXTEND HIS OPPOSITION TO “SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS”
Alex Greenwich, Australian Marriage Equality
01.02.12 12:37 am
AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Media Statement
Tuesday January 31st 2012
ABBOTT ASKED TO EXTEND HIS OPPOSITION TO “SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS” TO GAY AUSTRALIANS
Marriage equality advocates have welcomed a statement by Opposition leader, Tony Abbott, declaring there should not be first and second class Australians, but have asked why it doesn’t apply to gay and lesbian Australians.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said,
“As long as we are excluded from a such core social and legal institution as marriage, gay and lesbian Australians are second class citizens under Australian Law.”
“Mr Abbott’s refusal to allow a conscience vote on marriage equality is creating exactly the kind of two-tiered society he says he opposes.”
“We welcome Mr Abbott’s commitment to the core Australian value of equality, but his commitment will be questioned as long as he maintains some Australians deserve equality more than others.”
In his address to the National Press Club today Mr Abbott said,
“As far as I’m concerned, there should never be first and second class Australians based on where they were born, how they worship, or the length of time their forbears have been here.”
For the original text of the speech click here:
http://www.tonyabbott.com.au/News/tabid/94/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8547/Address-to-the-National-Press-Club-of-Australia-Canberra.aspx
FINDING YOUR NEW HOME IN TASMANIA MADE EASY
Dale Reardon Director, Settled In – Home Search and Relocation Services
31.01.12 4:59 pm
Moving to Tasmania and moving within Tasmania has now become much easier with
the launch of Tasmania’s first relocation services company, Settled In Home Search
and Relocation Services.
When leaving Tasmania for Melbourne after graduating from University Jo Reardon
didn’t really think about if or when she might live here again, but fast forward
twenty years and the idea of returning started to make sense. It also helped that she
had met and married a fellow Tasmanian – Dale Reardon – a couple of years before.
So with the decision made the planning commenced and their house in the Macedon
Ranges outside Melbourne was on the market and a new house bought in Hobart
soon after. Throughout this process Jo started to think about what was next in her
work life and the result was a new business that would help others achieve the same
thing – a new life in Tasmania.
“I have long had an interest in property and have moved many times around
Melbourne, interstate to Perth and back and overseas to New Zealand. So that
interest coupled with my broad business experience and enjoyment of managing
projects resulted in the idea to create Settled In,” explains Jo.
Settled In Home Search and Relocation Services helps those moving to Tasmania find
a new home, schools and everything else they need to feel settled and get on with
enjoying the wonderful Tasmanian lifestyle.
“We tailor our services to exactly what our clients need. There are no set packages
that include services that may not suit you. We also pass on a wealth of practical
information about living in Tasmania to help with the settling process,” says Jo.
In addition to those new to Tasmania, the Home Search services offered by Settled In
can be utilised by anyone wanting to find a new home, even if you only want to
move within the same suburb.
“Anyone who has bought property knows that it starts out as exciting and can often
quickly become frustrating as more and more time is spent trying to find the
property that best suits you. If you want your weekends back, then we can help
you,” says Jo.
Settled In will do the searching for you and narrow down the options based on your
needs and then show you the properties which best suit. You will soon find your new
home, investment property or holiday house.
Settled In is based in Hobart and provide services to most parts of Tasmania.
For further information contact us
Email:
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Web:
http://www.settledin.com.au
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/settledin/
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/settledinaus/
About Us
Settled In Pty Ltd is the family company of Dale and Jo Reardon. Dale and Jo were
both born and raised in Tasmania. They have each lived outside Tasmania in recent
years and have now relocated back to Tasmania and have settled in Hobart.
Jo Reardon (nee Dillon) grew up in Hobart and studied Commerce at the University
of Tasmania while also working in her first job at AMP in the late 1980s. Upon
graduation she ventured to Melbourne which was her main base for twenty years.
Over this time Jo has worked in operational and management roles at BP Australia,
BP New Zealand, Museum Victoria, the University of Melbourne as well as two years
as a management consultant undertaking planning, analysis and process
improvement projects across a broad range of industries. Jo is now settled back in
Tasmania and is enjoying the wonderful lifestyle, great weather and a lot less traffic.
Dale Reardon grew up in Launceston and studied Law at the University of Tasmania.
He was the first blind lawyer in Tasmania (he got his first guide dog, Robb, in 1989
and his current seeing eye companion is called Charlie) and practised in both
Launceston and Kingston, being in partnership with his own firm in Kingston.
Dale was also heavily involved in the Tourism industry for seven years owning and
operating several bed and breakfast properties in Battery Point. He left Tasmania in
2004 and has now returned to make Hobart home once again. He has commenced
his PhD studies in Law at the University of Tasmania and is also involved in the
development and management of Settled In.
Participate in review of online safety for children
Senator Stephen Parry Liberal, Tasmania Deputy President of the Senate
31.01.12 7:47 am
Senator Stephen Parry invites parents, carers and teachers to participate in review of online safety for children
Senator Stephen Parry said the new Coalition Online Safety Working Group is an important initiative in helping equip parents and carers better protect children and young people from the risks associated with the internet and social media
“It is estimated that 2.2 million Australian children actively engage online. This is a large number and my concern is that many parents aren’t equipped to deal with this challenge,” said Senator Parry.
“We know that many children have been tormented by online bullying and there are real issues about privacy and young people having access to sites which are inappropriate for them.”
“Many of the parents and teachers that I engage with feel trapped by the changes that are occurring. On one hand they know that today’s children and young people will grow up in a world interconnected as never before, and on the other hand, they rightly feel concerned about the risks and vulnerabilities children and young people face online.”
“The children and teenagers of today are the first generation of young people that will grow up with the internet and social media as an integral part of the way they live, learn and communicate.”
Senator Parry said the new Coalition Online Safety Working Group would consult with key technology, education and cyber-safety leaders, parents and young people, as well as other interested parties, to further develop its online safety policy in the areas of education, regulation and enforcement.
“In forming this Working Group, the Coalition is not seeking to repeat Labor’s attempt to put a filter on the internet or to hinder the dynamic nature of the online environment, but we do want to assist and equip parents and teachers in their work of protecting our children and preparing them for adulthood.”
“I am asking parents, carers and teachers to let me know their experiences in dealing with the challenge of protecting their own children or pupils from the dangers of the internet, so that it can help the Working Group make the best recommendations.”
Parents, carers and teachers wanting to make submissions to the Working Group should contact me via email – .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or post – 33 George St, Launceston 7250.
How epigenetics will transform our understanding of health and disease
Menzies Research Institute
31.01.12 7:30 am
Menzies Research Institute
In partnership with the Australian Academy of Science, Rudi Lemberg Travel Fellowship
presents a public lecture by
Professor Peter A Jones, Ph.D., D.Sc.,
Distinguished Professor of Urology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USA.
Talk Title: How the exploding science of epigenetics will transform our understanding of health and disease and Australia’s participation in it.
In this public lecture, Professor Jones will discuss the revolution in the field of epigenomics and describe how the human genome is packaged so that different parts are used in different cells. He will also describe how epigenetics works to control normal development and how it can malfunction to contribute to human diseases such as cancer. Finally, he will describe international efforts to map the human epigenome and develop drugs to rectify disease states.
Venue: Menzies Research Institute, Lecture Theatre 1, Medical Sciences Building 1, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart
Date Thursday 9th February, 2012
Time 5:30pm
Refreshments available from 5:10pm
RSVP: by Wednesday 8 February to Menzies reception on (03) 6226 7700
For Further Information: Dr Adele Holloway, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), 62262670.
Post-modern novel reveals opulence, scandal and tragedy ...
Errol John Kidd
30.01.12 4:34 pm
Post-modern novel reveals opulence, scandal and tragedy in the early days of Tasmania
Launch of Errol John Kidd’s novel Goldengrove Unleaving by award-winning fantasy writer, Tansy Rayner Roberts.
2 pm on Sunday, 5 February 2012
Fullers Bookshop, 131 Collins Street, Hobart.
RSVP required, email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
30 January 2012, Hobart—Goldengrove Unleaving takes a pioneering Tasmanian family from triumph to tragedy in three generations.
It is literary fiction, post-modern in approach—yet scrupulously accurate in adhering to the known facts.
Writer Errol John Kidd, a well-regarded Tasmanian poet, says the book is about his own family history, but doesn’t gloss over difficult truths, including illegitimacy, hints of violence and even incest.
“The story as written, as far as I could discover, is an accurate account.
“Certainly the inner lives of the characters are based in imagination, but I have not invented or changed any of the facts that I discovered in my research.”
In this regard, Goldengrove Unleaving falls into the tradition of historical narrative genre novels, such as Ragtime and Cold Mountain.
It may even be said to exist within the realm of what Mark R. McCulloch has termed the ‘documentary novel.’
Goldgrove Unleaving, like the novels of W.G. Sebald, can be described as “part documentary, part travelogue, part dream sequence, part history, part memoir,
part photo album, and part cultural-historical fantasy.” (Blurring the Boundaries: History, Memory and Imagination in the Works of W G Sebald by Diane Molloy).
Told from the perspective of the beautiful young Aimee Krushka, heir to a tin-mining fortune in the north-eastern town of Ringarooma (then Krushka Town), the book follows the fortunes of her family over decades.
The patriarch, Christian Krushka, arrived penniless from Prussia with his wife and five children and settled in the North-East of the state. The family struggled, until the three brothers discovered tin and became overnight millionaires. A town was created in the area, and named in honour of its most influential residents.
Christopher Krushka, the plucky youngest son whose adventurous spirit spurred on the others, married Alice Fry, a distant heir of the chocolate family. The family became known for throwing lavish parties and for the owning of racehorses in Melbourne (including the champion Amadeus).
Then, in the early years of the 20th century in the wake of the 1890s Depression, things took a turn for the worse. The family was financially ruined, the town inexplicably renamed Ringarooma (anti-German sentiment may have played a part), and the Krushkas forced to adjust to a modest lifestyle.
A melancholic thread running through the story is the early death of Aimee Krushka. She was a girl who seemingly had it all—intelligence, charm, beauty and wealth—and yet, at the age of 27 died, unmarried and under mysterious circumstances.
The fate of Aimee becomes a metaphor for the fate of the family itself. Where did it all go wrong for this clan of rebels and iconoclasts?
The author, Errol John Kidd, is the great grandson of Christopher Krushka and the grand-nephew of Aimee. He grew up in Ringarooma in the 1940s and 50s, hearing stories of the family’s glory days.
The book is unusual in that it is illustrated throughout with uncaptioned colour and black and white photographs. Many of the images are from Kidd’s personal collection.
Kidd has written Goldengrove Unleaving as an ode to the times gone by, to people and events that will be forever mysterious, but that affect the present in untold ways.
As William Faulkner famously remarked, “The past isn’t dead. It isn’t even past.”
What's OnNEW TV AD PUTS PRESSURE ON ABOTT OVER CONSCIENCE VOTE
Alex Greenwich, Australian Marriage Equality
30.01.12 1:23 pm
AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Media Release
Monday January 30th 2012
ADVOCATES SAY “NO” TO CIVIL UNION PLAN
CALL ON ENTSCH & FITZGIBBON TO TEST BILL BEFORE UPCOMING INQUIRY
NEW TV AD PUTS PRESSURE ON ABOTT OVER CONSCIENCE VOTE
Marriage equality advocates have dismissed moves for a national civil union scheme as “unnecessary, damaging and impractical”.
They were responding to reports that Coalition whip, Warren Entsch, and his government counterpart, Joel Fitzgibbon, are drafting a civil union bill because they believe legislation for same-sex marriage will fail.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said “civil unions would prolong the same-sex marriage debate, not end it.”
“Civil union legislation is damaging because it entrenches a second-class status for same-sex couples, unnecessary because 80% of Australians already have access to state civil union schemes, and impractical because it would require referrals of powers from the states.”
“We already have a way to recognise loving, committed, and enduring relationships, and it’s called marriage”
“It makes no sense to bring this forward before support for marriage equality is tested in parliament following the senate inquiry, unless the aim is to take pressure off Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard over their opposition to a same-sex marriage.”
“The gay and lesbian community and our families overwhelmingly support marriage equality over civil unions, so all a civil union scheme will do is prolong the debate rather than bring it to an end.”
“We call on Mr Entsch and Mr Fitzgibbon to test their bill before the upcoming Senate marriage equality inquiry rather than rushing it in to parliament.”
Mr Abbott’s opposition to a conscience vote on marriage equality was challenged from two directions today.
Former Coalition Minister, Amanda Vanstone, said Mr Abbott’s opposition looks like “strong arm tactics” and said “it could cost him in the long run”.
Meanwhile, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays have launched a national TV ad campaign demanding Mr Abbott allow a conscience vote.
“The ad shows that same-sex marriage will not only benefit couples, but also their parents and grandparents who understand marriage is about family”, Mr Greenwich said.
“It also highlights the absurd situation where the party that stands for individual freedom refuses to allow its members freedom to vote according to their conscience.”
A national study by the University of Queensland showed 80% of gay Australians support marriage equality while only 25% prefer civil unions, and that 78% of same-sex partners in existing state civil unions would prefer to be married.
Rosie Dub
30.01.12 8:24 am
Published by Fourth Estate and due for publication on 1st Feb, Flight is set in both Sydney and Tasmania, and is, in a sense a coming of age story (see below for the backcover blurb).
I have lived in Tassie for 12 years and feel strongly about the forests, so inevitably, a strong theme in Flight is the environment, with the novel exploring the battle for the forests and the nature of activism.
Flight is also part of my PhD which I have just submitted at Swinburne University. My exegesis is an exploration of the transformative potential of story and its role in human evolution.
I have been a writer, an editor and a teacher of creative writing for many years and have recently started a blog called Write on the Fringes (http://writeonthefringes.blogspot.com/), which is an exploration of the art and the craft of writing and the nature of story, as well as a search for the essence of creativity and the complex nature of truth.
Flight will be launched by Chris Gallagher, the director of the Tasmanian Writer’s Centre at Fullers on Thursday 9th February at 5.30pm.
Backcover blurb:
‘That one will be the death of her father … Mark my words, the death of him.’
So says the prophecy that accompanies Fern’s birth. Her mother, fearing the wrath of the baby’s father, is forced to give Fern up for adoption.
Twenty years later Fern is haunted by the feeling that something is very wrong. Her family and friends think she is losing her mind, but Fern is convinced that someone is after her.
Seeking to unlock the mystery, Fern takes flight onto the streets of Sydney, where she meets two unlikely allies: Cassie, a woman cursed with the gift of clairvoyance, and Adam, an ex-soldier tormented by his past. As danger looms, Fern and Adam embark on an adventure which takes them far into the labyrinthine depths of the Tasmanian wilderness, where Fern must finally confront her demons.
Interwoven with myth and metaphor, Flight is a compelling and original story; sometimes eerie, sometimes earthy, always spellbinding.
‘An adventure story that encapsulates both a physical and spiritual journey ... interesting and original ... with some startling contrasts between the ordinary and extraordinary’
Rosie Dub
writeonthefringes.blogspot.com
rosiedub.com
Paula Xiberras
30.01.12 6:43 am
It was after one performance, the famous jazz singer Nat King Cole was given his famous moniker of ‘King’. There had already been a King Cole, the character from the nursery rhyme but in this instance the moniker was given because he was clearly a musical ‘king’, a suitable title for one of the greats of music. If Nat King Cole was the king, his daughter Natalie Cole has the princess pedigree. The word cole in Gaelic is written ceol which means music in Gaelic, its hard to believe there is a more perfect translation to describe a family of fine musicians.
From an early age Natalie sang, but the collaboration that got the world’s attention was her duet with her dad, brought about by the wonders of technology on the unforgettable duet of yes, ‘Unforgettable’. Two decades later this performance would be updated by another duet but this time the more upbeat and joyful duet ‘Walking my baby back home’.
Natalie is also well known for the hits such as ‘Pink Cadillac’ and ‘This will be’ but she has also covered many other classic songs such as ‘Come Rain or Come Shine’ and ‘The Best is yet to come’. Even more impressive in that these are songs so identified with other singers yet Natalie has made them hers too.
In a treat for Tassie you can see Ms Cole perform with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at Hobart’s Wrest Point Casino on Monday 30th January 2012 at 8pm. Other dates include Melbourne at the Plenary on Tuesday 31st and Sydney Opera House on 2-4th February.
Go Petition callng on Tony Burke for moratorium on coal seam gas
Jenny
30.01.12 6:39 am
I have just visited GoPetition and found the following page very interesting:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/coal-seam-gas-moratorium.html
CRUELTY TO A LONG NECKED TORTOISE
Wildlife Carers Group
30.01.12 6:20 am
Wildlife Carers Group is calling for witnesses to a person or people who was responsible for hammering a stick with a fishing line and hook, leaving a long-necked tortoise hanging off from the other end of it at the Carillion on Australia Day at the fireworks on 26/1/12: HERE
GREENS CALL FOR CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONER’S INVOLVEMENT
Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP Greens Spokesperson for Children
30.01.12 6:18 am
Child Strip-Search Issue Warrants Investigating
The Tasmanian Greens today announced that they would be writing to the Children’s Commissioner, Ms Aileen Ashford, in light of the public outcry over the recent reports about the strip search of a minor.
Greens spokesperson for Children Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP said that, given the degree of public concern about this recent incident, it would be appropriate for the Children’s Commissioner to be involved to ensure that the rights of the child are being maintained.
At the same time, the Greens strongly believe that this issue should not be exploited for political gain, nor should the child in question and her family become a political or media football and that no one should jump to conclusions, added Mr O’Halloran.
“I will be writing to Ms Ashford requesting that she seeks involvement in any review of the relevant Acts, as well as investigates the recent incident itself to ensure that all obligations to the child involved have been met,” said Mr O’Halloran.
“This is clearly a sensitive and disturbing issue although well-intentioned self-proclaimed experts not only risk politicising this incident and increasing the trauma of those people involved, but they also risk a superficial knee-jerk reaction, which is in no one’s interests.”
“As Chairman of last year’s parliamentary inquiry into Child Protection, I can only emphasise the need for all the facts to be on the table first.”
“One of the key findings of my committee’s Child Protection report was that there needs to be ‘Greater consistency of processes and practices (with State and national systems)’. The report also stressed the need to ‘Improve and make more responsive collaboration and communication systems between agencies, including an expansion Inter-Agency Support Teams (IAST). This should lead to improved consistency’.”
“The Greens take the responsibility of looking after the most vulnerable people in our society very seriously. Therefore, on behalf the Greens, I will be writing to Ms Ashford, who is a highly-qualified expert and whose Children’s Commissioner role is designed to protect and advise upon the rights of children in just this sort of circumstance,” said Mr O’Halloran.
Link: Parliamentary Select Committee on Child Protection: Final report 2011: HERE
Superannuation review delivers on Greens negotiations
Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne
30.01.12 6:16 am
Superannuation review delivers on Greens negotiations: $30b in clumsy tax concessions needs urgent attention
Australian Greens Acting Leader Christine Milne today welcomed the Government’s superannuation review announcement, which delivers on a Greens’ proposal, and said $30 billion in tax concessions needed to be dealt with to ensure a fairer outcome.
“As part of the discussions about the mining tax package the Greens had detailed discussions with the Government about the revenue going to superannuation, and the need to review superannuation tax concessions, because significant changes should be made to make the system more equitable,” Senator Milne said.
“Current superannuation tax concessions are enormous. The inequities they present for people trying to save for their retirement should be addressed as soon as possible. There are $30 billion worth of superannuation tax concessions per year. Almost half those tax breaks go to the wealthiest 12% and almost a fifth go to the wealthiest 2% of Australians.
“The current clumsy arrangements do nothing to narrow the gap between rich and poor. If you are on the top marginal tax rate of 45% your tax break on super is up to 30%. If your earnings are taxed at the lowest marginal tax rate of 15% then your concession is zero. If you do not pay income tax, you still pay 15% on any superannuation contribution.
“Dealing with these inequities should occur before the Senate finalises the mining tax package [which includes the increase in the superannuation guarantee from 9% to 12%]. The review’s timetable appears too long, as legislation for the mining tax and super guarantee increase will be debated in the Senate this year and this should be settled by then,” Senator Milne said.
“It is important that these issues are dealt with as soon as possible and are not solely dependent on a mining tax package that has already been significantly watered down by the Government.
“Inequality in Australia is growing and unless superannuation tax concessions are altered this can only get drastically worse,” Senator Milne said.
Tony Abbott Offline about Cyber-Safety
Senator Catryna Bilyk Labor Senator for Tasmania Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety
27.01.12 6:52 pm
Senator Catryna Bilyk
Labor Senator for Tasmania
Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety
MEDIA RELEASE
Tony Abbott Offline about Cyber-Safety
The Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety, Senator Catryna Bilyk today welcomed the Opposition support for protecting our children online.
“The Gillard Government recognises that cybersafety is a serious issue and has led the way in this area for a number of years,” said Senator Bilyk.
“It was the Gillard Government that established the Joint Select Committee on Cyber Safety after the 2010 election, along with a number of wide ranging advisory groups to ensure Australians are equipped with world’s best practice when it comes to protecting children online.”
The advisory groups include:
• The Teachers and Parents Advisory Group on Cybersafety (TAP) announced last year which provides teachers and parents across Australia an opportunity to come together via a secure online forum to discuss cybersafety issues affecting children in the digital world;
• The Consultative Working Group (CWG) which meets every three months, with representations from community groups (eg. Bravehearts, Childwise, Allanah and Madeline Foundation), industry (eg Facebook, Microsoft, Yahoo, Telstra, IIA, AMTA), and government authorities continues to provide advice on world’s best practice safeguards for Australian children engaging in the digital economy; and
• The Youth Advisory Group (YAG) which provides students from all over Australia a direct voice to Government on cybersafety issues. In 2011 this group included over 1,000 students from over 100 primary and secondary schools, and is expected to grow further in 2012.
The Government has implemented a number of measures on this front:
• Two weeks ago (13 Jan), the Prime Minister launched a new website to tackle cyberbullying and help more young people stay safe online. The Easy Guide to Socialising Online website (http://www.dbcde.gov.au/easyguide) is part of the Government’s $125 million Cybersafety Plan and has been developed following advice from the Government’s Youth Advisory Group on Cybersafety and close collaboration with the Consultative Working Group – the guide received around 21,000 page views within the first week;
• Contributed $3 million to the Alannah and Madeline Foundation for a national pilot of its eSmart cybersafety initiative which addresses cyberbullying in schools;
• The Cyber-Safety Help Button (http://www.dbcde.gov.au/helpbutton) that provides children, parents and teachers with access to reporting, counselling and advisory services and info. The button is now on over 300,000 computers and we are working with state and territory education authorities to extend this;
• Provided $16.6 million to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to continue and expand its cybersafety activities – including the ‘Cybersmart’ website and an outreach program that visits schools around the country to raise awareness. To date over 450,000 parents, teachers and students have participated in the outreach program; and
• Expanded the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Child Protection Operations Team to detect and investigate online child sex exploitation.
More information on the Government’s programs to tackle cybersafety and online bullying are available from http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/ and http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au.
“While we obviously welcome any efforts to support the protection of children online, Mr Abbott’s call to setup a Liberal party review ignores the significant work undertaken in this area by the Gillard Government and the Parliament,” said Senator Bilyk.
Jimmy Barnes and Guy Pearce join calls from marriage equality ... and ... and ... and ...
Alex Greenwich, Australian Marriage Equality
27.01.12 6:44 pm
AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Media Release, 27th of January 2011
Jimmy Barnes and Guy Pearce join calls from marriage equality
Marriage Equality campaigners have welcomed the support of two more well known Australians, performer Jimmy Barnes and Emmy award winning actor Guy Pearce.
In a statement issued to support the campaign of Australian Marriage Equality, Jimmy Barnes said:
“Aussies always look back with pride when we end discrimination affecting our fellow Aussies. Supporting marriage equality is a reform that will do our country proud. It’s time Canberra caught up with the rest of the country and ended this crazy ban that stops some of the most loving and committed couples from getting hitched”.
Reflecting on how the acceptance of same-sex couples has grown since since he starred in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Guy Pearce said:
“Over the past decade we have seen an exponential growth in the support and acceptance of the gay and lesbian community in Australia. This is reflective of our history of overcoming past prejudices and embracing equality. It’s now time for marriage equality. It makes me sad and frustrated that we see marriage as the right of some and not others. Nothing will happen to the strength or sanctity of our own marriages if we let same sex couples marry, it will only enhance who we are as people to know we’re not being so discriminatory. I fully support and encourage marriage equality for same sex couples.”
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener Alex Greenwich said the support of Mr Barnes and Mr Pearce reflects the desire of the Australian community for all Australians to be treated equally.
“Jimmy Barnes and Guy Pearce are highly-repsected Australians who are in touch with our core values as a nation.”
“Jimmy Barnes performs to packed stadiums across Australia and knows that this is a reform that will make Australians like him proud.”
“Guy Pearce, like many Australians, knows that allowing same-sex couples to share in the meaning of marriage will not diminish the institution but strengthen it.”
Mr Greenwich said he will be working with both men to make submissions to the upcoming Senate inquiry into to same-sex marriage
Barnes and Pearce join a number of other highly-respected Australians who have endorsed marriage equality in recent weeks including Olivia Newton-John, Hugh Jackman, David Stratton, Margaret Pomeranz, Stephan Elliot, and Wallaby player David Pocock.
And
PRESS RELEASE
RAINBOWS OVER MARGARET COURT ARENA
27/01/2012
As we head into the final weekend of the tennis, we honour those who support love, diversity and freedom and refute the ignorance and lies of those remaining few people who will not learn and will not listen:
being gay is not a choice, and it’s not an illness, it’[s YOU who make us sick. Here they are, in their own words, and on parade online at http://www.currentaffairs.net.au/champions/.
RAINBOW CHAMPIONS
Sporting bodies often kick off the final phase of their tournaments with a parade of champions: men and women whose contribution they wish to honour.
The Rainbow Flags Over Margaret Court Arena campaign barely existed a fortnight ago, yet such has been the strength of support that we go into the final weekend of the Australian Open with a still-growing membership and many high-profile endorsements.
So we honour OUR champions today: champions of diversity, inclusion, acceptance, celebration and love for the wonderful variety of humankind, whose contributions to the campaign have helped us make such an impact.
Chris Tanti CEO Headspace
“She is only a great tennis player, which doesn’t excuse her from using and abusing that position in a sports mad culture like our own to do more harm to a young population that is arguably the most at risk in our community. Rainbow flags at Margaret Court Stadium – drape the whole tennis centre I say.”
Carl Katter, brother of big hat Bob
“To re-enforce my opinion of how truly disconnected from reality she is, Margaret Court claimed a couple of days ago she has been ‘the target of a hate campaign’. If this wasn’t such a bizarre statement it would be hilarious. Australia does not need to give this person any more exposure she is a disgrace to Australian tennis and the country.”
Shelly Argent, PFLAG national spokesperson First of all, our lesbian daughters and gay sons are not sick. To be homosexual is a natural sexual orientation.
I would also like to give the message to Margaret Court that love between two people cannot be an abomination. I think couples should be allowed to marry who they love.”
Martin Foley MP
“I call upon all those many Tennis fans, Tennis Australia and the Australian Open to take a stand for diversity, tolerance and an inclusive sporting culture. Don’t just take the view that these are the harmless comments of some old out of touch champion.
Kerry Greenwood, author of the Phryne Fisher books “I have no idea about the tennis, but my best friend is gay and deserves equal rights”.
Sandy & Tessa Winton – ex-Neighbours star and wife Good luck with the campaign! Please exercise mine and my wife’s free speech on our behalf! Love and tolerance to all.
Bob Morley, Neighbours star, plays Chris Pappas boyfriend “A person is defined by their morals and values, not by their sexuality. I feel that there is no place for such prejudice in today’s society.”
Ricki-Lee Coulter, singer
“As someone who is lucky enough to everyday be surrounded by and supported in my career by gay men and women - I find this disgusting and ignorant.”
Clem Newton-Brown Liberal MP for Prahran “Margaret Court made some pretty abhorrent statements last week. I support those who wish to show their support for the GLBTI community by non disruptive display of their rainbow colours at the Australian Open”
Anton Enus SBS Newsreader
“Sitting in the crowd at Margaret Court Arena waving a huge rainbow flag… was a simple gesture but hugely significant for me personally.
This is my community. When faced with narrow-mindedness, there’s a clear choice: fairness and dignity or bigotry. We’re on the side of the angels on this one.”
Christos Tsiolkas, author of The Slap
“[Margaret Court’s] comments would also be hurting and confusing many young people, especially sportspeople, who want to look up to her as a source of inspiration and pride. That’s a mean-spirited betrayal.”
Paul Martin, ex-ex-gay psychologist
“The people involved with these [pentecostal reparative therapy] groups don’t actually mean harm - they are lovely individuals, I’m sure. However, they are genuinely ignorant and driven by personal belief that is not in tune with reality.”
Laura Robson, up & coming tennis star
Wore a rainbow scrunchie on court, said, “‘I wore it because I believe in equal rights for everyone,.”
Martina Navratilova, lesbian tennis legend “I have spoken to [Margaret Court] years ago but she was all about Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. She repeated that four or five times so I just felt I couldn’t get through to her.”
Pastor Mike Hercock, 100 Revs
“The trauma caused to young people who believe the message that Margaret is perpetuating in our Churches is serious, dangerous and irresponsible.”
Sen Sarah Hanson-Young, Sen Richard Di Natale, Adam Bandt MP “Margaret Court was a tennis champion who deserves the accolades she has received for her contribution to her sport, however her suggestion that sexuality is something that can be ‘overcome’ is wrong and dangerous.”
Lyn MacClaren WA Green MLC
“Aside from rejecting Ms Court’s views on homosexuality I find it distasteful that her sporting achievements apparently enable her to splash extremist views over the front page of a daily newspaper.”
Mike Stutchberry
Posted a hilarious blog
Marieke Hardy
Posted an even funnier one
Rod Laver
``Each to their own . . . that would be all I can really say about it.’‘
Many gay community leaders have also spoken out in support here Really Long Link Including former evangelical pastor Anthony Venn-Brown, Australia Marriage Equality leader Alex Greenwich, LGBTI Health Alliance general manager Warren Talbot, and Scott Williams, co-founder of LGBTIQ youth advocacy and support group Wear it Purple.
Last but not least, thanks to everyone who is carrying a rainbow flag, ribbon, hat, badge, umbrella at the Open. You are passionate about equality, passionate about tennis, determined to make your point but without creating disharmony and disruption.
As we fly our colours through this final weekend, please think about what you want to happen next year. We have 12 months in which to plan, organise and fundraise. In Chris Tanti’s words, let’s drape the whole tennis centre in rainbows, in 2013!!
Exec. Producer / Presenter ‘The Rainbow Report’ Joy 94.9 7pm Tuesdays Op eds: http://www.currentaffairs.net.au (and currently all Margaret Court related stories) Prog. blog :http://www.rainbowreporter.com Australian correspondent, Sirius OutQ News, New York http://www.siriusoutq.com/
And,
AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
27th January, 2012
ADVOCATES WELCOME MOVE TO HELP AUSSIE SAME-SEX COUPLES MARRY OVERSEAS
Australian marriage equality advocates have congratulated the federal Attorney-General, Nicola Roxon, for moving quickly to remove bureaucratic barriers to same-sex couples marrying overseas.
Ms Roxon has announced that from February 1st Australians in same-sex relationships will be able to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) which is required by some foreign governments before they allow foreign nationals to legally marry.
Until now the Australian Government has issued CNIs to heterosexual partners as a matter of course, but has refused to give them to same-sex partners even though the only way for Australian same-sex partners to marry is if they do so abroad.
As a result many same-sex partners have had to cancel their wedding plans while some have been unable to access entitlements offered by foreign governments in areas like immigration, health care and insurance because they are unable to marry their partner.
Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said,
“The real problem remains the failure of parliament to allow same-sex marriages in Australia, but the removal of the CNI ban will ease the burden on same-sex couples who are forced overseas to marry.”
“It’s already painful enough for same-sex partners to have to marry overseas, away from family and friends, without the Australian Government putting up additional bureaucratic barriers.”
“We welcome the commitment of Ms Roxon to removing this mean-spirited policy as quickly as possible.”
“We will follow up with her office and the foreign affairs department to ensure the Smart Traveller website highlights the new policy and all consulates are made aware of it.”
Mr Greenwich paid tribute to all those who lobbied and spoke out against the same-sex CNI ban.
“I’d like to thank the Public Interest Advocacy Centre for providing us with compelling legal advice about why the policy was wrong”
“This policy change is also a tribute to advocacy and skill of Rainbow Labor and its pro-equality campaign in the lead up to the Labor National Conference.”
“But most of all I tip my hat to the couples who were brave enough to go public about being denied CNIs and highlight why this cruel and petty policy had to change.”
The policy of denying CNIs began under the Howard Government after it amended the Marriage Act to ban the recognition of same-sex marriages in 2004. In December, the Labor National Conference endorsed marriage equality and called on the Federal Government to allow equal access to CNIs.
A number of Australian same-sex partners went public about the CNI ban including, Angela Borella, the sister of former Tasmanian Premier, David Bartlett, who was forced to cancel plans to marry her Portuguese partner in Lisbon when she discovered she could not obtain a CNI.
Places that allow same-sex marriage and require CNIs include Portugal, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands and New York State. The Netherlands and New York state waived their CNI requirement when they became aware of the Australian policy.
PRESS RELEASE – RAINBOW FLAGS OVER MARGARET COURT ARENA
NEIGHBOURS STARS PAST & PRESENT LEND THEIR SUPPORT
In August 2010 the iconic Australian TV show ‘Neighbours’ revealed an upcoming gay storyline. Executive producer Susan Bower said “I do believe homophobia is still alive and well, and I have no doubt that we will get complaints about it.”
She said the storyline was a direct result of requests from young viewers in Neighbours’ official online forums.
The program needed to be more representative of the community and so the Chris Pappas character was introduced to Ramsay Street.
Freemantle Media said the feedback had been nothing but positive.
Fast forward to 2012 and expressions of intolerance, like recent statements by Margaret Court, still impact those same young viewers who want to see their reality reflected in the media they watch.
Sandy Winton, formerly of Neighbours, stressed his support of the new grassroots movement ‘Rainbow Flags Over Margaret Court Arena saying “Good luck with the campaign! Please exercise mine and my wife’s free speech on our behalf! Love and tolerance to all.”
Bob Morley, the newest addition to the storyline, in the role of love interest for the character ‘Chris Pappas’ was moved by the intolerance still endured by the gay community, saying “A person is defined by their morals and values, not by their sexuality. I feel that there is no place for such prejudice in today’s society.”
Freemantle Media welcomed the opportunity for the actors of Neighbours to freely express their personal views.
Pictures of Sandy, Bob and other Rainbow Champions are online at http://www.currentaffairs.net.au/champions/
Issued by: Rainbow Flags Over Margaret Court Arena Doug Pollard
Senator Parry to join Coalition Online Safety Working Group
Senator Stephen Parry Deputy President of the Senate Liberal, Tasmania
27.01.12 6:38 pm
Senator Stephen Parry
Deputy President of the Senate
Liberal, Tasmania
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 27 January 2012
Senator Parry to join Coalition Online Safety Working Group
Senator Stephen Parry, Liberal Senator for Tasmania and Deputy President of the Senate, has been appointed to the Coalition’s Online Safety Working Group, as announced today by The Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott MHR.
Senator Parry, a former police officer and advocate for online safety, said the primary goal of the new Group would be to identify ways that parents, carers and teachers can better protect children and young people from the risks associated with the internet and social media.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to work on this important project. Parents, carers and teachers need to be assisted in their work of protecting our children and young people against bullying and illegal and inappropriate content,” Senator Parry said.
“While there have been a number of previous reviews into online safety, the risks remain and there are areas worthy of further exploration.
“In the course of undertaking the review, the Working Group will host roundtables and community forums across Australia to garner input from stakeholders. The first of these will be held in Tasmania at the end of February.”
The Online Safety Working group will report back to Mr Abbott by mid 2012, with the findings to inform future Coalition policies.
Ends
Senator Parry is a member of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity and is a former Tasmanian police officer.
The Terms of Reference for the Group are attached:
12-01-27_Terms_of_Reference_for_the_Online_Safety_Working_Group.pdf
Governor-General’s praise of Aussie farmers spot on
Jan Davis http://www.tfga.com.au/
27.01.12 6:35 pm
Tasmanian farmers today applauded Governor-General Quentin Bryce on her high praise of Australian farmers in her Australia Day Message yesterday.
“In her message to the nation, the Governor-General praised the work of our farmers,” chief executive of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Jan Davis said today.
“It was an extraordinary piece of television in which Quentin Bryce positioned the Australian farmer in a way that few have done before,” Ms Davis said.
The Governor General stated that … Our farmers are the life-force of our nation … they sustain local economies and communities.
“In highlighting the integral role farmers play in our daily lives, Ms Bryce reminds us all not to take them for granted; and to value the daily essentials that result from their work”, Ms Davis said.
“This is particularly the case in Tasmania, where agriculture is a key economic driver which generates jobs and well-being for people across the state.
Ms Davis quoted the Governor-General .... The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the wine we drink, our shoes, our office stationery, the timber in our houses and in our kitchen tables are all connected to farming. So many essentials of daily life are there for us because of the efforts of our farmers.
.Again, especially relevant in Tasmania is the Governor General’s recognition of the important role farmers play as environmental custodians … Farmers are the sentinels of our environment. They are the first to see changes in soils, water quality, birdlife, and natural vegetation and they’re also the first fixers. Often environmental degradation is stopped in its tracks by farmers.
Ms Bryce’s final message was that, on Australia Day, we should take time to reflect on our lucky country and to give thanks to the farmers who work so hard to make that luck.
“This is a message we should take to heart – not just on Australia Day. Every day, everyone should thank a farmer for their next meal,’ Ms Davis said.
The Governor General’s message can be viewed in full at http://www.gg.gov.au/
TFGA urges farmers to have their say on Fair Work issues
Jan Davis http://www.tfga.com.au/
27.01.12 6:34 pm
Tasmanian farmers have the opportunity to have input into changes to Australia’s employment laws through two reviews that are currently underway.
The Australian Government is reviewing the Fair Work Act; and Fair Work Australia is also reviewing the new modern awards system under the legislation.
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said today farmers were generally unhappy with the employment regime introduced by the federal government in 2009.
“The system is over-bureaucratic and inflexible,” Ms Davis said. “And this has had repercussions on productivity and competitiveness.”
Farmers are particularly critical of the definition of ordinary working hours that takes no account of the real world on a farm in terms of the hours that crops have to be harvested, for instance.
“Farming is not a highly controlled activity where you can plan a week or so ahead to organise rosters and only harvest in daylight hours, Monday to Friday. That’s not how it works,” she said.
“Labour can be up to 50% of farm costs. While falling prices for fruit and vegetables at the checkout may be a boon for consumers, they are not good news for farmers. Margins are already very thin in farming and farmers don’t have the option of adding a surcharge on their prices to cover penalty rates they have to pay for labour outside so-called ordinary working hours.
“The present award system is actually stopping people from working when they choose to, as well as placing unsustainable cost burdens on farm businesses,” she said.
Tasmanian farmers can contribute their thoughts about the Fair Work Act and the Modern awards system by accessing two surveys on the National Farmers’ Federation website: http://www.nff.org.au/review. Closing date for comments is February 10.
The Hobart Bookshop
26.01.12 7:06 am
Tasmania Over Five Generations:
Return to Van Diemen’s Land?
by John Biggs
40° South Publishing
Launched by Andrew Wilkie, MP
THE HOBART BOOKSHOP
Saturday 4th February, 2012, at 4 pm
“… a narrative, placed in its social and economic context, which beguiles and entraps. Why have we not learnt from the past? Why repeat avarice, stupidity and abuse of position?” – from Foreword by Justice Pierre Slicer.
You are cordially invited to the launch of Tasmania Over Five Generations:
Return to Van Diemen’s Land? Tasmania’s social and political progress is seen through the eyes of five father-son generations, starting with Abraham Biggs who arrived in 1833 to preach temperance to the convicts, to the author, who converted from Anglicanism to environmentalism after 40 years abroad. He returned to Tasmania to find a tapestry of Byzantine complexity, woven with the warp of government and the woof of corporate power: a pulp mill that represents all that’s wrong with Tasmanian politics, attempts to prevent public protest with law suits, a shredded letter reassembled here, ministerial heads rolling there ….
Abraham Biggs might well look from that distant shore, smile, nod and murmur: “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.”
The Hobart Bookshop
22 Salamanca Square
Hobart
TAS 7000
Phone: (03) 6223 1803
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