Alison Xamon media release – Brunswick Dam must be rejected

Brunswick Dam must be rejected

Greens (WA) MP Alison Xamon has called on the Minister for Water Graham Jacobs to immediately reject the proposal by Southern Cross Water Infrastructure Company to dam the Brunswick River. The Minister has previously rejected plans by the Water Corporation to dam the Styx and Denmark Rivers on the south coast.

“The Minister must be congratulated for his quick and positive decision making with regard to the Denmark and Styx Rivers on the South Coast. Now he must show consistency and do the same for the Brunswick River proposal.”

“The Minister answered my question in Parliament today by recognising the SCWIC proposal is not consistent with the Government’s long term vision for water supplies to the Integrated Water Supply System.”

“Climate change is already impacting on the south west rivers and Perth’s drinking water supply dams. The Water Corporation have realised this and have identified climate independent sources as the long term future for water supply – including much more water recycling.”

The proposal as submitted by SCWIC involves an enormous amount of coordination with existing Water Corporation assets in order to be integrated. “It comes as quite a shock to the Greens that Southern Cross Water Infrastructure Company have not approached the Water Corporation to advise them that the proposal was being forwarded for environmental assessment by the Federal Government.”

“WA does not need any more marginal surface water catchments that rely on massive amounts of energy to pump water. We have enough and we must start recycling more water for industry, for irrigation for public open space and for drinking water.”

The web address for the referred proposal to the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts is:

www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=current_referral_detail&proposal_id=5186

Kirsten Richards

Electorate Officer

Office of Hon Alison Xamon MLC

Member for the East Metropolitan Region

62 Eighth Avenue

Maylands WA 6051

PO Box 104

Maylands WA 6931

Ph: 9272 1718

Fax: 9272 1719

Email: kirsten.richards

Excellent info & resources for all west australians in the WACOSS Update – 12th November

social policy | organisation development | membership | training

Please distribute through your networks WACOSS Update Thurday 12th November 2009 News items listed in this bulletin include… ACOSS Community Sector Survey Now Open WACOSS Conference 2010 – Call for Abstracts GETTING GRANT READY Workshop, Thursday November 19th Productivity Commission Releases Draft Report into NFP Sector Western Australian Feed-In Tariff Discussion Paper – Opportunity for Interested Parties to Comment Consultation Period Following Publication of Social Housing Taskforce Report Now Open ACOSS Media Release: Historic Test Case Brings Wage Increases for Community Workers a Step Closer Emergency Relief Conference Fully Booked WA Not for Profit Day – Providing Tools and Skills for a Resource Challenged and Competitive Sector, Thursday 10th December NFPN Events: Unfair Dismissal Information Seminar, Tuesday 24th November How to be a ‘SUPER’ Supervisor, Wednesday 18th November The Project Manager’s Toolbox, Tuesday 1st December ACOSS Sector Survey Now Open The ACOSS Community Sector Survey has now begun The Community Sector Survey is an important nationwide survey that compiles vital information about the sector. This information is used to inform policy work and to highlight pressures on the sector. To ensure the survey reaches all those in the sector please distribute this email through your networks. Help WACOSS and ACOSS by clicking below to complete the ACOSS Community Sector Survey top WACOSS Conference 2010 – Call for Abstracts The WACOSS biennial Conference provides for the largest gathering of social service practitioners and policy-makers of its kind, with around 300 participants from across Western Australia. Abstract submissions are encouraged from volunteers and workers in community, business and government sectors, academics and other experts. The Conference committee is interested in applications regarding social policy and social sector considerations. The aim of the Conference is to provide a positive, constructive and enjoyable event for people involved with the community sector to network and gain practical information both formally and informally, and we would be delighted if you will submit an abstract to share your experience and expertise of communities at work. The Conference will feature: 90 minute concurrent sessions consisting of either 2 or 3 speakers each presenting for 25 or 40 minutes; All sessions will include 5 minutes per speaker for questions and discussion. Prospective speakers may choose whether they wish to present for 25 or 40 minutes, or indicate if they are flexible in their presentation time. The Conference sessions and activities should focus on achieving positive learning outcomes or enhancing practice and, in particular, should attempt to address current issues challenging the sector. Active discussion and sharing of ideas is encouraged in sessions and we invite you to think laterally and creatively in terms of session delivery. Interactive sessions, film screenings and workshops are encouraged. Examples of achievement, excellence, challenges and future directions will inform the selection of presentations for concurrent sessions. Our social policy interests include: social wellbeing, housing, youth, women, indigenous, disability, alcohol and drugs, child protection, mental health, law and justice, employment and training, culturally and linguistically diverse people, refugees and climate equity. Our social sector interests include: workforce planning, technology, finance, innovation, quality frameworks, collaboration and alliances, media, campaigning and advocacy, civil society, language, framing and future directions. Click here for more information, including the Conference Themes and Guidelines for Abstracts The online abstract submission must be completed by Friday 18 December 2009. Please address any queries to the Conference Secretariat: EECW Pty Ltd T: 08 9389 1488 F: 08 9389 1499 E: info@eecw.com.au top GETTING GRANT READY Workshop, Thursday November 19th The Bendigo Bank and WACOSS will be presenting a special 3 hour seminar entitled GETTING GRANT READY Date: Next Thursday November 19th from 9am – 12noon Venue: George Burnett Park, Manning Rd, Karawara, WA How to Register: Register today by emailing: louise@wacoss.org.au or call Louise or Gosia on 9420 7222 Cost: WACOSS Members: $90 Non Members: $120.00 Government/Corp: $150.00 Click here to learn more top Productivity Commission Releases Draft Report into NFP Sector The Productivity Commission has released a draft of its report into the not-for-profit sector in Australia. The report follows months of consultation with not-for-profits around the country. The Commission has given the sector a chance to provide feedback in response to the draft report. WACOSS intends to provide input to the joint Councils of Social Service submission being prepared by ACOSS. ACOSS has indicated that the submission will focus on the importance of the voice of the sector: the importance of sector’s non-financial contributions including advocacy, education and policy development; models of contracting; the potential and need for an innovation fund; the vital importance of a gradual process for any tax reform; and strengthening the relationship between the not-for-profit sector and government beyond the Compact. We would like to ensure that West Australian not-for-profit organisations’ views are adequately represented in submissions to the Commission. If you have any issues you would like to raise regarding the Productivity Commission’s draft report, your organisation has until 24 November to make a submission. The sorts of issues you might raise could include:support for or opposition to particular recommendations: examples of how particular recommendations would assist or harm your organisation; areas or issues you think the Productivity Commission hasn’t examined sufficiently, or given sufficient weight to. The Commission’s draft report is available at: http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/study/not-for-profit/draft The draft recommendations are available at: http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/91720/03-draft-recommendations.pdf top Western Australian Feed-In Tariff Discussion Paper – Opportunity for Interested Parties to Comment In September 2008, the incoming State Government announced its intention to introduce a feed-in tariff as part of the Liberal Party Plan for Environmental Sustainability and Water Management. The Government allocated ‘$13.5m towards a feed-in tariff for homeowners, and an investigation of the feasibility of extending the scheme to small business and commercial premises.’ The Government’s original intention was to implement a gross feed-in tariff scheme. However, an unprecedented system uptake rate meant the scheme was no longer affordable. In June 2009 the Government announced that it would allocate the $13.5 million equitably among owners of systems installed between the date of the 2008 State Government election and the date of the announced changes. The development of a residential net feed-in tariff to commence on 1 July 2010 was also announced. In October 2009 the Western Australian Feed-In Tariff Discussion Paper was released. The paper seeks to provide guidance to the public and key stakeholders who wish to provide input to developing design features of a net feed-in tariff scheme. Stakeholder submissions will inform the development of the preferred scheme design. While most scheme design features are yet to be determined, the Government’s intention is to design a feed-in tariff that: Is paid on net generation; and Applies to photovoltaic, wind, and micro-hydro technologies At this stage comment is sought on a residential scheme only. The Government has committed to conduct a feasibility study on the potential for a feed-in tariff scheme for small business and commercial premises. However, this will be conducted separately to the development of a residential tariff. WACOSS supports movement towards greater Environmental Sustainability and Water Management, and will focus its response around consumer protection, especially in relation to low impact consumers and financially vulnerable households. Written submissions of comments relating to this paper should be provided by 20th November 2009 and sent to: Manager, Feed-In Tariff Sustainable Energy Development Office Office of Energy Level 9, Governor Stirling Tower 197 ST Georges Terrace PERTH WA 6000 Email: fit@energy.wa.gov.au Fax: (08) 9420 5700 (Attention: Manager, Feed-In Tariff) Please note: All submissions may be made public on the Office of Energy’s website unless marked confidential top Consultation Period Following Publication of Social Housing Taskforce Report Now Open The consultation period following the publication of the Social Housing Taskforce report runs until December 4th. The report can be found here: The report includes a number of key themes: Reforming the provision of Public Housing, promoting growth of the social housing sector through the wider participation of the community and private sector, increasing the supply and range of affordable land and housing options, improving support and transition incentives. Sue Ash, WACOSS CEO, was a member of the taskforce and we are currently in the process of preparing our submission as part of the consultation process. WACOSS will be commenting in detail about all of the recommendations in the report. We will be placing particular emphasis on the need to ensure that adequate support services for social housing tenants is made an integral part of broader social housing policy formation. That submission will be available on our website once complete. The Department of Housing is encouraging any interested parties to make submissions and observations about the recommendations contained in the report. It is likely that the SHTF final report will play an instrumental part in shaping state government policy in relation to social housing issues in the state over the coming years. As such, WACOSS would urge as many community service providers as possible to contribute to the consultative process. Barry Doyle is currently working on the preparation of the WACOSS submission and you are invited to contact him if you would like to comment on any of the recommendations in the report for inclusion in the WACOSS submission. You can contact Barry at barry@wacoss.org.au or by telephone, 94207222. Alternatively, you can forward completed submissions to the Department of Housing directly. The contact details are as follows: Mr Julian Wright Principal Policy Officer Affordable Housing Strategy Department of Housing 99 Plain Street EAST PERTH WA 6004 Email: SPDfeedback@housing.wa.gov.au top ACOSS Media Release: Historic Test Case Brings Wage Increases for Community Workers a Step Closer Community sector workers around the country are one step closer to higher wages following the announcement of a landmark pay equity test case in the new Fair Work system. “ACOSS congratulates the Australian Services Union and Federal Government for setting in train a process to address the low wages of community sector workers,” said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service… Click here to continue reading the ACOSS Media Release top Emergency Relief Conference Fully Booked The Emergency Relief Conference being held on 25th & 26th November is fully booked and no further registrations can be accepted. top WA Not for Profit Day – Providing Tools and Skills for a Resource Challenged and Competitive Sector, Thursday 10th December This annual conference has become a significant industry event that addresses the unique SPAissues faced by not-for-profit (NFP) organisations. Gain invaluable insights to ensure you are keeping up in this competitive and often restrictive environment. This one-day conference will provide you with the tools to address the latest issues and trends facing NFP organisations while exploring the latest technical, governance and sustainability challenges facing the sector. Key benefits of attending: Receive a comprehensive update on the ever-evolving topics of Western Australian Workplace Law, Superannuation, Accounting Standards and OHS; Discover the impact and future of mergers and acquisitions in the NFP sector Hear from experts on how key industry issues will affect you To claim the member rate, WACOSS members will need to ensure they register using the registration form rather than online registration, as we need to put that special rate through manually. Click here for the event brochure and registration form top NFPN Events: Unfair Dismissal Information Seminar, Tuesday 24th November As all employers should now be aware a new unfair dismissal jurisdiction is now in operation. This session will be informational and highly interactive – bring YOUR QUESTIONS about this issue and our experienced presenter will address them for you. There are substantial changes to the previous Unfair Dismissal regime brought about by the removal of the 100 employee exemption (where employees working for an employer of less than 100 employees could not take a claim). Prior to the introduction of the 100 employee exemption unfair dismissal claims were the most frequent and costly claims for employers across Australia – the result of its removal means the likelihood of employers experiencing a claim and its associated costs has increased dramatically. This is information all employers must know. Our seminar will be tailored to providing the information you really need to know, and it will be provided in a simple, easy to understand manner. Issues covered will include: Which employers are covered by the unfair dismissal regime Which employees are covered by the unfair dismissal regime The difference between the ‘large’ and ‘small’ employer unfair dismissal regimes The threshold matters an employee must satisfy to get access to the unfair dismissal regime What Fair Work Australia considers an unfair dismissal to be The Small Business Fair Dismissal Code – how to apply and things to keep in mind What is ‘harsh, unjust or unreasonable’ and how is it considered What amounts to a ‘genuine’ redundancy What remedies can be ordered should an unfair dismissal claim be found to exist What organisations can do now to protect their liability and avoid claims Click here to learn more about presenter Andrew Jones Duration: 3hrs – including time especially for your questions The Perth seminar will be held in a CBD location on November 24 (numbers permitting) REGISTER NOW And take advantage of the special rates: - $140 for NFPN Members (WACOSS members, email info@wacoss.org.au to receive member discount rate) - $170 for Non Members Click here to register top How to be a ‘SUPER’ Supervisor, Wednesday 18th November Identify and explore the skills and knowledge needed to become an effective supervisor Do you want to know how you can get the best out of staff, volunteers or contractors you supervise? Want to understand the differences involved in managing, supervising and coaching others? Supervising staff involves more than just signing the time sheets and checking that the job is done and deadlines are meet. A truly effective supervisor knows how to develop the full potential of others whilst ensuring their duties are met. This workshop will cover these topics and more. WHAT DOES IT COVER? Differences between managing, mentoring, coaching and counselling Roles and responsibilities of supervising others Identifying staff development needs Effective approaches for dealing with staff performance issues How to enhance performance Key areas involved in delegation WACOSS Contact: Gosia Czarnomska - ssso@wacoss.org.au Further Information For the full details and to register CLICK HERE or visit the new WACOSS Organisation Development Services website at www.wacosstraining.org.au. top The Project Manager’s Toolbox, Tuesday 1st December Identify and explore the practical tools and methods for ensuring your projects achieve the desired outcome, with minimal stress along the way If you are involved in managing a grant program, or your organisation’s regular and special projects, this workshop will give you a working knowledge and the practical tools and methods for ensuring your projects achieve the desired outcome, with minimum stress along the way. WHAT DOES IT COVER? Understanding the terminology, tools and resources used in Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) Developing project ideas and writing workable project plans The different phases of a project and methods for managing each stage Problem solving tools, techniques and templates Managing and assessing risk Developing and tracking a project budget Overview of common software to assist in the tracking and progress of projects and their advantages and disadvantages WACOSS Contact: Gosia Czarnomska – ssso@wacoss.org.au Further Information For the full details and to register CLICK HERE or visit the new WACOSS Organisation Development Services website at www.wacosstraining.org.au. top

Excellent items keeping tabs on mainstream & new media – New Extra!: The Need for Public Media; Health Industry Money

New Extra! Public Media and the Decommodification of News; the Money Taboo in Health Reform Coverage Subscriptions to FAIR’s magazine Extra! are a big part of what keeps FAIR going. Support our vital work of challenging corporate media bias–please subscribe today and receive articles only available in print. Special limited time offer: Subscribe for two years and get a free bestseller from FAIR’s bookstore. See below for details. Selected articles from the November issue are now available online: The Money Taboo in Health Reform Coverage Industry donations to powerful players often go unmentioned by Daniel Ward Public Media and the Decommodification of News News behind pay walls is no help to democracy by Jim Naureckas Articles from the November issue now available only in print: COVER STORY Hard Times for the Overclass Media fascination with the recession’s richest victims by Peter Hart Right-Wing Witch Hunt Reaches FCC Glenn Beck and friends attack diversity officer Mark Lloyd by Aura Bogado Van Jones Is Happening and You Don’t Know Who He Is Scolding big media for not following Glenn Beck’s lead by Jim Naureckas Putting the Public Back in Public Media Access channels offer an alternative by Julie Hollar Extra! accepts NO outside advertising–so your support is vital to continuing FAIR’s work of presenting well-documented media criticism. Subscribe now and get Extra!’s hard-hitting review of the news delivered to your door every month for only $19 for one year. Special offer on two-year subscriptions: Order a two-year subscription for $38, and get a free book:Cable News Confidential, a scathingly witty and painfully frank behind-the-scenes account of cable news by leading media critic and FAIR founder Jeff Cohen. (U.S. orders only.)

Australian Defence Force cuts support services for troops!!! Isn’ the suicide/Ptsd rate high enough you mongrel dogs !!! See the ABC News Article link below.

Defence department slashes support services

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Department of Defence has been criticised over proposed cuts affecting support services for troops’ families.

The Defence Community Organisation (DCO) offers advice and counselling to soldiers and their families.

But the Department wants to cut the number of social workers from 96 to 22 and place limits on the number of times families can access DCO services.

Michael Tull from the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) says with record numbers of troops overseas, now is a bad time to be cutting back on support.

“The CPSU members in DCO cannot see any way to maintain the current level of services if the cuts proceed,” he said.

“It’s really important to the troops that they know that when they’re away that their families are taken care of, and looked after.

“This is going to have an impact obviously, they’ll be worried about the level of support and advice available to their families, particularly if something terrible happens, as it sometimes does.”

To view on a PC/Mac please use this link

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/11/2740093.htm

To view on a mobile please use this link

http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=2740093&cat=Justin

from @perthtones’ iPhone

Colourful protest against inaction over australia’ worst ever oil spill – The Wilderness Society of WA

The Wilderness Society of WA protested effectively outside an oil and gas industry headquarters in Perth as the Atlas West Oil rig owned by Thai/Burmese operators continues to kill ocean, reef and mainland wildlife in the Timor Sea.

See Bikini clad Perth protestors cover themselves in oil, click the pic for the video link

The Wilderness Society calls on industry and govt to COME CLEAN

.

Please visit the TWSWA website http://www.wilderness.org.au/regions/western-australia

and follow them on twitter at @TWSWA

Meanwhile, the Governments of Kevin Rudd and Colin Barnett are yet to answer key questions on the lamentable response to the oil disaster by it’s operators, let alone address the issue of profits possibly going to the Generals.

See the link below for the 6PR interview, pictures of the spill taken by the Greens and an interview with Senator Rachel Siewert Youtube slideshow of the oil slick – also, Kevin Rudd doesn’t even use the word “environment”in his brief spin on air at 6PR with Simon Beaumont (6pr.com.au )

What Would Failure at Copenhagen Mean for Climate Change?: Scientific American

What Would Failure at Copenhagen Mean for Climate Change?: Scientific American.

Genuine collaboration the way forward in Indigenous health – Greens

Genuine collaboration the way forward in Indigenous health – Greens

Wednesday, 11 November 2009

The Australian Greens continue to be alarmed at the tragic state of Indigenous health and support calls by doctors for a greater effort to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

Sadly, the Australian Medical Association’s Indigenous Health Report Card 2009 tells a familiar tale, namely that the health of Aboriginal men in particular remains appalling.

It found they can expect to die 11.5 years earlier than non-indigenous men, with indigenous boys almost twice as likely to die in the first year of their lives, than other infants.

“These are more bleak statistics that we simply must address if we’re not going to condemn yet another generation of Aboriginal Australians to misery, said Australian Greens Indigenous Spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert.

“Although the AMA doesn’t expressly mention the federal government’s current handling of these issues, it’s pretty clear the report is damning of the path we’re on, especially since the so-called Intervention in the northern Territory.

“We’ve been saying all along this heavy-handed, top down approach, which merely blames Aboriginal men for all the ailments on communities, is ultimately destructive,” Senator Siewert said.

The AMA makes a strong link between self esteem, sense of control and empowerment, and health outcomes.

“Surely the way to build the capacity of indigenous people, especially men, to enable them to recapture a sense of purpose and control in their lives which would lead to better health is by empowering and working with them not by taking power away, as we’ve seen in the NT.

“This is why we support the AMA’s call for an injection of commonwealth funds into Aboriginal health services, to develop real community capacity-building, indigenous-specific medical training, and health promotion.

“It should also include strategies to keep Indigenous males out of prison, and promotion of economic engagement and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“Aboriginal people themselves have been telling us for years that genuine collaborative relationships are the way forward to truly empower their communities. It’s about time this federal government listened,” Senator Siewert concluded.

Media Contact: Fernando de Freitas 0417 174 302

Fernando de Freitas
Media Advisor

Australian Greens

Suite S1.36 Parliament House,

Canberra ACT
P: 02 6277 3467 | M: 0417 174 302

Fernando.defreitas
www.GreensMPs.org.au

Apple update tackles domain spoofing, other attacks – ZDNet.co.uk

Apple update tackles domain spoofing, other attacks – ZDNet.co.uk.

Stem Cells Restore Cognitive Abilities Impaired By Brain Tumor Treatment

ScienceDaily (2009-11-10)

Human embryonic stem cells could help people with learning and memory deficits after radiation treatment for brain tumors, suggests a new study.

Stem Cells Restore Cognitive Abilities Impaired By Brain Tumor Treatment.

Australia’s shame – indigenous health – ABC News Article link.

Never mind “intervention” how about basic health and education for the first Australians

Indigenous baby boys twice as likely to die

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

By Laetitia Lemke

A report has found that an Indigenous boy born in the last few years could expect to die nearly 12 years younger than a non-Indigenous boy born in the same period.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) report has also linked low status, self esteem and lack of purpose to poor health in Indigenous men.

To view on a PC/Mac please use this link

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/10/2738801.htm

To view on a mobile please use this link

http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=2738801&cat=Justin

from @perthtones’ iPhone

Govt must investigate oil spill impacts on Indonesian fishers: Greens

Govt must investigate oil impacts on Indonesian fishers
Greens release video footage by Indonesian fishers of oil-like substance and dying fish

MEDIA RELEASE – Tuesday 10 November 2009

The Australian Greens have reiterated their calls for the Rudd Government to immediately send investigators to Indonesia to look into claims of impacts from the Montara oil spill on Indonesian fishing communities.

“The DVD sent to us this week by the West Timor Care Foundation is just one of many reports in the past several weeks about impacts of the oil spill on the people of Indonesia,” the Greens Marine Issue Spokesperson, Senator Rachel Siewert said.

“Today, we again call on Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to publicly commit to investigating these claims, including testing samples of oil that have been collected in Indonesian waters to determine whether the oil has come from the Montara leak.

“The video appears to show that oil is impacting on legal fishing grounds for Indonesian fishers.

“We have also heard reports of oil much closer to the Indonesian coast during the past several weeks – and as yet these reported sightings of oil and dead fish are apparently yet to be investigated by Australian authorities.

“We hear that fish is an important protein to many poor villages on the coast of Timor and Rote – if people are unable to fish, their diets, as well as incomes, suffer,” Senator Siewert continued.

“We therefore cannot ignore the potential seriousness of this for our neighbour.

“The Greens intend to supply this DVD, as well as any other information that may be relevant, to the Government’s inquiry – as soon as advice about how submissions may be made becomes available.”

Note to editors: The DVD footage is available on request.

For more information or media inquiries, please call Eloise Dortch 0415 507 763

Eloise Dortch

Media Officer to Senators Rachel Siewert and Scott Ludlam for the Australian Greens
Mobile: 0415 507 763

Sen. Siewert’s office: 08 9228 3277

Sen. Ludlam’s office: 08 9335 7477

Web: www.greensmps.org.au

Email: eloise.dortch

10 Common Myths About Clinical Depression – guest post

Image via Wikipedia

10 Common Myths About Clinical Depression

Almost every mental illness ends up accompanied by a barrage of myths, misunderstandings, and misconceptions that cloud the minds of the populace and ultimately produces muddied opinions of the true threat.

Unfortunately, one of the most marginalized and ridiculed conditions is also one of the most common. An estimated 17 million Americans suffer from some form of clinical depression a year, most of whom end up never seeking psychological assistance due to feeling undermined and discouraged by the perceptions of society at large.

Because those suffering from depression run a much higher risk of committing suicide or acts of self-mutilation than their comparatively healthier peers, it is absolutely integral to understand the complexities and widespread influence of the disease.

Only by making an earnest effort to combat these negative and patently false perceptions can the depressed begin to realize that no shame or weakness lay in their situation, thereby removing many of the stigmas and reservations still undeservedly attached to entering into therapy.

click the link below for the

10 Common Myths About Clinical Depression.

from Angela Petersen  at  http://onlinepsychologydegrees.org

Australia pushes web bans for users who ignore copyright – 3 strikes and you’re offline- ABC News Article link.

Three strikes copyright talks spark fear online

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

By Shane McLeod for The World Today

The Australian Government is sparking fear and loathing online as it negotiates a global treaty on copyright which could see internet users disconnected after three illegal download complaints.

The ‘three strikes and you’re offline’ policy is part of a proposed international treaty on intellectual property and Australia is part of negotiations.
To view on a PC/Mac please use this link

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/10/2738733.htm

To view on a mobile please use this link

http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=2738733&cat=Justin
from @perthtones’ iPhone

Britney Spears lip-sync concert in Perth – Aussie musos say it ain’t right – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Britney’s aussie promoter blamed the media.

Burswood ( concert venue) spin doctors issued a denial of problems that was more of a denial of reality and the PR equivalent of lipsyncing.

I agree with the aussie musos that the issue isn’t whether it’s mimed, but whether ticket buyers are told.

On the other hand there are plenty of my colleauges in australian “media” who make a living out of bashing celebs like Ms Spears.

See the ABC story below

 

The Musician’s Union’s federal secretary, Terry Noone, says stars like Spears have every right to mime on stage, but fans must be told if that is the case.

“It’s not right that people are going to the concert when they are being misled,” he told ABC News Online.

“That’s the issue. It’s not about music, it’s about false advertising.

via Music union gets that syncing feeling – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation).

New courses in new media – Perth or Online ( via Skype) courses small groups or 1 on 1 – using your laptop as a radio/TV studio using FREE software

Thanks to the Conservation Council of WA and it’s affiliates asking me to present a workshop recently on new media creation and networking.

After amazingly supportive feedback I’ve begun formalising half day and full day workshops for Perth newsmakers/NGOs. ( on site or at 1 of several broadband supported venues )

For indivuals or small groups  it’s possible not only to train on site, but also to do so ONLINE using Skype ( local or global )

Skype allows us to use our laptops as radio and TV studios to generate, record and webcast all types of media

here are some very useful links to free software/apps to create new media

 

Audacity (click this link to downlaod) free audio editing software for PC or Mac

Levelator free app to fix, clean up audio ( must be in either .wav or .aiff format )

 

PC free video editing software – VideoSpin 1.1

 

Screen capture for PC click here ( I use snapz pro on the MacBook)

Easy Screen Capture Video 1.0

 

If you or your group is interested, let me know by commenting here or emaling me at serve.tony@gmail.com

cheers
tony serve

Skype: perthtones Google Talk: serve.tony@gmail.com

Links to my TwitterWordPressFriendfeedYoutubeDigg

tony serve blogs New courses in new media – Perth or Online ( via Skype) courses small groups or 1 on 1 – using your laptop as a radio/TV studio using FREE software

Unlocking Mysteries Of The Brain With PET

Science Daily article on using PET scans to better understand  brain function, especially the inflammatory response of brain cells

Unlocking Mysteries Of The Brain With PET.

Adapted from materials provided by Society of Nuclear Medicine.

Sci-Am reports, US finds Gas drilling creates dangerous levels of radioactive waste water – Is australia monitoring waste water in its expanding Gas projects??

 

Natural Gas Drilling Produces Radioactive Wastewater

Wastewater from natural gas drilling in New York state is radioactive, as high as 267 times the limit safe for discharge into the environment and thousands of times the limit safe for people to drink   By Abrahm Lustgarten and ProPublica

click this link for the full sci-am story

MEDIA ALERT – Greens release Timor fishers’ video of oil in ocean

MEDIA ALERT – TODAY, Tuesday 9/11/2009

Greens release Timor fishers’ video of oil in ocean

The Australian Greens will today release copies of a DVD showing Indonesian fishers in apparently oil-affected waters, collecting the oil as well as sick or dying fish. A short clip from the video will also be shown.

WHEN: 12pm/midday, TODAY, Tuesday 9 November 2009

WHERE: Senator Rachel Siewert’s office at Unit 1, 151 Brisbane Street, Northbridge, Perth. (One block west of the intersection of William and Brisbane streets)

The DVD was provided to Senator Rachel Siewert by the West Timor Care Foundation, an organisation that has been expressing concern for the past several weeks that oil from the Montara wellhead is affecting Indonesian fishing communities.

The DVD consists of two apparently unedited clips, one 18 minutes and one five minutes long, and it appears to have been filmed on an Indonesian fishing boat in open ocean between Australia and Timor.

Both clips show shots of the boat’s GPS, large and small oil slicks on the ocean’s surface, sick or dying fish and images of the boat’s crew collecting the oil-like substance from the water and storing it in drink bottles.

Senator Siewert will be available to comment on the video after the short clip has been shown.

For more information or media inquiries, please call Eloise Dortch 0415 507 763

Eloise Dortch

Media Officer to Senators Rachel Siewert and Scott Ludlam for the Australian Greens
Mobile: 0415 507 763

Sen. Siewert’s office: 08 9228 3277

Sen. Ludlam’s office: 08 9335 7477

Web: www.greensmps.org.au

Email: eloise.dortch

Perth people, support the IN THE ZONE PROTEST – STOP THE NEW ( Nuclear ) WORLD ORDER | Tomorrow, Tuesday 10 Nov | 3PM-5PM UWA

IN THE ZONE PROTEST – STOP THE NEW WORLD ORDER

[In
The Zone: Crisis, Opportunity and the New World Order: www.zone.uwa.edu.au]

WHEN: Tomorrow, Tuesday 10 November
WHERE: UWA Club, Riley Oval UWA, Carpark 2 & 3
TIME: 3PM-5PM

WHY: WA’s energy future: you decide!

Clean, safe and affordable? OR Dirty, dangerous, thirsty and ever more expensive?
WA is at a critical cross roads. Our State government wants to build more polluting, water hungry and inefficient coal fired power stations, dig up toxic uranium for nuclear reactors and destroy pristine marine environment with oil and gas extraction. At the same time it is winding back funding and programs aimed at increasing WA’s use of clean, safe and renewable energy – which we have in abundance. Come and support this peaceful protest outside the Energy, Innovation and Climate Change session of the In The Zone: Crisis, Opportunity and The New World Order conference. Speakers include Dr. Ziggy Switkowski [Chair, Australian Nuclear Science and technology
Organisation (ANSTO)] and Don Voelte [Managing Director and CEO,
Woodside Energy].

For more info: 0421 226 200

Dr. Ziggy Switkowski is in town to promote nuclear power and the so called nuclear renaissance. Be at the protest to correct Switkowski on his nuclear misinformation:

1. Nuclear power is not a safer energy source than wind, solar, or numerous other renewable energy sources.

2. To produce enough uranium to generate nuclear power for just one household for just one year, 890 kgs of radioactive tailings waste will be produced at Olympic Dam, where it is dumped above-ground, open to the environment. Over a 70-year lifespan, a typical household would be responsible for just 2-3 kgs of high-level nuclear waste but over 60 tonnes of radioactive tailings waste.

3. The nuclear renaissance is going backwards, "In 2008 World nuclear generation decreased by 0.7%, making for two consecutive years of decline." – BP Statistical Review of World Energy Production

4. A nuclear reactor can be distinguished by the following characteristics: (1) It is being built now. (2) It is behind schedule. (3) It requires an immense amount of development on apparently trivial items. (4) It is very expensive. (5) It takes a long time to build because of its engineering development problems. (6) It is large. (7) It is heavy. (8) It is complicated.

5. But nuclear power is not greenhouse neutral. It compares favourably to fossil fuels but is three times more greenhouse intensive than wind power and more greenhouse intensive than energy efficiency measures.

6. A recent independent report the World Nuclear industry Status Report 2009 states with hard evidence that nuclear power has only provided 5.5% of the commercial primary energy production and about 2% of the final energy in the world, and has trended downwards for several years.

Don Voelte is the CEO of Woodside:

1. Woodside Ltd, one of Australia’s biggest fossil fuel corporations, is facing financial, social and ethical problems with it’s support for plans by the WA government to push ahead with a major fossil fuel development at James Price Point on the coast north of Broome.

2. Woodside’s involvement with the State Government’s plans for a major industrial hub in the Kimberley has met with broad scale public opposition. Meanwhile market analysts are predicting a poor year for the company due to difficulty in raising capital and the low price of fossil fuels.

3. Woodside has announced it has been forced to shelve plans for importing gas to California (plans that met with large scale community opposition) citing “changed energy market conditions”. Woodside faces a drastic reduction in the price of fossil fuels that will impact on its profit margins and a world financial crisis which means that capital raising for new projects is more difficult.

4. Hundreds of people have already signed a ‘Woodside Pledge’ supporting the protection of the Kimberley’s savanna woodlands, air, ocean, wildlife and water. The pledge gives people the opportunity to state they that will not invest in Woodside or other companies that promote fossil fuel industrialisation of the Kimberley coast.

Australian admits creating first iPhone virus – ABC News Article link.

Australian admits creating first iPhone virus

Monday, November 9, 2009

By Brigid Andersen

A 21-year-old Australian man has admitted creating what is thought to be the first virus to infect Apple iPhones.

The virus, which can spread from phone to phone, changes the iPhone’s wallpaper to a photograph of 1980s singer Rick Astley – best known for his hit Never Gonna Give You Up.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/09/2737673.htm

To view on a mobile please use this link

http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=2737673&cat=Justin

from @perthtones’ iPhone

Another week before oil leak plugged properly ABC News Article link.

Another week before oil leak plugged properly

Monday, November 9, 2009

The company responsible for the West Atlas oil spill says it could take another week to get safety clearance to board the platform and plug the leak.

Oil spilled from the well for 10 weeks and it caught on fire before the leak was stopped.

At this stage the leak has stopped flowing but it can not be plugged properly until personnel can board the platform.

To view on a PC/Mac please use this link

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/09/2737379.htm

To view on a mobile please use this link

http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=2737379&cat=Justin
from @perthtones’ iPhone

Monk talks music and business on the Selling Circus – Press release

Monk talks music and business on the Selling Circus

Fort Payne, AL – Barre, MA – Munich, Germany
November 8, 2009:
Renagade’s Relics is pleased to announce that one of it’s Independent Musicians, Monk, will be a guest on the Selling Circus podcast, hosted by Walt Kolenda, aka ‘AuctionWally.’ Special co-host is Susan Leak aka ‘Renagade’ of renagadesrelics.com. This live broadcast is on Monday, November 9, 2009 on the talkshoe.com platform.

Monk, from Munich, Germany will discuss the making of his debut CD, ‘Damaged Music for Damaged People’. This album was a three year solo project, with Monk writing, performing, mixing and producing. The show will also cover the way Monk has successfully implemented the Internet to market his music and establish his brand of ‘Monk.’ Monk and Susan have built a working partnership for marketing Monk’s album and have done so strictly via the Internet. This show will be the first time they have had the opportunity to speak directly to each other.

The Selling Circus podcast is hosted by Walt Kolenda of Barre, MA on Talkshoe. The focus is on eCommerce selling and the issues the sellers face in todays ever changing marketplace.
To have a Musician come in an address how the music world faces the same problems of marketing, promoting, and branding, offers a fresh new angle many will be able to learn from.

“ I look forward to being able to share my experiences with The Selling Circus listeners” says Monk. “I have tuned into the show myself. I have found all the guests to be knowledgeable and the platform of Talkshoe a good one. The fact people can ask their questions with ease of just typing in the chatroom or calling in on the phone is great.”

The live broadcast is at 8:00pm EST on Monday, November 9, 2009.
You can tune in by going to:
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=53449&cmd=tc

The show will also be available for download on the site, or at http://www.renagadesrelics.com later in the week.

About Monk:
Monk is a singer/songwriter/musician residing in Munich,Germany. His debut CD is available on his website http://www.monk-music-monk.com as well as http://www.renagadesrelics.com .
Monk now has a band and is working towards live performances to help promote his album.

For more information contact:
Susan Leak
Renagade’s Relics
Fort Payne, AL
256-844-8429

Muay Thai Battle Collossal VIII ringside pics – kickboxing from Perth

Muay Thai Battle Collossal VIII ringside pics

Another great Tournament from Phon Martdee’s muaythaipromotions.com

pics from iPhone, slideshow in iPhoto.

music

Hilltop Hoods – STILL STANDING – click the pic for tour details and to buy music

The best aussie hip hop around - from Adelaide

 

 

 

 

Greens rally in support of midwives

Greens rally in support of midwives

Monday, 9 November 2009

The Australian Greens have put their support behind rallies being held around Australia today in support of the rights of Australian midwives.

The Greens support the rights of women to choose safe homebirths with the assistance of a midwife and have been working to strengthen the government’s midwives legislation.

But the government’s amendment to their bill, to be debated next week, requires midwives to work at all times in formal collaborative arrangements with doctors as a condition of insurance.

Doctors will be able to veto these arrangements effectively giving the medical profession the ability to control which midwives can be insured and register.

“We find this completely unacceptable as it may erode rather than expand choices as doctors make decisions about what types of care to support,” Australian Greens health spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

“The Greens are deeply concerned about this amendment as it undermines the role of midwives and the capacity for women to choose a home birth. We are currently consulting widely around options for amendments to this legislation.

“We will continue to fight for greater choice and less interventionist maternity care and support the Australian Private Midwives Association’s call for the government to make sure options for choice are not lost in the process of this reform,” Senator Siewert said.

Senator Siewert will speak at a rally at 11.30am this morning outside the electorate office of Federal Minister Stephen Smith in Perth.

Media Contacts: Fernando de Freitas 0417 174 302

Fernando de Freitas
Media Advisor

Office of Scott Ludlam & Rachel Siewert

Australian Greens Senators for Western Australia

Suite S1.36 Parliament House, Canberra ACT
P: 02 6277 3467 | M: 0417 174 302

Fernando.defreitas
www.GreensMPs.org.au

New U.S. and French Nuclear Reactors Designs Foundering on Safety

News from Beyond Nuclear

www.beyondnuclear.org

U.S. and French New Reactors Designs Foundering on Safety Flaws

TAKOMA PARK, MD – In the space of just a few weeks, the two leading new nuclear reactor designs currently on the international market have been revealed to have serious safety deficiencies by nuclear safety authorities in four countries.

Both the U.S.-Japanese Westinghouse-Toshiba AP-1000 design and the French European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) have been shown to be potentially unsafe.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said last month that the AP-1000 containment design was structurally vulnerable to collapse from events like earthquake, tornadoes and severe storm damage. The NRC has already required the AP-1000 design to show it could withstand a major aircraft crash.

The EPR, under construction in France and Finland, but also proposed for Britain, the U.S. and elsewhere, was found not to meet safety requirements for reactor control systems by the British, Finnish and French nuclear safety agencies.

The U.S. and European agencies have demanded design modifications to both the AP-1000 and EPR reactors before declaring them “safe.”

“This is just another nail in the coffin of a nuclear non-starter,” said Linda Gunter, Beyond Nuclear spokesperson. “The alleged nuclear renaissance so far looks more like a retreat with the nuclear industry sent back to the drawing board for more costly changes.

“The EPR construction disasters in Finland and France – with projects wildly over budget and behind schedule – coupled with these latest safety revelations, expose once again both the high costs and high risks of pursuing the nuclear path,” Gunter said.

Both Areva and EDF have since agreed to provide modifications to the design of the EPR before the end of the year.

“U.S. Senators should seriously take note of these alarming safety and financial risks before pushing for massive nuclear industry handouts in a climate change bill,” Gunter added. “Do they really want to risk American lives by building these radioactive ticking time bombs and to fleece their constituents into paying for them too?

“It’s obvious that the new reactor path should be abandoned in favor of worthwhile and productive investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that can actually address the climate crisis and put Americans back to work in safe, green jobs.”

Areva’s non-voting shares closed almost four percent lower this week on the heels of the EPR safety revelations. In addition, a potentially lucrative contract with the United Arab Emirates for as many as six new reactors might now be in jeopardy for both Areva and Westinghouse.

-30-

Beyond Nuclear aims to educate and activate the public about the connections between nuclear power and nuclear weapons and the need to abandon both to safeguard our future. Beyond Nuclear advocates for an energy future that is sustainable, benign and democratic. The Beyond Nuclear team works with diverse partners and allies to provide the public, government officials, and the media with the critical information necessary to move humanity toward a world beyond nuclear.

Contact information

Beyond Nuclear

6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 400

Takoma Park, MD 20912

Tel: 301.270.2209 Fax: 301.270.4000

Email: info

Web site: www.beyondnuclear.org

Tell the U.N.: The Rapes Must Stop Now

Just weeks ago in the West African country of Guinea, countless women were brutally raped in a public stadium when soldiers stormed a peaceful protest. The world reacted with outrage, but Guinea is just the tip of the iceberg. Tell the UN that violence against women must end now > What happened in Guinea is a visible example of the violence and abuse that threatens women and girls all over the world. In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, 36 women and girls are raped every day. This is the world’s shame. But you can do something to change it. We have partnered with CARE to urge the U.N. Security Council to appoint a special representative now who can help hold government forces and armed groups accountable for stopping repeated gender-based violence, and assist survivors of rape and assault. This special representative was called for in a recently passed U.N. resolution to protect women and girls from sexual violence, but pressure is needed to ensure urgent action. Your signature will send a strong signal that the world’s response to violence against women is more than words on paper. Together, we can help build an international movement to empower women and girls — and break the vicious cycle of violence against them. Please click here to add your name to those standing up to violence against women > Thanks for all that you do, - The Change.org Team in partnership with CARE

Click here to sign your name Take a stand against rape and violence against women around the world.

From Maurice Carabell and other Justmeans – Green, CSR, Good Work, Sustainability, and Social Enterprise News and Updates group members on LinkedIn

Linkedin Groups	November 4, 2009
Justmeans – Green, CSR, Good Work, Sustainability, and Social Enterprise News and Updates
Activity: 10 discussions | 1 news discussion | 4 news articles
Discussions Free Webcast: "Investing for Impact: Stronger During the Downturn" 0 comments » Started by Maurice Carabell, CRM Consultant, Green Business Enthusiast Are you engaging your employees to achieve your sustainability goals? 0 comments » Started by Ellen Resnick, Founder/President at Resnick Consulting Sustainability Employee Engagement Lab for Culture and Cultural Social Responsibility Interview 0 comments » Started by Milenne Tanganelli, Director at Release the Chicken 10 Strategies for Building Credibility into a Sustainable Brand – FREE Webinar Nov.6th 0 comments » Started by Mario Vellandi, Digital PR Pro, Word of Mouth Marketing / Social Media Maven, and Sustainability Writer Major SEC shareholder resolution policy change 0 comments » Started by William Michael Cunningham, CEO at Creative Investment Research, Inc. and Owner, Creative Investment Research, Inc. Chain Reaction 2009 the annual Global Forum on Social Leadership 0 comments » Started by Richard McKeever, Communications Manager at Community Links United Breaks Guitars" It will cost Airlines $180 million in some minds USA Green Jobs Now.Org Creates New Energy Sector Jobs and Green Jobs Now 0 comments » Started by Ron Vogt USA Green Jobs Now.Org, New Industries New Opportunity Is CSR like Inside Baseball – take the quiz – you could win 100,000 impressions on Changents.com 0 comments » Started by Beth Bengtson, Partner at SDialogue Thinking sustainably? Enter Forum for the Future’s disruptive innovation competition 0 comments » Started by Liz Evers, Website & Comms Officer at Forum for the Future Join Us for the Social Innovation Awards Webinar! 0 comments » Started by Vikrant Labde, Head of Technology at Justmeans News Discussions (1) Will Steger Foundation is now UPonGREEN and soon on their way to the Global Copenhagen Climate Conference! 1 comment » For every business or organization that posts their Eco-Profile at UPonGREEN (as a business or organization) before Dec 15, 2009, 20% of your registration fee will go toward the Will Steger Foundation Copenhagen Expedition. A call out to all of you "Action Leaders" … do 9 simple EPA recommended actions or more (visit www.upongreen to view the 14 pt criteria) and publicly share your Eco-Profile just like the Will Steger Foundation has done. Transparency and action are the keys to progress. Please get UP today! By Michelle "Mitch" Hedlund Latest News New 2010 Nonprofit Wage & Benefits Report 0 comments » Opportunity Knocks | November 4, 2009 Just in time for end-of-year budgeting, nonprofit employers can find salary and benefits information to make solid HR decisions for their organizations… Trust: Why Business Lost It, And How To Win It Back (Part 1 of 3) 0 comments » The Green Economy Post – Chris Jarvis | November 3, 2009 There is a serious lack of trust among consumers these days. This is actually nothing new. But, leveraged by the social media tools of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Ning sites, and blogging seems to have brought us to a tipping point.… Looking For a Job in Sustainability? Look Beyond The Job Boards 0 comments » The Green Economy Post | November 2, 2009 Green job boards are popping up all over the internet. I review them regularly and my assessment is this: the chances that you will land a job in sustainability because of something you see on a job board are slim. Very slim. Consid… Socially Responsible Investing Panel 11/17 6:30pm 0 comments » prlog.org | November 3, 2009 Socially Responsible Investing Panel. The panel will discuss Socially Responsible Investing, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Environmental, Social and Governance Investing.…

Rolling Stone – “Glee the Music: Volume 1″ Reviewed, Behind the Scenes at the Rock Hall Anniversary Concerts and more

	Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Spotlight Glee Cast Glee: The Music Volume 1 Translating American Idol-style stardom to CD depends on the X-factor of good original material. Glee, Fox’s mix of The Breakfast Club and High School Musical, solves that by recycling classic hits. In Glee-land, rock, tween pop and Tin Pan Alley aren’t at odds — Journey, Jordin Sparks and Kanye are all karaoke fodder. Star Matthew Morrison couldn’t rap his way out of… Read More	Editors’ Pick Weezer Ratitude Do you think Rivers Cuomo ever gets tired of pissing people off? Check that…. Read More Up and Coming Wale Attention Deficit On his 2008 Mixtape About Nothing, this D.C. rapper had the guts to set self-examining… Read More Top Reissue The Rolling Stones Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The Rolling Stones in Concert – 40th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set Get Yer Ya-Ya’s out! — recorded in 1969 over two nights at Madison Square Garden… Read More
La Roux The U.K. synth-pop sensation — striking androgynous singer Elly Jackson and behind-the-scenes beatmaker Ben Langmaid — has already scored two Top Five hits in England. Watch Video The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Celebrates 25 Years in Two Epic Shows Aretha Franklin, Jeff Beck, Ozzy Osbourne and Annie Lennox on the night’s events, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett on collaborating with Lou Reed and more. Watch Video Subscribe to Rolling Stone Renew Back issues Gifts Customer Service Current Issue	Artist Track Listen Weezer Can’t Stop Partying (Polow version) Rihanna Russian Roulette Taylor Swift Jump Then Fall Say Anything I Do Better La Roux Bulletproof Get More of This Week’s Top Tracks Artist Dates Mission of Burma Papa Roach U2 Weezer Artic Monkeys Dane Cook Gregg Allman Bon Jovi Cold War Kids Joe Perry Project All Tours
Subscribe to Rolling Stone Magazine | Get the Newsletter | Advertise With Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map © 2009 RollingStone.com All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

some good financial and general interest stories – burningpants newsletter

	As part of CoreData’s Thought Club initiative we will be adding regular audio sound files to enhance the site’s experience. Click here to listen Enjoy!
	Patterns and Authority Humans, well most humans, have an inbuilt need to seek out order and organisation – for the majority of us it’s as hard wired as breathing. Our brains are set up to look for patterns that explain things and make sense of our surroundings purpose – it’s a biological need which partly explains how bizarre cults come to be, and why some people take things like the zodiac very seriously… [ Full story]
	Every Other House Significant mortgage market share changes have occurred during the financial crisis in Australia, with the traditional Big Four banks becoming the Big Two. In August 2008, Westpac became the biggest mortgage lender in Australia when the Australian Consumer & Competition Commission (ACCC) did not oppose its takeover of St. George, which at the time ranked fifth in outstanding mortgages…[ Full story ]
	Better Than Zero Risk averse retirees could face the sobering prospect of running out of money before they die given the current low returns on conservative assets. The present ‘close to zero’ returns on cash in the US and UK means many retirees who are now consuming their nest eggs with limited capital growth on their remaining assets will depreciate their savings at a much faster rate…[ Full story ]
	Parachutes and Back Flips Financial planning dealer groups have had a tough time over the past year, with adviser funds under advice dropping as quickly as a skydiver, but licensees have since become very adept at performing back flips. AMP, a staunch defender of commissions for many years, recently told fund managers to kiss commissions goodbye if they want to make the group’s approved product list in 2010…[ Full story ]
	Modest Times In the good times, the strength of the City of London, and in particular the banking sector, was seen as a positive. Now, with the UK still, according to recent official statistics, mired in recession and negative growth, many fear that banking problems are holding the UK back…[ Full story ]
	C – for ACCC The Australian Consumer & Competition Commission (ACCC) earns a black mark for suggesting foreign banks can compete on retail deposits in Australia. The ACCC Public Competition Assessment in August 2008 announced its decision not to oppose the Westpac takeover of St George, and within the Competition Analysis section (60) cited ‘…a range of independent competitors will remain in the various retail markets post-acquisition and, in particular, each of the other three major banks and the regional banks’…[ Full story ]
	burningpants.com is a fortnightly newsletter produced for the financial services industry. The site aims to provide fresh commentary, information and insight to individuals working in the sector. Our group operates in four primary markets internationally – Australia, US, China and UK – and we’re dedicated to delivering perceptive, insightful and thought-provoking commentary on developing trends and issues. We also value your opinions, so feel free to add your experiences and perspectives to any of the articles covered. Regards Burning Pants http://www.burningpants.com burningpants.com is brought to you by CoreData. burningpants, Suite 304, Level 3, 105 Pitt Street, Sydney 2000 New South Wales Australia CoreData is a fully owned subsidiary of brandmanagement.

Oil spill inquiry may be behind closed doors – Greens call for public probe and accountability

Greens response to Montara oil spill inquiry

The Australian Greens today called on federal Resources Minister, Martin Ferguson and the newly appointed Commissioner of Inquiry, Michael Borthwick to ensure that the Montara inquiry announced today was a public one – with open hearings and the timely public release of its report.

"We are concerned that the inquiry as announced could happen entirely behind closed doors," said Australian Greens marine spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"The terms of reference should allow for a comprehensive inquiry, but we are concerned that its success will depend on the conduct of the inquiry – which is being led by an ex-Commonwealth bureaucrat with no judicial or investigative experience."

"It will be a challenging task to get to the bottom of this a complex and multi-faceted issue – it is likely to require effective investigative digging and forensic analysis."

“We need to be assured that this inquiry will also cover the effectiveness of the government response and of the coordination between governments and agencies.”

The Australian Greens are also concerned that the terms of reference for the inquiry do not explicitly direct the Commissioner to investigate the vexed issue of oil impacts in Indonesian waters and to hear the claims of fishermen and sea-weed farmers who claim their livelihoods have been affected.

"The Act does give the Commissioner the powers to look into these issues, but they are not addressed in the terms of reference announced today. We are calling on Commissioner Borthwick to publicly commit to investigate alleged impacts in Indonesian waters," she concluded.

Media contact: Eloise Dortch – 0415 507 763