| IndyWatch Australian News All Topics Summary Archiver | |
 |
Go Back:30 Days | 7 Days | 2 Days | 1 Day |
|
IndyWatch Australian News All Topics Summary was generated at Australian News IndyWatch. |
|
Friday, 14 July
00:32
China Exports Slumped 12.4% in June as Global Demand Weakened "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
The slump since last year is rooted in trade weakness which added to downward pressure on the world's second-largest economy.
00:15
THE ROBODEBT SCHEME: a tale of rampant ambition, abuse of power, systemic cruelty, venality, incompetence and cowardice "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></p> <p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style= "color: black;"><span style= "font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In September 2013, the Liberal-National Coalition, led by the then <b>Liberal</b> <b>MP for Warringah & Prime Minister Tony Abbott, won government on the back of an election campaign predominately focussed on removal of the so-called
Thursday, 13 July
21:29
17:28
Dumping Doubts: Releasing Fukushimas Waste Water "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Nothing said from the nuclear industry can or should be taken for face value. Be it in terms of safety, or correcting defects or righting mistakes; be it in terms of construction integrity, there is something chilling about reassurances that have been shown, time and again, to be hollow. The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
The post Dumping Doubts: Releasing Fukushimas Waste Water appeared first on The AIM Network.
17:27
US inflation rate down to 3 per cent and falling fast it was transitory, folks "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
Yesterdays US inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (July 12, 2023) Consumer Price Index Summary June 2023 shows a further significant drop in the inflation rate as some of the key supply-side drivers continue to abate. The annual inflation rate is now back to 3 per cent and dropping fast.
17:02
Services Australia AAT non-disclosure applications "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Successful.
16:06
Climate Change: Overturned "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Last December, Labour made the first in a series of terrible climate decisions, over-ruling Climate Change Minister James Shaw and the Climate Change Commission to sabotage the ETS by setting excessively high volumes and low prices. The result was immediate: the carbon price crashed from ~$85/ton and began a long-term decline (which has only worsened as Labour has done more to undermine it). But today, thanks to Lawyers for Climate Action, that decision has been overturned:
Today the High Court gave judgment in favour of Lawyers for Climate Action NZ Inc in a judicial review of the Regulations which set the number of additional Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) units available over the next five years and imposed various price restrictions. The Regulations are referred to as the Climate Change (Auctions, Limits, and Price Controls for Units) Amendment Regulations 2022 and were made in December 2022.The decision was by consent - Shaw accepted that his decision-making process was flawed, and that he did not have reasonable grounds to conclude that Labour's preferred settings were lawful and in accordance with our emissions budgets or Paris NDC. Which means they will have to be re-made. The government is currently considering settings for 2024 - 2028, and this decision will neatly allow them to bypass the statutory requirements for changing the settings for the next two years (since those requirements were met or irrelevant for 2024 and 2025 respectively).The judgment means that the Minister of Climate Change must now reconsider the unit limit and price control settings for 2023 to 2027 by 30 September 2023.
This is a significant victory for the climate, and a significant defeat for chickenshit, sabotaging Labour. And hopefully it'll help set a convention in future of always following the Climate Commission, rather than trying to over-rule it. We all owe Lawyers for Climate Action a debt of gratitude. And if you'd like to support them in their work, you can make a donation here.
16:00
Media bias even from the ABC on full display at Fadden By-election "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Amounting to election interference, the mainstream media including the ABC have swanned in and out of the Fadden by-election pre-poll, ignoring all candidates except LNP and Labor. Independent Australia discusses the undemocratic details with some of the candidates in our exclusive pre-poll coverage.
Caused by the resignation of scandal-ridden LNP Member and Morrison confidante, Stuart Robert, the Fadden By-election should be newsworthy. Obvious biases aside, its expected that the Fourth Estate would nonetheless make a show of treating all 13 candidates equally. Certainly, the public broadcaster whose charter is to provide comprehensive coverage in the public interest should at least attempt to fulfil its duty.
But of course, we live in a country where media concentration is so blatant and the public broadcaster is so in step with the media moguls, no one even bothers to pretend otherwise.
When the media crew arrived at the pre-polling, a Legalise Cannabis Queensland booth volunteer asked whether they would be interviewing all the candidates:
I approached the Channel 9 female reporter and asked if they were interviewing all the parties present. The reporter replied, No were only paid to interview the Labor and Liberal party. Weve been told not to interview anyone else. My other team member approached ABC and was told something similar Only the major parties today.
When questioned on this matter, Australian Citizens Party campaign manager Ian Oliver told IA:
It made me very angry because we are supposed to be a nation of equality where everyone gets a fair go, where everyone in politics gets to state their message and let the voters decide.
Independent candidate...
15:05
Panti Bliss and the war on drag and trans existence "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
One of the highlights of recent travel was seeing the Queen of Ireland, Panti Bliss, perform at the Soho Theatre. This esteemed drag performer was pushed to the fore of Irelands 2015 marriage equality campaign and came to lead it to its successful vote. Rory ONeill, her creator, describes her as a giant cartoon woman,
The post Panti Bliss and the war on drag and trans existence appeared first on The AIM Network.
14:15
AFTINET Submission to the Inquiry into Australias Human Rights Framework "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
July 13, 2023: The Australian government has launched an inquiry to review the scope and effectiveness of Australias Human Rights Framework and assess whether improvements can be made.
There has been strong civil society support for a reform of Australias Human Rights Framework, particularly for a new Federal Human Rights Act or Charter.
AFTINETs submission shows the profound impact of trade and investment agreements on human rights related to environment, gender, indigenous peoples, labour, health and access to essential services. The submission recommends Australias new human rights mechanism, in whatever form this takes, be capable of evaluating the impact of trade and investment on human rights before they are signed and include enforceable commitments to internationally recognised human rights, labour rights and environmental standards for Australia and other signatory countries.
You can read the full submission here.
12:00
NATO's talk of further Asian engagement should be feared by Australia "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has undermined its mission to foster stability, becoming a vessel of U.S. power. Where NATO goes, war is most likely Australia should take note, writes Dr Binoy Kampmark.
SINCE THE end of the Cold War, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has distinctly strayed from its original purpose. It has become, almost shamelessly, the vessel and handmaiden of U.S. power, while its burgeoning expansion eastwards has done wonders to upend the applecart of stability.
From that upending, the Alliance started bungling. It engaged, without the authorisation of the United Nations Security Council, in a 78-day bombing campaign of Yugoslavia at least what was left of it ostensibly to protect the lives of Kosovar Albanians. Far from dampening the tinderbox, the Kosovo affair continues to be an explosion in the making.
Members of the Alliance also expended material, money and personnel in Afghanistan over the course of two decades, propping up a deeply unpopular, corrupt regime in Kabul while failing to stifle the Taliban. As with previous imperial projects, the venture proved to be a catastrophic failure.
In 2011, NATO was again found wanting in its attack on the regime of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. While it was intended to be an exemplar of the Responsibility to Protect doctri...
11:51
Dont you worry about that "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Former Queensland Premier Johannes Bjelke-Petersen frequently used the expression dont you worry about that when he either didnt want to answer the question, or knew the the question would suggest additional requests for information. Bjelke-Petersens National Party oversaw a gradual erosion of civi rights and equality in Queensland. Bjelke-Petersen was portrayed as a strong leader
The post Dont you worry about that appeared first on The AIM Network.
11:28
Labour won't tax the banks either "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Buried under yesterday's chickenshit announcement by Chris Hipkins that Labour won't support a wealth tax so long as he is leader is another example of Labour chickenshittery: they won't tax the banks either, despite them making "supernormal" profits:
The big four Australian-owned banks avoided a windfall tax on their Covid-era profits partly because Treasury could find no clear evidence their supernormal profits at the time were out of line with their standard supernormal profits....which seems to be a strong argument for a perpetual windfall tax on bank profits, to tame these rapacious parasites. But instead, Labour decided to do nothing, as usual. So, they won't tax the rich, they won't tax the banks, but they'll cry "poverty" when anyone voices basic expectations about a functioning state or public services. But they're not "poor" - just too stupid, weak, and craven to govern effectively.Budget documents released on Wednesday showed the Government considered, the decided against, levying a windfall profits tax on banks to help pay for the rebuild in Hawkes Bay following devastation in February from Cyclone Gabrielle.
They also show Treasury officials told the Government that while big bank profits had increased in the Covid era: We have not identified clear evidence for windfall profits, on top of the sectors usual elevated level of profitability.
11:18
Jacobin on how to perfect the architecture of control "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
My interview in US outlet, Jacobin, about my new book, The Palestine Laboratory. The conversation, conducted by Mattha Busby, covered a wide range of areas from Israeli spying to the role of the Zionist lobby:
Wars and occupations have long been testing grounds for technology, science, and surveillance. In a domain mostly controlled by the oppressor, subject populations are sure to find ingenious ways to rise up but their captors also find new ways to subjugate them. This is the reality in the occupied Palestinian territories, where Israel has maintained the longest occupation in modern times fifty-six years and counting.
The Israeli state and its closely aligned military-industrial complex writes its own rule book. Its soldiers watch as extremist Jewish settlers launch pogroms against Palestinians in the West Bank. Over one thousand Palestinians are held in indefinite detention without charge in Israeli jails.
Palestinian access to water is used as a potent state-controlled weaponfor the settler movement. Meanwhile, Israeli arms companies promote their weapons with real footage in which Palestinian children are left injured.
But in the court of international opinion, the tide is turning against Israel. In May, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories denounced the apartheid system over which colonial power Israel rules Palestinians. Tens of millions of dollars are sent from the United States by registered charities to bankroll illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, but the New York State Assembly will soon consider a bill that would prevent the tax-deductible practice.
As journalist, author, and filmmaker Antony Loewenstein writes in...
09:47
Tenders involved in the Provision of Sprayed Sealing Works "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Successful.
09:24
Tenders involved in the Provision of Sprayed Sealing Works "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Successful.
09:21
Citizenship Ceremonies "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Successful.
08:50
Link "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" class= "wp-image-4873" src= "https://freefall852.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/image-12.png?w=299"></figure> <p><strong>Silence & Stillness.
Be still..
What merit in rushing about,
Like scalded cat, all fuss and shout,
When chance and the wild world,
Intrudes with its multitude of variables,
So never can we be certain of a correct choice.
So be still..
And with a matadors flourish,</p> <p>With a sweep of the cape, we make,</p> <p>A veronica turn and avoid grave mistake!</p> <p>The clamour and shout of public opinion,</p> <p>No more than a roar of bluff and delusion.</p> <p>Be still..</p> <p>My friends, be still..wait till passing rage,</p> <p>Exhausts itself in futile passage,</p> <p>How many empires in an eon of age,</p> <p>Destroyed themselves in self-flattery?</p> <p>Leaving only scant remnant of golden days.</p> <p>So be still..</p> <p>With purity of thought we climb,</p> <p>To heights only dreamed of in many minds,</p> <p>All intention fixed on ascending away,</p> <p>From base existence and mob affray,</p> <p>Until we breathe air with the Gods company.</p> <p>Be still..</p> <p>We of an age have served our time,</p> <p>Apprenticed to family, work, demands, grime,</p> <p>Until now, at this age, we claim for our own pleasure,</p> <p>To meditate at our own private leisure,</p> <p>Those moments treasured in memory sublime.</p> <p>So be still..</p> <p>Be patient, reduce work to simple actions,</p> <p>Show compassion to our fellow travellers,</p> <p>In this way we build on our courage,</p> <p>To hold at bay, lifes intruding emptiness,</p> <p>Forever together we can live in quiet...</p>
07:28
In which the pond must talk of sundry matters because it seems the reptiles are in a quiet downward spiral ... "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
The pond once harboured fantasies that it might help, in however small and humble way, kill the tree killer business of Chairman Rupert and his minions ... but the pond reckoned without the seemingly infinite capacity of the reptiles to do self-harm, balanced by the ABC's relentless insistence that News Corp publications remain the source of all the news that matters ...
Meanwhile, speaking of self-harm, the pond is suffering. What on earth to do with this lot?
The pond realises that a few cultists will clap hands with glee at the sight of Dame Groan improving her productivity, as an example to us all, but where's petulant Peta, if only so the pond could ignore her? Is a serve of dismal Dimitri, and Monkish disapproval, and a loose serve of despair from gloomy Loosley the best the reptiles have got?
The tree killer edition looked no more promising ...
Fears over Orwellian truth bill 'are valid'? Nah, not really. Not even that putting of quote marks around the 'are valid' bit could tempt the pond.
The pond has spent way too much time brooding about the way that stubborn socialist remains top of the reptile word pantheon. Not even Uncle Elon's use of "cuck", which sent the pond in search of an ancient New Statesman story about the word, The evolution of cuck shows that dif...
07:00
Robodebt crimes: Who should pay and how? "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Even when we consider Robodebt as dispassionate onlookers that is, people who did not have a loved one take their own life, or otherwise have their lives irreparably marred by this vicious campaign it is not possible to see it as anything but a crime against humanity.
And it was not a benign mistake.
And it was not a one-off thing.
We knew this back in 2017 when the first reports of the unfairness of the scheme emerged but were ignored.
We knew this when the Federal Court pronounced it unlawful a full two years later, in 2019.
And we knew it when the Morrison Government forged ahead, anyway, seemingly unperturbed by its illegality, let alone its devastating effects, even when these were detailed by legal professionals and publicly called out by the Australian Council of Social Services.
Approximately 443,000 people received these threatening notices demanding payment known as "robodebts". Victims were not even able to speak to anyone about their alleged debt and should someone actually manage to get a phone call through to the right department, all the relevant public servants were ordered to refer them back to the website. Never mind that they may not be able to navigate this process, or that their questions would likely still be ignored.
So the threats continued. And lets not beat around the bush, here. These were threats. Meant to be taken seriously. Designed to be menacing.
The harassment...
01:15
President of Lithuania: NATO Summit is Best Gift for 700th Anniversary of Vilnius "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/216570.htm
Statement and Speech by President Gitanas Nausda of Lithuania, host of the NATO summit:
The President: NATO Summit is the best gift for the
700th anniversary of Vilnius July 11, 2023
President Gitanas Nausda and his spouse invited the leaders of NATO
member states to a social dinner at the Presidential Palace. The
dinner was also attended by the guests of the NATO Summit the
leaders of Ukraine, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and
EU institutions.
In his toast remarks, Gitanas Nausda highligh...
01:15
Resi building activity slows -20pc from highs "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
Construction pipeline challenges
There's a lot of noise about building in the pipeline, and dwellings 'under construction', but of course many projects have been stalled, mothballed, or delayed, and every day there's a news story about another developer or building firm facing insolvency (three more in the past two days).
Overall, residential building activity, as measured in volume terms, has slowed by -19 per cent from the highs.
Capacity issues in the industry also haven't been helped by ongoing strength in infrastructure projects.
It's nevertheless true that the number of dwellings officially under construction remains high at around 240,000.
The number of detached houses under construction remains above 100,000, which is very high historically.
00:53
US inflation drops below 3pc "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
00:48
Dutton wants Australia to join the nuclear renaissance "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
but this dream has failed before. My latest in The Conversation over the fold
Last week, opposition leader Peter Dutton called for Australia to join what he dubbed the international nuclear energy renaissance.
The same phrase was used 20 years ago to describe plans for a massive expansion of nuclear. New Generation III plants would be safer and more efficient than the Generation II plants built in the 1970s and 1980s. But the supposed renaissance delivered only a trickle of new reactors barely enough to replace retiring plants.
If there was ever going to be a nuclear renaissance, it was then. Back then, solar and wind were still expensive and batteries able to power cars or store power for the grid were in their infancy.
Even if these new smaller, modular reactors can overcome the massive cost blowouts which inevitably dog large plants, its too late for nuclear in Australia. As a new report points out, nuclear would be wildly uncompetitive, costing far more per megawatt hour (MWh) than it does to take energy from sun or wind.
The nuclear renaissance that wasnt
Early in the 21st century, the outlook for nuclear energy seemed more promising than it had in years. As evidence on the dangers of global heating mounted, it became clear that the expansion of coal-fired power in the 1990s especially in Asia had been a mistake.
And despite the prevalence of slogans such as Solar not Nuclear, the cost of solar and wind energy was then too high to make fully renewable systems a reality.
The rise of Generation III and III+ designs promised to eliminate or at least greatly reduce the risk of accidents like those at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl.
The time seemed right for a nuclear renaissance especially in the United States. Between 2007 and 2009, 13 companies applied for construction and operating licenses to build 31 new nucle...
Wednesday, 12 July
21:31
The recent Jenin operation looks different when considering Palestine as a weapons laboratory "IndyWatch Feed National"
A strong review of my new book, The Palestine Laboratory, by writer Syndication Bureau (focusing solely on the Middle East).
An extract:
The occupation of Palestine is the most funded and resourced state project in Israels history. On the surface, the occupation has been sold as a temporary defensive measure necessary for Israels survival. However, it satisfies many other needs. Given the biblical connection to the West Bank, the occupation provides a religious veneer to the project of secular Zionism. Control over holy cities with deep meaning in Jewish religious history rallies Jews worldwide to support Israel and its government.
More importantly, Israels military control over an entire population has facilitated the creation of a lucrative weapons industry. In his new book, The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World, Australian journalist Antony Loewenstein has documented the intricate connection between the occupation of Palestine and the development of the modern weapons industry. Controlling millions of people requires more than a strong military. Israel has dominated virtually all aspects of Palestinian life with remarkable efficiency through a matrix of checkpoints, physical barriers, and advanced surveillance technologies.
Read the whole thing: What Drives Israels Lucrative Weapons Industry | by Joseph Dana | Jul, 2023 | Medium
The post The recent Jenin operation looks different when considering Palestine as a weapons laboratory appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.
17:52
US spending data not demonstrating effectiveness of monetary policy "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
I have been looking for signs that the concerted efforts by most central banks (bar the eminently more sensible Bank of Japan) to kill growth and force unemployment up have actually been effective. My prior, of course, is that the interest rates will not significantly reduce growth in the short run, but may if they
17:37
Chip Maker Foxconn Exits Semiconductor Joint Venture With Indian Mining Company Vedanta "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
The $19.5 billion semiconductor JV was called off due to external issues unrelated to the project, Foxconn said.
17:27
Information on the number of littering and parking fines issued "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Awaiting classification.
16:26
TODAY. Nuclear power is SO IRRELEVANT to climate! Its almost funny, -but its NOT funny. "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Today, Australias Prime Minister is in Germany, to joining several counties, including other big carbon polluters, in a Climate Club to preach about zero carbon emissions by 2050.
2050? Its too late big boys!
The Australian big boys, like those of USA will pay lip service to a worthy principle but its pointless, because Climate Change better named as Global Heating is upon us NOW.
The job now is to slow the Global Heating process down by energy conservation, truly renewable energy. The job is also justice, fairness, global effort to help those most affected by the heat, floods, fires now raging.
Oh and what about nuclear power? And those stupid little small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs)?
Well, one or two of them might be working commercially by 2050, having no effect on climate change.
But of course, thats not the point, is it? Small nuclear reactors are for weaponry, for nuclear submarines etc. Those powerful blokes, (and a few token women) they love weaponry, high-technology for killing people war is such fun!
So they just lie about SMRs to solve climate change
16:22
Australia needs a nuclear power school to develop AUKUS capability: Navy chief "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
Australian Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond says a nuclear power school should be developed out of Adelaide or Perth if Australia is serious about developing its sovereign AUKUS capability.
Mr Hammond believes a nuclear power school would help our nation reduce reliance on the US, according to Sky News host Amanda Stoker.
16:20
Failed Fukushima Fixes Falling Like Dominoes "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
CounterPunch BY JOHN LAFORGE, 6 July, 23
Tepcos cost-avoidance on its sea wall was only the first in a string of failures that have followed like dominos. The corruption led in July 2022 to convictions of four top Tepco executives for negligence and a fine of $95 billion.
In the 12 years since the meltdowns, Tepcos disaster response efforts, always heralded as fixes, have been a series of hugely expensive failures: the advanced wastewater filter system ALPS has failed; the buried ice wall groundwater barrier has failed; containers made for the radioactive sludge produced by ALPS have failed; and plans to deal with millions of tons of collected debris now kept in plastic bags are being fiercely resisted by Japanese citizens.
Tons of cooling water is still being poured every day into Fukushimas triple reactor wrecks to keep the hot melted fuel from again running amok. Additionally, groundwater gushes through the reactors foundations countless cracks and breaks caused by the staggering earthquake into whats left of the structures sub-floors. All this water becomes highly radioactive as it passes over and through three giant masses totaling at least 880 tonnes of melted and mangled uranium and plutonium fuel.
You read that right. Fukushimas destroyed reactor No. 3 was using fuel made partly of plutonium (see below), and so plutonium contaminates not just the ground and cooling water running over the melted fuel, but the ALPS apparatus, its filters, the containers used to store the radioactive sludge extracted by ALPS, and of course the sludge itself. You would think that the word plutonium would appear occasionally in news coverage of this ongoing disaster.
Failed ALPS means million-tonne do-over
Tepcos jerry-rigged system dubbed Advanced Liquid Processing System or ALPS has never worked as planned. As early as 2013 the machinery was stalled. The ALPS system failed to reduce radioactive e...
16:18
Heatwaves: Why this (Northern) summer has been so hot "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
It is hot. Very hot. And we are only a few weeks into
summer. Texas and
part of the south-west of the US are enduring a searing heatwave.
At one
point, more than 120 million Americans were under some form of
heat
advisory, the US National Weather Service said. That is more than
one in
three of the total population.
In the UK, the June heat didnt just break
all-time records, it smashed them. It was 0.9C hotter than the
previous
record, set back in 1940. That is a huge margin. There is a similar
story
of unprecedented hot weather in North Africa, the Middle East and
Asia. No
surprise, then, that the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather
forecasts
said that globally, June was the hottest on record. And the heat
has not
eased. The three hottest days ever recorded were in the past
week,
according to the EU climate and weather service, Copernicus.
These highs are in line with what climate models predicted, says Prof Richard Betts, climate scientist at the Met Office and University of Exeter.
We should not be at all surprised with the high global temperatures, he says. This is all a stark reminder of what weve known for a long time, and we will see ever more extremes until we stop building up more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
When we think about how hot it is, we tend to think about the air temperature, because thats what we experience in our daily lives.
But most of the heat stored near the surface of the Earth is not in the atmosphere, but in the oceans. And weve been seeing some record ocean temperatures this spring and summer.
The North Atlantic, for example, is currently experiencing the highest surface water temperatures ever recorded.
That marine heatwave has been particularly pronounced around the coasts of the UK, where some areas have experienced temperatures as much as 5C above what you would normally expect for this time of year
Most of the extra heat trapped by the build-up of greenhouse gases has gone into warming the surface ocean, he explains. That extra heat tends to get mixed downwards towards the deeper ocean, but movements in oceans currents like El Nio can bring it back to the surface.
When that happens, a lot of that heat gets released into the atmosphere, says Prof Lenton, driving up air temperatures.
Its easy to think of this exceptionally hot weather as unusual, but the...
16:16
Terrible truths about nuclear energy exposed "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
We are all seeing a global political agreement centred in the UN organisations, tie IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency], the World Health Organisation All the international agencies are whitewashing what is happening in Fukushima.
By Karl Grossman | 11 July 2023 https://independentaustralia.net/environment/environment-display/terrible-truths-about-nuclear-energy-exposed,17704
A NEW documentary titled The Fukushima Disaster: The Hidden Side of the Story is a powerful, moving, informative film that is superbly made. Directed and edited by Philippe Carillo, it is among the strongest ever made on the deadly dangers of nuclear technology.
Australians featured in the film are Dr Helen Caldicott, former president of Physicians for Social Responsibility, and John Keane, professor of politics at the University of Sydney. Carillo is a resident of the nation of Vanuatu, 1,750 kilometres northeast of Australia.
The documentary begins with the words of U.S. President John F Kennedy from 1961:
Every man, woman and child lives under a nuclear sword of Damocles, hanging by the slenderest of threads, capable of being cut at any moment by an accident, or miscalculation or by ma...
16:14
Safe or septic Japans nuclear wastewater dumping "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
RNZ, From The Detail, Tom Kitchin, co-host of The Detail @inkitchnz tom.kitchin@rnz.co.nz 11 July 23
There are diplomatic headaches and heated scientific debates after Japan revealed plans to dump the wastewater its been using to cool the Fukushima nuclear power plant in the Pacific.
Sea and ground water has been used to cool the damaged reactors, and now theres about 1.3 million tonnes of that sitting in tanks while the Japanese government and plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) figure out what to do with it.
They want to release the wastewater into the ocean diluting all the cancer-causing nuclear fission products out of it such as caesium, which can build up in muscles, strontium-90 which can build up in bones and iodine-129 which can build up in the thyroid.
. journalist Nic Maclellan, a Melbourne-based correspondent with Islands Business Magazine, tells The Detail.
The Pacific Islands Forum has been especially critical, and appointed an independent scientific panel to investigate safety issues around the proposed dumping, he says.
The panel has raised a series of issues around the quality of the sampling, the cost of the sampling, the cost of the programme over decades, the maintenance of safety sampling and the fact that they really dont know whether Japan can maintain the quality that will stop other radioactive isotopes being released into the ocean.
There are also questions over whether the wastewater dump is a breach of the Treaty of Rarotonga, signed in 1985, which created a South Pacific nuclear-free zone.
It was largely about nuclear weapons, but article seven talks about preventing nuclear waste dumping.
Japan has been acting as if these safety concerns are not serious and its taken a lot of pressure for Japan to be dragged kicking and screaming into addressing questions, many of which are still unresolved, Maclellan says.
...
16:12
Bowen: Australia will be renewable energy superpower, not a nuclear backwater "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
ReNewEconomy, Giles Parkinson 7 July 2023
Federal energy minister Chris Bowen has slammed Opposition leader Peter Duttons call for nuclear power in Australia, saying they are slow to build, impossible expensive and not needed in Australia.
Here we go again, Bowen told reporters after a meeting of state and federal climate and energy ministers in Tasmania on Friday, where the main topics of discussion were the new capacity investment scheme to help storage and a fast connections process for wind and solar.
Mr. Dutton shows he does not understand renewable energy, Bowen said.
He did not get the memo from the Australian people last year, when they threw out his climate denying government.
He has not changed and I say this. Peter Dutton as prime minister would be worse for the climate than Scott Morrison. And that takes him doing. The man who carried a lump of coal into the House of Representatives was better on climate than Peter Dutton. Thats the low bar that Peter Dutton has managed to get below.
Bowen mocked Duttons reference of both small nuclear reactors and micro nuclear reactors, neither of which exist in commercial form anywhere in the world.
The nuclear for Australia committee called for 80 of these things where will they go? What will the cost be?
Some of his own party have acknowledged they cost $10 billion each. The only thing small about a small modular reactor is its output. nothing small about its cost.
:His deputy Mr. Littleproud, the leader of the National Party, said it wouldnt cost a cent which will come as a considerable surprise surprise to the nuclear industry that theyre going to build them for free.
...
16:11
AliExpress enabling frausters doing nothing about it? "IndyWatch Feed National"
Any selling medium does attract criminals and while in Australia there may be law against false or misleading advertising, Australian 'consumers' are at the mercy of others.
There are plenty of fraudsters, Chinese nationals, on AliEpress, where they are blatantly ripping off overseas buyers.
What is AliExpress doing about it? Very little, not enough.
What is the Chinese government doing about it? Nothing!
Would one seriously expect a government to act against its nationals defrauding 'round eyes', when (globally recognised) copyright law has zero effect or execution in China?
What about Team America World Police, when are they going to save the day?
As they say, buyer beware.
In any event you can see this video, for 'entertainment' purposes:
Fake SSD from AliExpress | How to recognize a fake
See also:
I Got Scammed - Fake 4TB Samsung SSD from AliExpress
And:
I bought a $58 "64TB" External Drive from AliExpress...same scam, bigger storage claim
16:10
16:08
Hipkins surrenders "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Last month, the Greens kicked off their election campaign, proposing a wealth tax on the ultra-rich. Its a good, sensible policy: the New Zealand state is decrepit and run-down, with everything falling apart and failing after decades of austerity. A wealth tax would give it the money it needs to be able to do the things we want it to do: schools, hospitals, a welfare system that ends poverty and ensures human dignity.
So, you'd expect Labour, the party of ordinary kiwis who rely on those public services, to support this, right? Of course not:
Labour will not propose a wealth tax or a capital gains tax at the election, Labour leader Chris Hipkins said overnight on Wednesday.And so Labour, "the party of the workers", has sided with the ultra-rich to fuck over normal people, as usual. But then, should we really expect anything different from a man paid $471,049 a year, who owns three houses? Bluntly, he's not one of us - he's one of them. Of course he stands for their interests rather than ours.Im confirming today that under a Government I lead there will be no wealth or capital gains tax after the election. End of story.
He said now is simply not the time for a big shake-up of our tax system.
Obviously, we have MMP, so this is really a question of the balance of power between Labour and the Greens and Te Pti Mori after the election. But Hipkins' announcement today means that that might not be an issue. He's basicly told voters to fuck off, he's not going to offer us anything - just the awful, unequal, rusting status quo. There's no hope for a better future under Labour. So why bother voting for them?
The clear message from this announcement is that if you want change, you need to vote for the Greens or Te Pati Mori. As for Labour, a party which offers its voters literally nothing deserves to lose.
16:08
16:00
Tassie's Tall Trees under threat "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Logging and bushfires have decimated giant gum trees in Tasmania. Unless we seriously tackle climate change, Australia stands to lose these biological treasures, writes Henry Johnston.
I PASS A milestone this year. A pointer to a life fulfilled. A time of reckoning.
Somewhere it is written, humans are allotted threescore and ten years. As I think back on this gift, I recall the joys of my life on this planet as it spins in silence through the Milky Way.
Other non-human companions, whose life force makes my sweet time appear inconsequential, remind me of the fragility of existence.
I gazed upon them yesterday in Tasmania's Hartz Mountains down by Geeveston Town. But today, I learnt of a threat to companion trees, silent and majestic, in the far-off Mount Field National Park via Maydena, west of Hobart and towards the south from New Norfolk.
Both locales the Hartz Mountains, bifurcated by the dark flowing Huon River and the Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area, watered by the gurgling Tyenna bear the scars of two recent misfortunes.
The first threat, the ever-present menace of logging, elicits passionate arguments for and against, but recent disastrous fires seem forgotten, probably because of a convenient trick we humans employ to bypass certain certainties. If it is out of sight, so, it is out of mind. And I am told our home, the blue planet, experienced its hottest day since records began.
As I write, it is difficult to dismiss the vision of thousands of matchstick-like trees in the Hartz M...
15:11
14:39
Link "IndyWatch Feed National"
Above: Tim Wilms (The Unhinged) and Jarrad Searby (Proud Boys/National Socialist Network/Finks/Melbourne Magistrates Court) pose for the camera. Wilms is wearing RWDS merch popularised by the Proud Boys and, more recently, mass murderer Mauricio Garcia. This week on Yeah Nah Continue reading
14:11
Hmmm. Have we seen this before? "IndyWatch Feed National"
In the 1970s, Whitlam set up the Royal Commission into Human Relationships (fascinating stuff).
One of the many topics they considered was comprehensive sex education.
There is a need for early and continuous sex education and for an educational program which will help young people to be responsible to themselves and to each other and to decide and act with knowledge, not in fear or ignorance.
Royal Commission into Human Relationships, Final Report, 1977
Conservatives at the time went into a frenzy of pearl clutching, insisting that priests and parents were the only people who should ever talk to children about sex. They ignored the evidence that many parents didnt have the information their kids needed, or didnt know how to talk to kids about sex, or had deeply disturbing attitudes towards sex that needed disrupting.
Most of all they ignored all the parents who wanted schools and experts to teach their kids about sex because they knew it would make their kids safer and happier.
Almost 50 years later, the only thing thats changed is a different Royal Commission stopped even the LNP demanding that priests should talk to children about sex.
Effective consent education stops the weaponisation of fear and shame. It gives kids and teens the power to make safer, stronger choices about their own lives and bodies.
People who reject consent education and people who think their power base depends on weaponising fear and shame theres a Venn diagram thats pretty much a perfect circle.
If you want to know more about consent education, heres something I prepared earlier
13:24
Lies, Lies, and Autism, Part 5: Putting Something Malicious in a Vaccine "IndyWatch Feed National"
(L) Frank Rochelle, plaintiff veteran, Photo: CNN (C) Dan Olmsted
of ageofautism.com, Photo: UPI (R) Dr John Walker-Smith, Photo:
Wikipedia
by Mary W Maxwell, LLB
Bioweapons are the type of weapon directed at human health. Of course, weapons such as a gun or a spear are also directed at human health, but here the method is to make the person sick rather than wounded. How to deliver a bioweapon? Put it in the food supply or water supply, inject it, or put it in an insect (or a rat?) which will then deliver it via a bite.
Its claimed that today there are higher-tech bioweapons. You get a chip put into your body which has a receiver of information. The perp can then send instructions for it to interfere with one of your bodys systems. Arent we just marvelous human beings that we have fi...
13:12
Federal Court does not recognise age pension discrimination, despite Australian Government's failure to close life expectancy gap "IndyWatch Feed National"
The Federal Court of Australia has dismissed the legal challenge seeking fair and equal access to the age pension for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Proud Wakka Wakka man Uncle Dennis* brought the case in which the Federal Government faced court for the first time in connection with its failure to close the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people.
Despite recognising the ongoing gap in life expectancy, the Court did not accept that Australia's racial discrimination laws should give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people earlier access to the age pension.
It comes on the same day as The Closing the Gap Annual Data Compilation Report found that Australia is still not on track to meet the target of equal life expectancy by 2031. No progress towards this target was reported since the previous year.
The Albanese government has a responsibility to address age pension inequality out of court, by lowering the pension age for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The current pension age of 67 years does not account for the stark differences in life expectancy and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not have the same opportunity to retire and receive support through the age pension as other Australians. Equal access to the pension would also support several Closing the Gap targets.
Uncle Dennis brought the case with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and the Human Rights Law Centre, with support from DLA Piper.
Proud Wakka Wakka man Uncle Dennis said:
Im frustrated with this white system, its not a system of the land. It doesnt give us a say. White people are living longer because they havent lost what we have lost. As an Aboriginal man, Ive seen too many of my people dying at a very early age. We are lucky to get to 50 years old. This case was about telling the truth, and asking the Government to work together with us, to give our people the same chance in life as everyone else.
Things will never get better unless the Government closes the gaps it created. We didnt have a problem, a problem came here. Our language, our culture and our identity comes from here, it doesnt come from another country. Truth, justice and accountability are important.
Nerita Waight, CEO at the Victorian Aboriginal
Legal Service said:
Everyone deserves to live a life with dignity but this is not
possible for our communities who have been left with no choice but
to live shorter lives in poverty because of decades of racist
colonial policies and a continued lack of investment and change in
the systems, institutions and policies that affect their lives day
in day out.
D......
12:32
Make it new? Art and knowledge in the age of automated content generation "IndyWatch Feed National"
In its combination of the already-known, AI cannot respond to the important challenges of our ageclimate change, various forms of prejudice, the inequalities of capitalism and settler colonialism, incipient fascisms. We need, more than ever, art and thought that gives us the authentically new, that tells us something about human life beyond the norms of media normativity of tech platforms and billionaire tyrants.
The post Make it new? Art and knowledge in the age of automated content generation appeared first on Overland literary journal.
11:42
World Federation of Trade Unions issued statement on the NATO Summit 2023 "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
The NATO summit in Vilnius is about to conclude. It faced some serious issues. Notably the situation in Ukraine and the controversy over an intended expansion into Asia. Critics point out that NATO is on a course towards war and that the push for the prevention of war and for a peaceful relationship between nations is critical to our collective future. The World Federation of Unions, representing 105 million workers in 133 countries issued the statement below just prior to the summit.
The World Federation of Trade Unions, on behalf of its 105 million workers who live, work and struggle in 133 countries of the 5 continents strongly condemns the imperialist plans of NATO and considers the 2023 Summit which is going to be held July 11-12 in Vilnius, Lithuania, one more blatant provocation to the whole peaceful humanity.
The peoples all over the globe know we well the bloody mission of this imperialist alliance is to maintain, and expand if possible, the existing favourable correlation of forces for the NATO countries in order to safeguard the profits of their monopolies. In the imperialist system which is characterized by the fierce competitions of the imperialist forces for geopolitical control and the control of energy resources and their transport routes, both the peoples of the member-states of NATO and the other counties peoples have nothing to expect from the imperialist alliances and wars except death, suffering, poverty, and misery.
The class-oriented world trade union movement, the militant unions, and those who truly want peace consistently and continuously struggle against NATO which constitutes an aggressive war machine in the service of the interests of the imperialist countries of the alliance. The peoples of the world have a first-hand experience of NATO crimes and they know that NATO means nothing but interventions, wars, juntas, refugees, starvation, destruction, and death.
The WFTU condemns the continuation of military interventions and wars, the accelerated militarization of international relations, and the soaring military expenditures; it demands an immediate end to all imperialist armed conflicts, full respect for the sovereignty, independence, and right of every people to freely choose their present and future.
We denounce the exclusions, discriminations, embargoes, and sanctions imposed by the US, NATO, and the EU against various countries, as they negatively impact the standard of living of low-income families, workers, poor small farmers, and popular strata in general.
11:42
Anyone With Drugs, Put Them On The Table: The Redgum Years In The Sunshine State "IndyWatch Feed National"
John Schumann (ex-Redgum lead singer/songwriter) and the Vagabond Crew are returning to Brisbane with The Redgum Years in August. Here, Schumann reflects on gigging in the dark days of the Bjelke-Petersen regime, and finds Redgums protest songs from the 70s and 80s still apply today.
It was September 1979. We were staying in some crappy three-star holiday units in Tweed Heads and Tim Woods, our tour manager, assembled us in one of the kitchens after breakfast.
Redgum was very much a part-time band then. Two of us were high-school teachers so touring opportunities were confined to school holidays. Tim, now a successful concert promoter, was the only member of the touring party who had the faintest idea about the music industry and Queensland.
Okay, anyone with any drugs at all I mean at all put them on the table now.
People shuffled uncomfortably and little by little, small quantities of marijuana in tobacco tins and Gladbags and the odd morsel of crumbly black hash in tinfoil appeared on the Laminex table. It was pretty pathetic, really. These days the combined stash would be considered well within personal use limit for one person.
Right. Were going into Queensland. Were Special Branch targets so we need to be as clean as a bottle of Dettol. Smoke it now, flush it, bury it somewhere I dont care. But its not coming across the border.
Wed released our first album, If You Dont Fight You Lose, barely a year before. One of my contributions was a strident song delivered in my strangulated, nasal tones called Letter to BJ. It was addressed to Queenslands notorious premier and it had garnered a fair bit of attention on both sides of the civil liberties argument. Plenty of Queenslanders were dying to see us play it live. Plenty more would have been just as happy to see our heads on pikes lining the road out of Tweed Heads.
...
11:15
What Is Zero Waste? "IndyWatch Feed National"
New to the zero waste movement? We explain exactly what is zero waste and how living a zero waste lifestyle can help reduce your impact on the planet.
10:28
Clive Palmer launches second ISDS case against the Australian government with third case likely "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
12 July, 2023: The Attorney Generals Department has confirmed that Clive Palmers company, Zeph Investment which is registered in Singapore, has lodged a second Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) claim suing the Australian government for $41.3 billion under the 2012 ASEAN-Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.
ISDS is a mechanism within some trade agreements which enables foreign (but not local) investors to sue governments for millions and even billions of dollars of compensation if they can argue, among other reasons, that a change in domestic law or policy has reduced the value of their investment.
Clive Palmer is claiming to be a Singaporean investor, as Zeph Investment is registered in Singapore, to utilise the ISDS mechanism to lodge his claim. He is alleging that the refusal of coal exploration permits in Queensland, which were refused on environmental grounds, entitles him to ISDS compensation.
Clive Palmers most recent ISDS case is just one of the two new prospective ISDS cases revealed in the May budget papers. The Attorney Generals Department has confirmed that Zeph Investment is expected to lodge a third ISDS case.
These cases follow two previous cases that Clive Palmer has taken against the Australian government. In October 2021, Clive Palmer lost his $27.8 billion High Court (non-ISDS) case against the Western Australian government over a disputed mining lease. He moved assets to Singapore to take this case to an ISDS tribunal and in April 2023 he sued the Australian government for almost $300 billion.
Clive Palmers latest case means he is currently suing the Australian government for $337.3 billion under ISDS, not accounting for a potential third case. Even if Clive Palmer loses these cases, it can be expected to cost the Australian government billions in legal fees. A previous ISDS case between Phillip Morris and the Australian government over plain cigarette packaging cost Australia than $12 billion in legal fees and over 5 years to resolve.
09:46
Discussing Lachlan Murdoch with Paddy Manning "IndyWatch Feed National"
Journalist Paddy Manning has written a fascinating book on Lachlan Murdoch, the heir apparent of the global media empire, called The Successor.
I interviewed him about the book and his methods behind it at this years Newcastle Writers Festival:
The post Discussing Lachlan Murdoch with Paddy Manning appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.
09:24
Post-pandemic Principle #3: Sort out your personal balance sheet "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
09:11
Robodebt Morrisons latest disaster "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
In August 2022 Peter Dutton was interviewed in Adelaide. In a wide ranging interview he stated, many times, that if a Royal Commission was set up to look into Robodebt, then Bill Shorten should be the first minister to appear. Asked several times about Scott Morrisons responsibility for the scheme he repeated his charge that
The post Robodebt Morrisons latest disaster appeared first on The AIM Network.
09:10
SCRC's draft Marine Turtle Conservation Plan - Mapping and ALAN results "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Partially successful.
09:08
Barnaby Hunts A Name For New Nationals Think Tank. Hilarity Ensues. "IndyWatch Feed National"
Apparently (and by apparently we mean possibly) the Nationals are contemplating a Think Tank and Political Activist Group to rival GetUp!, Advance Australia and the IPA. Which, for pretty obvious reasons isnt going to be easy. Because, you know, the words Barnaby Joyce and Think Tank appearing in the same sentence is almost certain to evoke fits of laughter in most quarters, and get in the way of the very thing that think tanks are supposed to promote namely, thinking.
Ever ready to assist, the Twitterverse has exploded with suggestions to help the Member for New England find his way through the confusing maze of word thingies (and in the interests of accuracy its also possible that the Twitterverse is equally responsible for creating the whole concept but wheres the fun in fact-checking that). The batting was opened by a Mr. Philip Riley, proud Wiradjuri man and retired schoolteacher, whose suggestions include Intellecta Nullius, All Hat No Cattle, and Happy Hour.
Barnaby Joyce and the Nationals are contemplating a Think Tank and Political Activist Group to rival Get Up , Advance Australia and the IPA. Potential names are being bandied about including Mining for Votes , Intellecta Nullius . All Hat No Cattle .Suggestions ? pic.twitter.com/5sZrQPlOpj
Phillip Riley (@philmupp1) July 10, 2023
Other suggestions forthcoming include Septic Tank, Lie Down (a play on GetUp!, arf arf), Drink Up!, No Flies On Us, Empty Paddocks, No-one Left, Rorting Rooters, Bourbon Bangers, All Hat No Head, and Cattlemen Up No Trails.
Some of the more classy names included The Bull Dust Institute, The Mudguard Centre (all bright and shiny on top but filthy underneath), the Fertiliser Forum, and the Sir Les Patterson Foundation.
And in a flurry of suggestions, Greg Burch offered: Drink Tank, Gin Up!, Institute of Public Bars, Institute of Elicit Affairs, Institute of the Public Purse, and Integrous Nullius. Its possible Mr Burch is either no fan of the Nationals, or believes them to have a drinking problem.
Judy Lloyd Dalton offered more of an interpretive artwork than a name a photo of Barnaby Joyce sleeping through a session of parliament, prompting Mr Riley to remark, Hes got 2 of the Seven Dwarfs covered Sleepy and Dopey.
Keiran Dwyer also offered up some artwork:
K...
08:00
Blockchain could revolutionise the power industry "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Blockchain technology has the potential to provide solutions to several challenges facing the power industry today, writes Paul Budde.
AS WE ALL KNOW, because of the rising costs of energy, the power industry is one of the most important sectors of the economy. It is responsible for providing electricity to homes, businesses and other critical infrastructure. However, the power industry is also facing a number of challenges, including rising demand, ageing infrastructure and climate change.
Blockchain technology has the potential to address many of these challenges and revolutionise the power industry. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that can record transactions in a secure and transparent way.
This makes it ideal for applications in the power industry, such as:
- Energy trading: Blockchain can be used to create a secure and transparent marketplace for energy trading. This would allow buyers and sellers to trade energy directly with each other, without the need for a third party.
- Distributed energy resources: Blockchain can be used to manage distributed energy resources (DERs), such as solar panels and batteries. This would allow DERs to participate in the energy market and provide valuable services to the grid.
- Smart grids: Blockchain can be used to create smart grids, which are more efficient and reliable. Smart grids use sensors and other technology to collect data about the grid, which can then be used to optimise operations.
- Fraud prevention: Blockchain can be used to prevent fraud in the power industry. For example, blockchain can be used to track the movement of energy, which can help to identify and prevent theft.
We also discussed blockchain in this article and discussed at a higher level its benefits and its problems.
In addition to these specific applications, blockchain can a...
07:40
No consultation with new planning body "IndyWatch Feed National"
The NSW Reconstruction Authority has released a draft document, Protocols exercise of powers and functions under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022, outlining its powers to act in relation to promoting community resilience to the impact of disasters in NSW.
The Authority has absorbed both the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) and Infrastructure NSWs HawkesburyNepean Valley Flood Risk Management Directorate (HNV).
The NRRC retains its Northern Rivers identity and continues to focus on rebuilding communities in the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas. This includes delivering the Resilient Homes Program, states the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
While the draft document outlines that it seeks transparency and engagement with stakeholders, the Overview of NSW Reconstruction Authoritys key powers clearly identifi...
07:39
The two-tier economy "IndyWatch Feed National"
Have you tried to get a tradie recently?
How about booking your car in for a service, or hiring a removalist that can fit you in before Christmas?
If youve tried calling any of these local businesses recently, youve probably discovered that demand for basic services like these is majorly outstripping supply.
Welcome to the north coasts two-speed economy.
While the local retail sector struggles under the dual pressures of rising interest rates and the increased cost of living, industries involved in providing basic, grass roots services are booming.
Many tradies have waiting periods of two months for an average-sized job, while some, such as carpenters and tilers, are almost impossible to get, unless youre willing to pay a premium.
The average wait to book your car in for a service in the Shire is two-to-four weeks, and if youre moving house within the local area youll want to plan at least eight weeks ahead.
A series of interviews conducted by The Echo with experts and those working in these industries suggest the boom and consequent shortages in these industries are the outcome of multiple factors.
They include the increase in demand for the building industry brought about by the 2022 floods, and the mass migration to the Northern Rivers during covid.
At the same time, there is a critical shortage of workers in some of these areas, particularly in the trades sector.
Jason Bentley, from the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce, said the region was definitely seeing different industries at different levels.
The trade sector is going gang busters. Some are struggling to keep up with demand.
But at the same time, others are having to close down their operations or move out of the area.
Jane Laverty, President of the Northern Rivers chapter of Business NSW, said businesses in the region typically fell into one of three lanes: those that were really struggling, those who were hanging in there, and those who were seeing ongoing very high demand.
Golden triangle
All of these businesses are facing what I call the golden triangle, which is housing, staffing and skills, she said.
These are the three biggest challenges that pretty much everyone is facing.......
07:26
In which the pond offers a headlines survey before settling down to a bipartisan stew ... "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
The pond decided to take it easy this day and do a survey of the headlines of the lizard Oz. By now the pond expects devoted herpetology students to be able to write a column in the style and manner of any reptile columnist and without the help of AI, still end up with passing fair sense of verisimilitude ...
First up the pond caught a fleeting glimpse of a despairing cry from the Catholic Boys' (and occasional girl) Daily at the thought of having been done down yet again by that rogue liberal Marxist climate science affirming chemist from South America ...
Remember to splash a few tears onto the paper so that the ink might run, and cry forlornly at the sky, "where are the Pellists of yesteryear"?
Moving right along, there's much digital ink to be spilled about Jimbo ...
If talk of "hard-head Jim"...
07:21
Link "IndyWatch Feed Economics.au"
Australian Property Podcast
Somewhat topical, with builder insolvencies exploding 75 per cent higher over the 2023 financial year, I asked Amy Lunardi about what's happening with house and land packages.
Tune in here (or click on the image below):
You can also watch the video
06:50
Peter Duttons puppet is National Anti-Corruption Commission Deputy Commissioner Jaala Hinchcliffe. Has the NACC already been corrupted? "IndyWatch Feed National"
Peter Dutton covered up a lot of corruption in the
previous government and one of his puppets he used to do the dirty
work was Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity
(ACLEI) []
06:00
How Australia can partner more effectively with France in the Pacific "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
As geopolitics brings increasing engagement by external actors with the Pacific, there is a need to coordinate more effectively including Australia and France. At the same time, better coordination must be done in a consultative and respectful manner in partnership with Pacific nations, particularly in light of Australias commitment to a new era with the region.
In a new report by the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue (AP4D), we identify how Australia can work with France to contribute to addressing some of the Pacifics challenges. To help inform our conclusions, we conducted discussions with Pacific Islanders in Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga who have experience working with Australia and France.
Development coordination is crucial for maximising the impact of scarce resources and ensuring that the often-limited bandwidth of Pacific governments is not overwhelmed and that local sovereignty and perspectives are prioritised. Playing to the strengths of different actors, drawing on collective expertise, and avoiding duplicating or undermining respective efforts are also crucial. Donor coordination forums and conferences, greater visibility and mapping of respective contributions, alignment on diligence and compliance requirements, and dedicated resources for coordination are all ideas to explore.
Australia and France can work together to improve coordination, alongside other actors including the US, New Zealand, Japan, European institutions, and multilateral development banks. While yet to demonstrate its practical value fully, the Partners in the Blue Pacific initiative promises to perform such a function though France and the EU are only observers, and it has received a mixed reception in the Pacific. Australia should ensure that the grouping remains open to, and engaged with, France as much as possible. The first substantial focus area for Partners in the Blue Pacific is....
00:15
Telstra-Space X agreement is not welcome news in every corner of Australia "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
.jpg) |
| Moon, Four Planets,
and Emu an Aboriginal Astronomical
constellation that's outlined by dark areas of the Australian
night sky. NASA Science, 8 February
2019
|
Nominally Australian telecommunications corporation Telstra Group and Elon Musks Space Exploration Technologies Corp aka SpaceX have one thing in common they both frequently charge too much for the often below par telecommunicatio...
Tuesday, 11 July
22:33
Rental price growth has...peaked! "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
22:28
Commuting Kuranda - Cairns "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Hi all,
I am considering relocating to Cairns or Kuranda. I have a job in Smithfield lined up. I was wondering do people often commute between Kuranda and Smithfield for work? Is the traffic okay on the range?
What other suburbs would you recommend.
[link] [comments]
21:40
Over 61,000 heat related deaths during 2022 European summer "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
New research estimates over 61,000 heat related deaths in Europe in 2022. And that comes after heat alerts and other climate adaptation measures implemented after the massive death toll of 73,000 from the 2003 heatwave. What will the summer bring for Australia? With record temperatures being set around the world (see June climate signals and records), and ElNino formation boosting
21:32
Banging sound Kirwan "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Can anyone explain the banging sound? It sounds like distance thunder but it's obviously not.
[link] [comments]
21:28
20:37
Natural sweetener been sterilising populations for decades with blessing of Obama and Gates "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
What do you know? Woolworths has been marketing Coca-Cola with natural sweetener stevia in Aboriginal communities as being a healthy alternative to sugar, Stevia is a herb which is quite sweet but can leave an after taste in a cup of tea. When we follow the money trail the same suspects are unearthed. This video []
20:36
Dear Future, I am ready Refugee Vigil and Exhibition Launch. "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Survivors of Australias offshore immigration detention regime tell their stories in Dear Future, I am ready, an exhibition of images on 19 July at St Johns Cathedral. As for my []
The post Dear Future, I am ready Refugee Vigil and Exhibition Launch. first appeared on Westender.
20:34
Newsletter #863 What's On this Week "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Read Online Newsletter: What's On | 11 - 17 July 2023 What's On Melbourne Newsletter Tuesday 11th July 2023 - Monday 17th July 2023 E periences in the
20:09
Fire at powdered milk factory burns for 2 days in Australia "IndyWatch Feed National"
Firefighters will need to lift the roof off a powdered milk factory in order to extinguish a fire that has been burning for almost two days on the New South Wales South Coast. The factory in Bomaderry, north of Nowra, caught alight at about 1:30pm on Monday. Several employees attempted to fight the fire before Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW crews took over. Shoalhaven Fire and Rescue Inspector Rick Jones said the factory was full of highly flammable powdered milk, which had prolonged the firefighting efforts. "The product itself is something that burns very fiercely, which was evident yesterday," he said.
19:54
New film: protecting the alpine peatlands "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
This is a beautiful short film about the alpine peatlands by Stephen Curtain.
It is based on the work of the Cross-regional Victorian Alpine Peatlands project and features interviews with Gunaikurnai elder Russell Mullett, Jess Haughton and Helen Wilson from North East Catchment Management Authority, Dan Brown from Parks Victoria and others. The project seeks to protect and improve the condition of the alpine peatlands which are scattered across the higher areas of the alpine zone. Threats include deer, weeds and fire. It also has some stunning aerial footage of Baw Baw and Buffalo plateaus and across the high plains.
As Stephen says of the film: The alpine peatlands are the kidneys of the Murray-Darling Basin. They clean and slowly release water in alpine Country for Countrys sake, not to mention the immeasurable value of water downstream for so many purposes. How we manage hard impacts on this fragile, slow-to-recover landscape is the opportunity before us.
...
19:29
City of Perth wants you to report anti-social behaviour to a hotline "IndyWatch Feed National"
READ MORE AT TOTT NEWS Perth authorities, who
already have a smart city network comprising...
19:00
Checking In "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
What Happened to the Federalnaya sluzhba bezopasnosti Rossiyskoy Federatsii? The FSB answers directly to Vladimir Putin For the most part, it is the successor organization to the KGB in that the security of Russia is its mission. Since 2014, the FSB devoted substantial resources to preparing for a Russian takeover of Ukraine. Although Russias []
The post Checking In appeared first on Virtual Mirage.
18:30
When Net Zero Describes Common Sense And Progress, Rather Than Emissions "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Australias path to net zero emissions isnt so much rocky as it breathtakingly foolish. That is unless were all okay with wide-scale habitat destruction both here and overseas) while wasting trillions of dollars in the process. Geoff Russell weighs in on the renewables vs nuclear debate, which seems to be going from the bizarre to the absurdum.
Mathematicians often use a form of proof called Reductio ad absurdum. If you want to prove something is false, then assume its true and see what that implies. If the implication is false or contrary to something we know is true, then the job is done.
Heres an example. Suppose Jill and Joe are having a discussion. Joe believes in the power of prayer and Jill wants to prove that praying for something doesnt work.
JOE: If I pray, then I can pass my exam.
Jill assumes prayer works and so tries to see what that implies.
JILL: If prayer works, then few, if any Christians would ever have died from cancer.
Thats true if most Christians with a cancer diagnosis respond by praying not to die (from the cancer).
Jill: So, since many Christians die of cancer (every day), prayer doesnt work.
Theres a bit of slack in that argument. Maybe Christians dont all take to prayer when given a cancer diagnosis, and maybe some die without being diagnosed. A mathematician doing mathematics would be more rigorous, but Reductio arguments are often used in this rough and ready way.
Of course, you can escape the argument by exploiting a common loop hole.
Joe: Prayer definitely works, just not all the time and only if you are devout.
Enter Net Zero Australia.
Best laid plans
All over the world, research groups are producing net-zero plans of one kind or another. The latest local work came out in April 2023, from Net Zero Australia (NZAU).
NZAU is a consortium of universities and consulting companies, with most of the people being from Melbourne University.
18:27
Any Pokemon Go players that need a Tauros for the All-in-One research? "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Hi, I play PoGo and have some Tauros spare to trade if you need it for the Kanto badge. DM me if interested.
They are legit Pokemon, I travel to the States once or twice a year.
[link] [comments]
18:00
Animal Liberation is hosting a webinar and you're invited "IndyWatch Feed National"
Our webinars are a great place to learn about
animal rights issues and the campaigns that are working to create a
kinder world. You will also discover ways you can get involved, and
connect with like-minded people. See below to know some of the
people who will be presenting there.
During this meeting you'll hear from:
Tara Ward, co-founder and volunteer principal solicitor for the Animal Defenders Office (ADO). The ADO is a nationally accredited, volunteer-run community legal centre based in Canberra. Tara has also taught animal law at the University of New South Wales since 2008, and is an animal welfare representative on a university's animal ethics committee. Tara will be discussing some recent cases, with a focus on animal advocates.
Alex Vince, Animal Liberation's campaign manager, will be showing a snippet of On The Fence, an upcoming documentary about Australia's most misunderstood apex predator, the dingo. Alex was interviewed about 1080 poison in this documentary.
Tracey and Mick, founders of Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary, will be sharing why they started Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary, and how they break the cycle of abuse for children and animals, by nurturing empathy and compassion towards others.
When: 6:30 pm (AEST), Thursday, 13th July 2023
Where: Online via Zoom...
17:43
We have Engaged the Borg: The Oral history of the battle of Wolf 359 "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
This is pretty fucking amazing. Youll need a whole weekend to enjoy it. Via @MarkJISC on the Hellsite.
17:40
1) TPNPB leader Egianus Kogoya denies ransom demand "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Enarotali, Jubi Egianus Kogoya, one of the leaders of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has denied that he demanded a ransom of Rp 5 billion (US$ 329,000) for the release of Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens. Kogoya made this statement in a video received by Jubi on Saturday, July 8, 2023.
According to Kogoya, he never approached Indonesia or anyone else for Rp 5 billion. He urged people not to believe the media reports from Indonesia because he never asked for money, he stated in the video.
The joint forces of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police has been trying to rescue Philip Mark Mehrtens after he was held hostage by the TPNPB group led by Egianus Kogoya. The incident took place on February 7, 2023, in Nduga Regency, where Kogoyas group seized the Susi Air plane piloted by Mehrtens and subsequently set it on fire.
...17:20
Pandemic worsens mental health for refugee women in Australia "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
New research from the University of New South Wales found out women with refugee backgrounds in Australia have more mental health concerns linked to the Covid19 pandemic.
Researchers found out more than 68 percent of women with a refugee background have a very serious issue with fear associated with Covid-19 because of the prior trauma they experience.
Image: Image credit: Unsplash
Produced By: Xinchen Li
Featured In Story: Susan Rees- Professor in Psychiatry at the University of New South Wales
First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 11 July 2023
The post Pandemic worsens mental health for refugee women in Australia appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
Pandemic worsens mental health for refugee women in Australia "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
New research from the University of New South Wales found out women with refugee backgrounds in Australia have more mental health concerns linked to the Covid19 pandemic.
Researchers found out more than 68 percent of women with a refugee background have a very serious issue with fear associated with Covid-19 because of the prior trauma they experience.
Image: Image credit: Unsplash
Produced By: Xinchen Li
Featured In Story: Susan Rees- Professor in Psychiatry at the University of New South Wales
First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 11 July 2023
The post Pandemic worsens mental health for refugee women in Australia appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
17:15
Queensland housing plan doesnt go far enough says Qld Greens "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The Queensland government recently announced they
would be partnering with St Vincent de Paul Queensland to build 147
new social houses in Toowoomba, Bundaberg and the Gold Coast. It
will cost $71 million.
In a statement,
the government said the project was part of a $5 billion investment
to start building 13 000 social and affordable Queensland homes by
2027.
Queensland Greens housing spokesperson and MP Dr.
Amy MacMahon told The Wire what she thought of the plan and
discussed additional solutions to address the housing crisis.
The Wire reached out to Queensland Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon for comment, but she did not respond.
For housing help, please contact:
- your local Housing Service Centre during business hours
- the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.
Image: Netta Finney
Produced By: Netta Finney
Featured In Story: Dr Amy MacMahon MP Member for South Brisbane and QLD Greens housing spokesperson
First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 11 July 2023
The post Queensland housing plan doesnt go far enough says Qld Greens appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
Queensland housing plan doesnt go far enough says Qld Greens "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The Queensland government recently announced they
would be partnering with St Vincent de Paul Queensland to build 147
new social houses in Toowoomba, Bundaberg and the Gold Coast. It
will cost $71 million.
In a statement,
the government said the project was part of a $5 billion investment
to start building 13 000 social and affordable Queensland homes by
2027.
Queensland Greens housing spokesperson and MP Dr.
Amy MacMahon told The Wire what she thought of the plan and
discussed additional solutions to address the housing crisis.
The Wire reached out to Queensland Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon for comment, but she did not respond.
For housing help, please contact:
- your local Housing Service Centre during business hours
- the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.
Image: Netta Finney
Produced By: Netta Finney
Featured In Story: Dr Amy MacMahon MP Member for South Brisbane and QLD Greens housing spokesperson
First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 11 July 2023
The post Queensland housing plan doesnt go far enough says Qld Greens appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
17:08
Young workers denied retirement savings "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A report by Industry Super Australia warns that an outdated law denying under-18 workers super contributions could cost them over $10,000 in the long term.
Approximately 375,000 young workers in Australia are locked out of the retirement system, as they are only eligible for compulsory super contributions if they work over 30 hours per week for the same employer.
Removing this discriminatory threshold would not only be fair to young workers but also remove the administrative burden for employers.
This exclusion affects over 90% of teenage workers who typically work fewer than 30 hours per week.
Image: Image credit: Unsplash
Produced By: Moemina Shukur
Featured In Story: Bernie Dean Industry Super Australias Chief Executive
First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 11 July 2023
The post Young workers denied retirement savings appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
Young workers denied retirement savings "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A report by Industry Super Australia warns that an outdated law denying under-18 workers super contributions could cost them over $10,000 in the long term.
Approximately 375,000 young workers in Australia are locked out of the retirement system, as they are only eligible for compulsory super contributions if they work over 30 hours per week for the same employer.
Removing this discriminatory threshold would not only be fair to young workers but also remove the administrative burden for employers.
This exclusion affects over 90% of teenage workers who typically work fewer than 30 hours per week.
Image: Image credit: Unsplash
Produced By: Moemina Shukur
Featured In Story: Bernie Dean Industry Super Australias Chief Executive
First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 11 July 2023
The post Young workers denied retirement savings appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
17:04
The cost of diabetes on healthcare in Australia "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Diabetes continues to be a significant epidemic in the 21st century, resulting in numerous complications that affect vital organs such as the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and eyes.
In the past decade, significant progress has been made in diabetes management, leading to a reduction in these complications.
Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes, there is a need for more extensive efforts at the public health level and the development of new therapies to further enhance the prognosis for this prevalent condition.
National Diabetes Week serves as a reminder of the ongoing global health challenge posed by diabetes, including within Australia.
Image: Image credit: Unsplash
Produced By: Moemina Shukur
Featured In Story: Professor Mark Cooper Head of Department of Diabetes, Monash University.
First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 11 July 2023
The post The cost of diabetes on healthcare in Australia appeared first on 4YOU 98.5FM Capricorn Community Radio.
The cost of diabetes on healthcare in Australia "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Diabetes continues to be a significant epidemic in the 21st century, resulting in numerous complications that affect vital organs such as the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and eyes.
In the past decade, significant progress has been made in diabetes management, leading to a reduction in these complications.
Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes, there is a need for more extensive efforts at the public health level and the development of new therapies to further enhance the prognosis for this prevalent condition.
National Diabetes Week serves as a reminder of the ongoing global health challenge posed by diabetes, including within Australia.
Image: Image credit: Unsplash
Produced By: Moemina Shukur
Featured In Story: Professor Mark Cooper Head of Department of Diabetes, Monash University.
First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 11 July 2023
The post The cost of diabetes on healthcare in Australia appeared first on Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
16:48
Western Queensland Winter 2023 Part 2 -Boulia to Cuttaburra Crossing "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
 |
| Letter-winged Kite |
Following our travels through Longreach, Winton and Mt Isa (following post) we headed south from Mt Isa to Boulia, with rain dashing hopes for further stops for Kalkadoon Grasswren. It had eased by the time we got to Boulia. Continuing south to Bedourie, the Mitchell grass and gibber plains were a sight to behold: a glorious mosaic of wildflowers, vivid greenery, extensive pools of water and lush vegetation in every direction. The bothersome rains that were reshaping our travel plans had a silver lining.
Not long after Bedourie we located a Letter-winged Kite colony that had been reported earlier. These rare birds, under threat from feral cats, are pure pleasure. We had about 12 adults and immatures soaring high and sometimes low above us, mixing with Black Kites and other raptors. In a line of trees along a small watercourse, a pair of Letter-winged Kites held vigil over a nest containing two well-fledged youngsters. Several nests were present in o...
16:17
Piers Morgan Tried To Interview Roseanne Barr. It Went About As Well As Youd Expect "IndyWatch Feed National"
One of the challenging things about Roseanne Barr, at least over the past few years, has been working out whether or not she has a genuine mental illness (and is thus being exploited by morally bankrupt media types) or if, in fact, shes simply just a spectacularly shit human.
Unfortunately, Barrs latest media outing a bizarre, sycophantic, shouty interview from renowned whinging Pom Piers Morgan does nothing to solve the question. But first the brief background.
Morgan had Barr on overnight because, once again, the former comedian turned sitcom star has hit the headlines for saying things that, well, in the cold light of day look more stupid rant than funny. Which, unless youre Donald Trump, cant be put down to a deliberate career choice.
In Barrs case, at the end of last month she appeared on fellow comedian Theo Vons podcast, where, among many other wildly outlandish statements, she sarcastically claimed that Joe Biden had definitely won the 2020 presidential election over Trump. Barr, in case youve missed it, is a trenchant election denier, and so, to underscore her sarcasm, she also pretended to be a Holocaust denier. Which is never a good idea.
[Biden got 81 million votes in 36 districts]. That is the truth, and nobody died in the Holocaust either. Thats the truth. It should happen, six million Jews should die right now because they cause all the problems in the world but it never happened, Barr said.
In Barrs funny defence, she also told Von that Hollywood was full of Jews and that Americans should be grateful because if that wasnt the case, all youd have is f***ing fishing shows. But unfortunately for Barr, while sections of the left did indeed try to misuse the statements to make out Barr was genuinely anti-Semitic (it was clearly satirical and Barr is, in fact, Jewish), it still went down like a lead balloon within the Jewish community.
Jonathan Greenblatt from the Anti-Defamation League lead the charge: Sarcasm or not, Roseanne Barrs comments about Jews and the Holocaust are reprehensible and irresponsible.
And speaking of that, enter Piers Morgan, who was obviously hopeful he might wring a bit more out of the fortnight-old controversy. Morgan also apparently mistakenly believed he had an ally and friend in Roseanne Barr, who, like himself, has repeatedly been silenced and cancelled for her views (well let the fact Morgan has his own television show, and Barr her own publicist for a national tour fly through to the keeper).
...
16:13
Betwixt + Tash Yorks Happy Hour (Bondi Festival) "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Tash Yorks Happy Hour (Photo Jason Matz)
Its the final few days of the Bondi Festival and the excitement keeps building. After nearly two weeks of singing, dance, theatre, comedy, burlesque and cabaret, the last acts are warming up and getting their makeup and frocks ready for showtime.
Tash Yorks Happy Hour
This week we preview Tash Yorks Happy Hour. Tash is on a mission to bring happiness to her audiences, sometimes by challenging their beliefs and behaviour, but mostly through song and a jolly good laugh. As a celebrated cabaret artist, Tash is set to thrill you more than a half-priced wine list.
Supported by her backing band, The Red Wines, (Peppy Smears & Vivian Fonteyn), expect powerful three-part harmonies, hilarious true stories, improvised numbers and of course Australias favourite game Goon of For...
16:10
US cluster bombs deal is clear signal that war is not going well for Ukraine "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
America risks losing the moral high ground by supplying Ukraine with a weapon banned by much of the world, so why are they supplying it?
Mark Stone, US correspondent @Stone_SkyNews
The White House is fully aware of the huge controversy surrounding this cluster munitions decision.
Some 123 countries are part of the 2008 International Convention on Cluster Munitions which bans the use or transfer of this particular weapon.
Almost all of Americas allies are signatories to the convention.
Even within US government circles, there has been deep unease about supplying its own stockpile of cluster munitions to Ukraine.
Ukraine war latest: US to send Kyiv controversial weapon banned by more than 100 countries
As recently as last week, within the state department, there was division about the decision to supply the weapon.
The long and grim record of the cluster bomb explains the unease and the controversy.
Globally, civilians represent 97% of cluster munition casualties, according to a report last year by the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor an organisation that seeks to ban them altogether.
Children are overwhelming the victims.
By supplying the weapon, there is a clear risk to civilians, not now necessarily, but in the future. The legacy of unexploded cluster bomblets is evident on former battlefields globally.
America also risks losing the moral high ground against Russia by supplying a weapon banned by much of the world.
So why supply it?
Well, the facts on the ground are not in Ukraines favour. The transfer is a clear signal that the war is not going well for ...
16:06
US Will Provide Ukraine U.N. Condemned Cluster Bombs as Part of New Weapons Package "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
by EDITORJuly 8, 2023 https://scheerpost.com/2023/07/08/us-will-provide-ukraine-cluster-bombs-as-part-of-new-weapons-package/
The news comes after HRW issued a report that said Ukraine killed civilians with U.N. banned cluster bombs used in Izium
By Dave DeCamp / Anitwar.com
The Associated Press reported Thursday that the Biden administration has decided to arm Ukraine with cluster bombs and will announce the munitions as part of a new $800 million arms package. The news comes after Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a report that said Ukraine has killed its own citizens using the munitions.
US officials told AP that they expect the arms package to be announced Friday. The White House used to be opposed to arming Ukraine with cluster munitions, as they are indiscriminate weapons that cause harm to civilians, but the concerns have waned.
Cluster bombs scatter small submunitions over large areas, making them especially hazardous to civilians who can find unexploded munitions years after they were dropped. Because of their indiscriminate nature, cluster munitions have been banned by more than 100 nations. The US, Ukraine, and Russia are not parties to the treaty, known as the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The HRW report said that Ukrainian cluster munition rocket attacks in the eastern city of Izium in 2022 killed at least eight civilians and wounded 15 more. HRW also said Russias use of cluster bombs in the war has killed many civilians.
Ukraines use of cluster bombs on people living in its eastern territory goes back to 2014, when war first broke out in the Donbas. That year, HRW issued a report that said Kyiv was using the controversial munitions against populated areas of Donetsk. The use of cluster munitions in populated...
16:02
The Fukushima Disaster: The hidden side of the story "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Arnie Gundersen speaks of the clich that the solution to pollution is dilution, but with the radiation from Fukushima being sent into the Pacific, there will be bio-accumulationwith vegetation absorbing radiation, little fish eating that vegetation and intensifying it and bigger fish eating the smaller fish and further bio-accumulating the radioactivity. Already, tuna off California have been found with radiation traced to Fukushima. With this planned further, and yet greater dispersal, thousands of people in the Pacific basin will die from radiation, he says.
Exposing the nuclear industry and its lies. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/07/08/labour-explore-ai-ban-decisions-nuclear-weapons-david-lammy/
The Fukushima Disaster, The Hidden Side of the Story, is a just-released film documentary, a powerful, moving, information-full film that is superbly made. Directed and edited by Philippe Carillo, it is among the strongest ever made on the deadly dangers of nuclear technology.
It begins with the words in 1961 of U.S. President John F. Kennedy: Every man, woman and child lives under a nuclear sword of Damocles, hanging by the slenderest of threads, capable of being cut at any moment by an accident, or miscalculation or by madness.
It then goes to the March 2011 disaster at the Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plants in Japan after they were struck by a tsunami. Their back-up diesel generators were kicked in but did not run for long, notes the documentary. That led to three of the six plants explodingand theres video of thisreleasing an unpreceded amount of nuclear radiation into the air.
Fukushima is the worlds largest ever industrial catastrophe, says Professor John Keane of the University of Sydney in Australia. He says there was no emergency plan and, as to the owner of Fukushima, Tokyo Electric Power Company, with the accident its CEO for five nights and dayslocked himself inside his office.
Meanwhile, from TEPCO, there was only good news with two Japanese government agencies also involved in the cover-upthe Nuclear Industry Safety Agency and Ministry of Economy,...
16:00
Russian victory worse than civilian cluster-bomb deaths says Pentagon official "IndyWatch Feed Enviro.au"
A US official has defended the decision to supply Ukraine with the weapons, which are banned in more than 100 countries.
US fears of Russian success on the battlefield outweigh concerns that deliveries of cluster bombs to Ukraine could result in civilian casualties, a senior Pentagon official acknowledged on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl defended the White Houses decision to approve another $800 million weapons package for Ukraine, including cluster munitions. The weapons are banned in more than 100 countries.
When they detonate, the munitions release many small bomblets over a wide area. A percentage of bomblets fail to detonate on impact, however, and unexploded elements pose severe risks to civilians for years after fighting ends.
Asked if the Pentagon has assured its allies that the munitions will not cause excessive civilian harm, Kahl replied: Im as concerned about the humanitarian circumstance as anybody, but the worst thing for civilians in Ukraine is for Russia to win the war. And so its important that they dont. https://www.rt.com/news/579374-pentagon-cluster-munition-civilian-casualties/
15:35
The Weekly Times | TWT | 12 July 23 "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The post The Weekly Times | TWT | 12 July 23 appeared first on THE WEEKLY TIMES.
15:31
Adam Rippon claps back at Lance Armstrong for transphobia "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong is letting loose on FOXs new series Stars on Mars and his castmates arent happy about it. The series brings together a group of notable celebrities including pop star Tinashe, UFC fighter Ronda Rousey, Modern Familys Ariel Winter, openly gay ice skating Olympian Adam Rippon, and of course, disgraced former Tour de France record ...
The post Adam Rippon claps back at Lance Armstrong for transphobia appeared first on QNews.
15:16
VIDEO PREMIERE: Phil Smith Hallelujah "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Tasmanian Phil Smiths latest album Into The Night is a real highlight of the Australian Americana albums released so far in 2023. If youve got a copy of the new issue (July/August) of Rhythms magazine you can read my full review of the album, or stay tuned for when it gets published here on PTW. Continue reading
15:02
Melbournes Triple R radio on The Palestine Laboratory "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
My interview with Melbournes Triple R Radio program, The Grapevine, about my new book, The Palestine Laboratory:
The Palestine Laboratory is a new book by journalist Antony Loewenstein that documents how Israels subjugation of the Palestinian people serves as a testing ground for weapons and surveillance systems that are then exported around the world.
Built on extensive research, interviews and on-the-ground reporting, the book draws on modern events including Harvey Weinstein, 9/11 and the current crisis in Ukraine to show the consequences of a military industrial complex that facilitates the persecution of groups in many parts of the world.
Antony joined Dylan and Kulja on The Grapevine to talk through it all.
Whats happening in Palestine is not staying there the occupation is being exported The technologies and tools that Israel has developed over decades whether its spyware drones or facial recognition technology is now a massive export business to countless countries around the world.
The post Melbournes Triple R radio on The Palestine Laboratory appeared first on Antony Loewenstein.
14:37
ROBODEBT PROSECUTIONS "IndyWatch Feed National"
7 UNIDENTIFIED PEOPLE MAY FACE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION
One of the outcomes from the Robodebt Royal Commission is a secret chapter that recommends civil action or criminal prosecutions. Years overdue, and far too lateb for deceased victims, but better late than never.
This postings URL: https://wp.me/p1n8TZ-3mo
Below are extracts from the report:
I have provided to you an additional chapter of the report which has not been included in the bound report and is sealed. It recommends the referral of individuals for civil action or criminal prosecution....
14:14
Queer spaces in Townsville? "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Im a 23 year old lesbian visiting Townsville next month and would like to go out on Saturday night. Is there any lesbian/queer bars or spacers? Or otherwise good bars to go to that are queer friendly? Thanks
[link] [comments]
14:08
Fanny Lumsden "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Fanny Lumsden. Anglesea Memorial Hall. Anglesea. 7pm. $25 $40.
The post Fanny Lumsden appeared first on Forte Magazine.
14:07
Jess Hitchcock "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Jess Hitchcock. Anglesea Memorial Hall. Anglesea. 7pm. $40.
The post Jess Hitchcock appeared first on Forte Magazine.
14:06
Albanese and Labor about to remove the Voice of every Australian with social media misinformation bill "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Political parties exempted from the Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation bill which will remove the Voice of every Australian including Aborigines. Book burning about to start.
14:04
Cable Ties "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Cable Ties. Anglesea Memorial Hall. Anglesea. 7pm. $35.
The post Cable Ties appeared first on Forte Magazine.
14:04
Get your paintbrushes and pencils ready! Art competition celebrates love of books "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
PRIMARY school students are encouraged to create an original artwork inspired by this years Childrens Book Week theme: Read, Grow, Inspire.
There are 13 prizes on offer and first-place winners in each category will receive an exciting Childrens Book Week prize pack valued up to $100.
The competition will be judged by Wollongong Art Gallery and Wollongong City Libraries staff.
To participate, pick up a free entry template by visiting Helensburgh, Thirroul or Corrimal libraries. Once your artwork is ready, drop it back in to your local library before Friday August 4 2023 for a chance to win.
Wollongong City Councils manager library and community services, Jenny Thompson said Childrens Book Week is a chance to highlight the stories which are in the libraries collection.
We want to help encourage young people in our community to fall in love with reading, Ms Thompson said.
This competition is a great way to celebrate everything thats great about books. I cant wait to see the a...
14:03
Kites a-courting "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Interesting to observe some Black-shouldered Kite courtship behaviour again near Campbelltown over the weekend.
The birds pictured here were actively hunting for mice as the temperature hovered around 10C with a 30 km/hour souwester feels like 7C!
Along with the kites there are good numbers of Nankeen Kestrels and Brown Falcons to be found across the plains country at present.
Black-shouldered Kites, Moolort Plains, 8th July 2023
14:01
Lowercase Poetry "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Gold Coin Donation
The post Lowercase Poetry appeared first on Forte Magazine.
14:00
LIVE An Exhibit by Lucinda Goodwin "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
LIVE An Exhibit by Lucinda Goodwin
The post LIVE An Exhibit by Lucinda Goodwin appeared first on Forte Magazine.
13:59
DJ Wormboy Residency "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
DJ Wormboy Residency
The post DJ Wormboy Residency appeared first on Forte Magazine.
13:58
Come Talk Art "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Come Talk Art
The post Come Talk Art appeared first on Forte Magazine.
13:54
Season Of Harvest ft. Groff, Dr Worm, Roche. "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Season Of Harvest ft. Groff, Dr Worm, Roche.
The post Season Of Harvest ft. Groff, Dr Worm, Roche. appeared first on Forte Magazine.
13:52
Saturday Night Vinyl DJs "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Live vinyl DJs from 8pm at Medusa.
The post Saturday Night Vinyl DJs appeared first on Forte Magazine.
13:51
Saturday Night Vinyl DJs "IndyWatch Feed Allstate"
Live vinyl DJs from 8pm at Medusa.
The post Saturday Night Vinyl DJs appeared first on Forte Magazine.
13:46
Citizenship Ceremonies "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Successful.
13:34
Businesses of 4101: Keeping business owners in the loop. "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Running a small business can be tough, but they are the lifeblood of our community. West End business owner Kaz Kelly recently established a support group for businesses in 4101. []
The post Businesses of 4101: Keeping business owners in the loop. first appeared on Westender.
13:30
ABC National helps UDIA push to cover golf-courses with housing VIC "IndyWatch Feed National"
We predicted this would happen when the Vic
government put developers in charge of what happens to the many golfcourses in
Melbourne and regional Victoria. The seizure of these
green public and private lands is now being normalised on public
media. Affected and ordinary citizens are not being interviewed, or
their community organisations, such as Planning Democracy, PPLVic,
Sustainable Population Australia, only property developers, who are
given an undeserved moral authority via the ABC, simply by
promoting their opinion via interviews that allow them to justify
overdevelopment and overpopulation without putting any of the
obvious logical challenges to their false and self-interested
arguments. Australians deserve more, much more from the ABC.
Max Shifman of the Urban Development Institute was interviewed
on ABC Radio National 792 Brisbane today around 8.30 am about a
push to develop golf courses in Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs -
which would include the Mornington Peninsula. This interview used
and abused the problem of Australian homelessness as an excuse to
overturn hardwon community land and property rights that have to
date prevented wholesale slaughter-planning. 
Shifman, without any acknowledgement of the utter irony, pointed to the 'need to house new migrants' who he suggested don't want to live in high rise appartments - contrary to the Vic Government's current 'policies' to build this stylel of dwelling (e.g. activity centres) - but would rather detached homes. (So would most Australians, Mr Shifman - but not at the price the developer industry likes.)
The obvious rejoinder to the mention of migrants needing such developments to live in was that surely we should be limiting migration if it is causing us to disrupt communities and wildlife. No such comment. The ABC is so apparently corrupt with regard to pleasing the developer-led agenda.
Of course, we have massive population pressure due to the political pressure groups that have been brought to bear on our polity by the property developer institutes and their financiers, who have got government to engage with a huge expanding migration program. So, the Urban Development Institute has a history of issuing press releases to justify mass migration, yet we all have to put up with the ABC acting as if mass migration has nothing to do with such interest groups.
Every time I turn on the ABC, they are advocating more housing, more mi...
13:28
Citizenship Ceremonies "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Successful.
13:02
Dysfunctionality Critical Mass "IndyWatch Feed National"
J.G.Olsen / Financial Expositor
The Present:
There are now so many syst...
13:01
Tenders involved in 2022/06 Sprayed Bituminous Surfacing "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Successful.
13:00
Will the states new rental commissioner ease the pain for tenants? "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The state government says renters will have a stronger voice to government thanks to the new Rental Commissioner they have appointed.
The government today announced that sector leader Trina Jones will become the first person to step into the role.
The commissioner will work with the government to design and implement changes that rebalance the rental market, making it fairer and more modern.
She will work with the Government and stakeholders to get moving on the reforms open for consultation now, including:
- making it easier for renters to have pets in their homes
- ending no-grounds evictions
- implementing a portable bonds scheme that allows renters to transfer bonds from one property to another
- improving the protection of renters information and privacy.
Beyond these proposed changes, the Rental Commissioner will also reportedly be responsible for identifying and investigating other issues that are impacting the NSW rental market.
The commissioner will examine rental affordability and supply, encourage longer term rental agreements, investigate ways to improve energy efficiency for renters, develop educational resources for renters and owners, and monitor current tenancy laws.
The Governments appointment of NSWs first Rental Commissioner is an important step to addressing some of the issues facing renters and importantly giving them a voice,&#...
12:35
Rikkie Valerie Koll becomes first trans Miss Netherlands winner "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Trans model and actress, Rikkie Valerie Koll, has won the Miss Netherlands crown, becoming the first trans winner and second openly trans woman to participate in the Miss Universe pageant. The 22-year old Dutch-Moluccan model and actress first became notable for competing in Hollands Next Top Model, before going on to snatch the Miss Netherlands title. ...
The post Rikkie Valerie Koll becomes first trans Miss Netherlands winner appeared first on QNews.
12:35
Wong Dashes Last Hopes of Her Government Saving Assange, as US Continues Pursuit "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Australian journalist and publisher Julian Assange turned 52 in Londons Belmarsh prison last week. It was his fifth 3rd July birthday that the WikiLeaks founder has spent at the notorious maximum-security facility over having published classified US documents that had...
The post Wong Dashes Last Hopes of Her Government Saving Assange, as US Continues Pursuit appeared first on Sydney Criminal Lawyers.
12:17
I'll be back, with burritos. "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
So, Ive ended up on Arnold Schwarzeneggers email list. Dont you judge me. Or Arnie. I feel that hes atoning for earlier bad behaviour. His emails are good. They have nice training tips, as youd imagine, but you also get the wisdom of Old Conan - stuff like these thoughts on friendship.
12:00
Terrible truths about nuclear energy exposed "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A documentary lifting the lid on secrets surrounding the Fukushima nuclear disaster exposes the terrifying dangers of nuclear power, writes Karl Grossman.
A NEW documentary titled The Fukushima Disaster: The Hidden Side of the Story is a powerful, moving, informative film that is superbly made. Directed and edited by Philippe Carillo, it is among the strongest ever made on the deadly dangers of nuclear technology.
Australians featured in the film are Dr Helen Caldicott, former president of Physicians for Social Responsibility, and John Keane, professor of politics at the University of Sydney. Carillo is a resident of the nation of Vanuatu, 1,750 kilometres northeast of Australia.
The documentary begins with the words of U.S. President John F Kennedy from 1961:
Every man, woman and child lives under a nuclear sword of Damocles, hanging by the slenderest of threads, capable of being cut at any moment by an accident, or miscalculation or by madness.
It then goes to the March 2011 disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan after it was struck by a tsunami. Its backup diesel generators kicked in but did not run for long, notes the documentary. That led to three of the six plant reactors exploding and theres video of this releasing an unpreceded amount of nuclear radiation into the air.
Fukushima is the worlds largest ever industrial catastrophe, then says Professor John Keane. He says there was no emergency plan and, as to the owner of Fukushima, Tokyo Electric Power Company (...
11:55
Ballarat mum recalls her arrest by Dangerous Dans Covid cops in 2020, may file charges against police after her charges were dropped "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Victorias para-military Covid cops firing on protesters with large calibre rubber bullets, seriously wounding several people in the large crowds. Courageous Ballarat mum Zoe Buhler, arrested by six Covid cops while pregnant. Her arrest was viewed by 14 million around the world in September 2020. Her crime was to mention on Face Book perhaps having []
11:24
Alex Jones calls on God to blow up the earth before the Globalists do "IndyWatch Feed National"
During his show on Sunday, Infowar host and career conspiracy theories Alex Jones called on God to destroy the earth before the Globalists get a chance to. Jones said was hopeful God would answer his call for the sake of the children. We have to talk to the establishment and say you know you have []
10:58
Welfare Not Warfare: NUS Education Officer Xavier Dup on Students Rejecting Militarisation Over Society "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The Morrison government had already kicked the Australian constituency in the guts in September 2021, when it announced that we were entering a new security arrangement with the US and UK, known as AUKUS, which includes acquiring new submarines that require...
The post Welfare Not Warfare: NUS Education Officer Xavier Dup on Students Rejecting Militarisation Over Society appeared first on Sydney Criminal Lawyers.
10:54
Miers re-signs at the Cattery "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Fresh off a career-high 32 disposals against North Melbourne on Sunday, Geelong Premiership player Gryan Miers has inked a new three-year contract extension that will see him remain in the hoops until at least the end of 2026.
The 24-year-old, who plays his 100th AFL game against Essendon on Saturday night, has enjoyed a career-best season in 2023, averaging 19.25 disposals and 1.75 goal assists per game.
This season, Miers role in Geelongs forward line mix has come into the spotlight, with a league-leading 28 goal assists whilst also sitting in the top 10 for score involvements with 110.
Renowned for his unique, effective kicking style, Miers has become one of the Cats most consistent performers this year.
A local Grovedale product, Miers was recruited out of the Geelong Falcons under 18s program with Pick 57 in the 2017 AFL National Draft.
Geelong Cats head of list management Andrew Mackie said the club was thrilled to see Miers commit for another three years.
Gryan is part of a very exciting, hard-working and talented group of young players coming through our AFL program, Mackie said.
Gryan has proven to be a very important player in our attacking half of the ground, he is a selfless footballer and a player who creates plenty of scoring opportunities. We are very pleased that he will be with us for at least the next three years.
The post Miers re-signs at the Cattery appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.
10:49
Tenders involved in 2022/06 Sprayed Bituminous Surfacing "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Successful.
10:49
Tenders involved in 2022/06 Sprayed Bituminous Surfacing "IndyWatch Feed Politics.au"
Successful.
10:48
Calls for roundabout at dangerous intersection "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
The busy intersection at the corner of Byron Bay Road and Byron Street in Lennox Head is an accident waiting to happen, according to locals Jamie Hoile and Ballina Shire Councillor Eva Ramsey.
Cr Ramsey started a petition about the issue in May, which has 174 signatures and rising. She told The Echo that while the roundabout is not currently in Ballina Councils delivery program, it needs to be prioritised as a matter of urgency as Lennox becomes busier.
Eva Ramsey would like to see the speed limit reduced as drivers come down the hill on Byron Bay Road towards the intersection (heading north), as well as the construction of a new roundabout to avoid the problem of long delays for people leaving Lennox Head, particularly at peak times.
10:48
Evening VIEW turns 11 "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Club celebrated its 11th birthday recently at 360Q.
The night focused on the 1000 Hearts Kindness Project which started in 2016 in Kingston, Tasmania because Sarah, the founder, wanted to spread caring and compassion.
Small pocket hearts, which are handmade from wool felt and stitched with love, and good intentions are handed out for people to carry as talismans of love, courage, hope and comfort.
A number of our creative and crafty members of the Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Club took on this project making hearts for all 150 members of our club as a way of saying thank you for all the work we do in raising funds to support the education of young people in need, OGEV president Lea Preece said.
A number of these hearts were distributed at our 11th birthday celebration, which included dinner, a band and a birthday cake.
We also celebrated Annie Webber, who was nominated and accepted for a Make a Difference award as she is a fabulous role model of our VIEW values in her support and care of others in our community.
The post Evening VIEW turns 11 appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.
10:47
1947: Lady Phyllis Cilento crime against nature "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
In 1947, Lady Phyllis Cilento banged on in the Courier-Mail about homosexuality being racially suicidal, and a Crime against Nature. Another snippet of queercentric news from Australian media history. A horrible, horrible person Lady Phyllis Cilento scribed columns for various Queensland papers for over half a century. As a doctor and someone with a title, ...
The post 1947: Lady Phyllis Cilento crime against nature appeared first on QNews.
10:44
The Collectors Mark: The hidden gem worth exploring "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Created by collectors, for collectors The Collectors Mark provides a safe place for Aussies to buy and sell the vintage, quirky and collectable. Joe Percival has dedicated the last 43 years to antiques. Just over 23 years ago, he and a few friends decided to start an Antique and Collectables fair. Over the decades, ...
The post The Collectors Mark: The hidden gem worth exploring appeared first on QNews.
10:00
Bridge battle doesnt disappoint "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
A pulsating Battle of the Bridge was played in some of windiest conditions ever seen at Ray Menzies Oval and while the Barwon Heads took the four points back over the river, there was perhaps more to like from the young Ocean Grove side.
With a howling northwesterly blowing pretty much across the oval, players from both sides, understandably, struggled to adapt to the conditions.
Barwon Heads booted two first-term goals and Ocean Grove didnt even score.
Things were tight in the second quarter until the Seagulls booted a flurry of late goals and took a 22-point lead into the sheds and almost anyone could have been forgiven the result was a foregone conclusion.
Anyone, but Ocean Groves players and coaching staff that is.
The Grubbers slammed on six goals to leave the Heads shellshocked and with a boisterous home crowd urging the side on, it looked like an upset was not only possible, but probable.
The Grubbers employed a more direct kicking game and clever use of short handballs to get them out of congestion had Barwon Heads in all sorts of trouble.
The Seagulls forward entries were haphazard and Ocean Groves defensive intercept marking was a highlight.
Halfway through the final term, Ocean Grove held onto a slender lead, but some Ollie Wiltshire magic saw the brilliant youngster boot two goals and the Seagulls won by 14 points.
In the end, perhaps Barwon Heads just knew how to win and Ocean Grove didnt.
No doubt belief and trust in your plan and teammates is one of the intangibles you get mostly from winning games together, Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell said.
Barwon Heads have been doing that for a fair while so I guess that helped in a critical time of the game.
The trust our players have in our game method and each other continues to grow week in week out and our coaching group draw more from stats, vision and experiences than we do the scoreboard, I guess thats why coaches often review the losses harder.
Farrell said the club hadnt set a win/loss figure at the start of the season, but anyone who has watched his team over the course of the year would have been left in no doubt that the improvement has been obvious.
This season we didnt set a win/loss metric for what success looks like, player retention and development of our list have been our focus and were positioned well with five games to go finish with a pass mark for both, he said.
In the end it took a bit of Wiltshire brilliance and the difference between the two sides on Saturday wasnt great.
Yeah, hes a super talent and they have a spread of players of that calibre right across the ground so it is hard to keep on top of them all of the time, Farrell said.
For Ocean Grove, Jye Walker was a constant threat up forward all day.
He is our playing midfield coach and playing forward of centre the last couple of weeks has given him a different.....
09:00
Bridge Battle goes down to the final minutes "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Ray Menzies Oval on Saturday July 8 for a pulsating Battle of the Bridge clash between Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
The post Bridge Battle goes down to the final minutes appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.
08:59
Royal Commission shines torch on Robodebt injustice "IndyWatch Feed National"
Contributed by Joe Montero
The Holmes Royal Commission has produced a damning report on Robodebt and presented 57 recommendations Robodebt has been confirmed as one of the biggest scandals in Australia history. Maybe it doesnt offer a clear alternative. But at least it does help shine a torch on a great injustice and found that it was illegal.
A clear outline of how the victims were targeted and made examples of for accepting payments from Centrelink was given. As was how vilification, the hard to navigate process, and the assignment of blame without proof, were used as weapons.
Robodebt was not a mistake, nor was it the result of bad legal advice. This was a deliberate policy to play the blame game for failed economic and social government policies, and in line with the application of neoliberalism. Robodebt and the pain it brought were deliberately intended to force as many as possible into the cheap labour market.
Every indicator suggests a likely connection between corruption in politics and corruption in business, through the granting of lucrative contracts.
We know that the way individuals were treated resulted in immense stress, despair, ill health, and that drove some to suicide. The trauma caused extended to families and impacted on communities.
In the preface to her report, Catherine Holmes noted that the incidence of fraud was miniscule. This didnt prevent ministers and other politicians from blowing this out of proportion, to justify what was happening.
Now that Robodebt has become scandal, there is no shortage of politicians tut tutting about how terrible it was. They omit that part about the broad bipartisan support for it. There is a smell of insincerity here. The exception is former prime minister Scott Morrison, who continues to deny any wrong.
Cartoon by Megan Herbert
Robodebt was exposed through the effort of many of its victims, their supporters, and of course, the critical role played by whistleblowers within the system. If the politicians had not gone missing at the time, there wouldnt have been Robodebt.
The first recommendation in the report involves treating Centrelink recipients with respect and dignity, putting an end to the use of stigmatising language, and creating a process that is user friendly and efficient.
Instead of this, the post Robodebt system has delive...
08:22
Rail trail has smashed expectations, Tweed Council says "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Data released by Tweed Shire Council today shows more than 70,500 people have used the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) since its opening four months ago, significantly exceeding expectations.
The figures released today were calculated using data retrieved from counters strategically placed along the 24 km length of the Tweed section of the NRRT, which runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said there had been significant interest in the opening success of the NRRT, with all user counts significantly exceeding expectations.
I am really proud to confirm that since its opening on 1 March 2023, the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has welcomed approximately 70,551 people, which is an amazing achievement, Cr Cherry said.
Our Rail Trail is welcoming an average of 17,638 people per month, which is approximately 4,048 people per week or an average of 578 people per day.
The original business case for the Tweed section of the NRRT referenced goals of 27,000 people per year which is equivalent to 9,000 people in the first four months. We have absolutely smashed that goal, attracting more than double the anticipated annual number of visitors in our first four months alone.
We knew the Rail Trail would be extremely popular and there was a lot of interest in this facility but this has blown us away!
Cr Cherry said these figures should provide confidence to the NRRTs other member councils of Richmond Valley Council, Lismore City Council and Byron Shire Council who are all either committed or considering connecting to the Rail Trail for the benefit of the broader Northern Rivers community.
With these impressive patronage numbers has also come confirmation that 87% of trail users have used an associated Rail Trail experience and spent money with a local business, whether it be one of the many cafs, restaurants, accommodation providers or bike-related businesses such as hire, shuttle or transport services, Cr Cherry said.
Many businesses along the Rail Trail have told us about their successes and we are continually working on trail improvements, addressing som...
08:21
Lismore Region for Refugee Settlement welcomes first refugee family "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
After months of intensive fundraising, LRRS is very excited to
announce the arrival on 12th July of our first refugee
family.
The family comprises a mother and s thirteen year old son from
South America.
Spokesperson for the group, Bridget Carr, said:
We will be setting them up with accommodation, clothes, and
household goods in fact all their initial needs.
We will also arrange for a school and English lessons and connect
the family with local services.
We will continue to help, and support them for their first year
here until they are successfully
embedded in the community.
Ms Carr said the group could not have done this without the
generous support of the local community.
A special vote of thanks goes out to the Acid Bleed jazz band who
freely donated their time and talents for a very successful
and enjoyable fundraiser, Ms Carr said.
The post Lismore Region for Refugee Settlement welcomes first refugee family appeared first on The Echo.
07:34
Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating partner- its a gay man "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Above recent photograph: Two old Sydney gays. Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating with Sydney radio shock jock Alan Jones.
I dont know who Paul Keatings live-in gay partner is.
Below photograph: former Australian Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating.
...
07:18
Townsville vs Perth "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
I know its hard to compare the two given the size difference. We are thinking about moving from NZ to Australia, I have family in Perth and the house prices are good but it's so isolated from NZ and the other Aus citys.
Anyone lived in both and have any wisdom to share? Also would love to hear from any kiwis who live in Tsv.
Thanks
[link] [comments]
06:43
Indonesian prez slammed for claiming Papua 99 percent safe "IndyWatch Feed Alllocal"
Indonesian President Joko Widodo speaks to journalists in Papua on July 7. (Photo: Cabinet Secretariat)
Church leaders have criticized Indonesian President Joko Widodo after he claimed conditions in Papua are 99 percent safe despite the Christian-majority region being one of the countrys most violence-ridden territories due to decades-old armed insurgency.
...
06:05
Handling Trump Media Coverage: An Answer For Media Dummies "IndyWatch Feed National"
There
are no 'mistakes' for the media to learn from. They can either
cover Trump like everyone else, or they can give up on the
news.