Australians abused while “in care” cut adrift by Canberra, as state Govts cut already miserly compensation – what about REDRESS

Senator Rachel Siewert Australian Greens Senator for WA

Monday 31st August 2009

Greens support Forgotten Australians apology

The Australian Greens have welcomed the Government’s commitment to an apology to the ‘Forgotten Australians’, and said they are keen to work with the Government and Opposition on the apology.

“A formal statement of acknowledgement and an apology to the children who suffered hurt and distress or abuse and assault in institutional care is a welcome step on the way towards recovery,” said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.

“I have been very concerned about the lack of progress in implementation of the recommendations of the Lost Innocents and Forgotten Australians reports as identified during the Senate Community Affairs Committee’s recent inquiry into progress on these reports.”

“The committee made 16 recommendations for further work that we believe needs to be done – first and foremost being a formal apology,” said Senator Siewert.

“There also needs to be further work done in the provision of redress schemes in some states that do not yet have redress schemes. We need Commonwealth leadership in this area to encourage these states to pursue putting in place redress schemes.”

“The churches also need to take steps to ensure that the processes for handling abuse allegations are consistent across all jurisdictions across this country. There needs to be greater action by the churches and religious organisations in providing support, redress and reparations to the children who were in their care.”

“I’m very pleased to hear the Government intends to make a formal apology, and strongly encourage implementation of the other recommendations in the Community Affairs Committee report” said Senator Siewert.

Senator Siewert is chair of the Senate standing committee on Community Affairs

Tim.Norton@aph.gov.au | M: 0418 401 180

www.RachelSiewert.org.au | www.GreensMPs.org.au

This is a travesty, see the WA Govt site on Redresss ( http://www.redress.wa.gov.au/about.asp ), and standby to hear on this blog some of the voices of those who have endured and survived only to be snubbed and left to pay the cost of their abuse.

Please comment here, call talkback, write letters and support these abused and forgotten australians

cheers
tony serve

Skype: perthtones Google Talk: serve.tony@gmail.com
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tony serve blogs Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ignores NW environment as he spins a major oil slick threatening offshore and manland ecosystems

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd ignores NW environment as he spins a major oil slick threatening offshore and manland ecosystems :(

Kevin Rudd escaped a grilling when interviewed on 6pr.com.au about the giant oil spill off our NW coast.

Clicke here for 3 minutes of shameful spin (what about the whales & turtles Kev, they don’t vote, but we do!)  PM Kevin Rudd

There is a major threat to our offshore and mainland ecosystems, whales, turtles, sensitive reefs, and no word on why the company involved has rejected offers of clean-up help from Woodside.  see interview with Greens (WA) Sen. Rachel Siewert who’s just back from overflying the huge slick.

call your local talkback to have your say +61 8 922 11882 is 6pr.com.au

visit Senator Siewert’s site to keep track, this oil will keep spilling for the next 2 months!

Muay Thai Australian title – Highlights Oley Sakonpetch v Phillip ‘Flip’ Street

WBC national title fight August 22

check Pamorn’s site pamornsport.com or muaythaipromotions.com to order full DVD of Battle Collossal VII

Sacred Indigenous Art still under threat in Western Australia, join FARA to help save sacred Aboriginal Rock Carvings on the Burrup Peninsula

Latest news

Hi everyone, After a very successful 3rd Heritage Tour to the Burrup in July this year, we are pleased to announce that the waiting list is now open for the 4th Tour in July 2010 (dates tbc) – so if you know of anyone who might be interested, please email Judith Hugo on tour@fara.com.au. We already have many interested! In the meantime we have these forthcoming events – Zig-Zag Walk, Gooseberry Hill – Sunday 4 October 2009 Walking the Zig Zag in the Shire of Kalamunda is a lovely community event when all the world and his wife, children, grandchildren and others are transported to the top of the zig zag by shuttle bus. They then walk down enjoying the spectacular views while being entertained by music and various community groups, sausage sizzles etc. At the bottom of the Scenic Drive, more buses will take people back up to the top again. This year FARA has been invited to attend and will have a stand to inform the public about Burrup issues. We are looking for volunteers to help us spread the word – another opportunity to wear your Burrup t-shirt and do a fun Stand Up for the Burrup! If you are interested, please contact Ginie Bristowe at 9271 7263 or 0422 487 419 or sweetginie@hotmail.com with heading Zig Zag. See website for more information. Event location: Zig Zag Scenic Drive, Gooseberry Hill, FARA AGM – Tuesday 27 October 2009. 6.30pm 41 Havelock Street, West Perth We have a great new bunch of members from our last Burrup trip, but this is a reminder that old memberships are now due for renewal… This may be done by sending a cheque or money order to Jennifer Laker at 5710 Phillips Rd, Mundaring WA 6072 or by direct deposit to our bank account – Bendigo Bank, Mundaring – BSB 633 000, A/c No. 1297 11149 > Friends of Australian Rock Art. (Don’t forget to add your own name!) Membership fees: $20 – waged, $10 – low waged, $5 – unwaged, or there’s always the option of $200 – life membership! Please attend the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 27th October 2009 at 6.30pm. Come along (to Robin Chapple’s new parliamentary offices 41 Havelock Street, West Perth) to meet old and new friends – and hear the latest low-down on the Burrup! (Robert Bednarik’s book “Australian Apocalypse’ will also be available @$25) Lynne Tinley’s exhibition closing – Sunday 8 November, 3-5 pm Kingfisher Gallery, 49 Colin Street, West Perth Lynne Tinley, well known WA artist and staunch supporter of our Burrup cause, has kindly offered part proceeds from her exhibition to FARA. Her stunning works combine images from her South African roots with those from her adopted Australian homeland. This will be a wine & cheese event @$20 – bookings to Judith Hugo at jhugo@iinet.net.au And did you know? - We are always keen to hear your ideas about possible fundraising events or Stand Ups – contact@fara.com.au - FARA meets every second Tuesday Friends of Australian Rock Art meets every second Tuesday from 5.45pm to 8pm at 41 Havelock Street, West Perth. The committee welcomes anyone to attend the meeting and bring forward their ideas and/or contributions. Here is the list of scheduled meetings for the next 2 months: Tuesday 1st September Committee meeting Tuesday 15th September Committee meeting Tuesday 29th September Committee meeting Tuesday 13th October Committee meeting Tuesday 27th October Annual General Meeting FARA would be grateful if you could circulate this email to your network. 29/08/2009 Kind regards Judith, Remi For Friends of Australian Rock Art

Friends of Australian Rock Art Inc.

WA Premier Colin Barnett appears to say – I’m a nice bloke here’s 44 cents for you

I’m a nice bloke here’s 44 cents for you

The LHMU is working hard to secure better pay and conditions for more than 10,000 education assistants, school cleaners and gardeners in Western Australia’s public schools, because kids can’t learn without us.

LHMU, the Miscos

Education assistants perform a range of roles in Western Australian classrooms, including working with children with severe physical and intellectual disabilities and behavioural problems.

LHMU, the Miscos

School cleaners and gardeners perform important roles every day, keeping the places where children learn, exercise and play both clean and safe.

LHMU, the Miscos

Colin Barnett and the State Government want us to accept a 2.5 per cent pay rise this year. That’s just 44 cents an hour. How is that fair when they have put up water by 10 per cent, gas by 23 per cent and electricity by 25 per cent?

LHMU, the Miscos

At $35k per year, we are already some of your lowest paid employees and we deserve a fair deal. Kids can’t learn without us.

LHMU, the Miscos

Please visit http://www.kidscantlearnwithoutus.org.au/ and support the people who keep our schools open

Perth Workshop for families with 1 or more people living with mental llness, you are not alone :

Registration form and more detail – click here

Click the pic to visit COMIC WA – There is great support for families available.

Major Oil Spill off NW Australia – pics and interview with Senator Rachel Siewert on her overflight of the West Atlas disaster

The Australian Greens today released pictures taken yesterday of the West Atlas Oil Spill indicating the extent to which the oil had spread from the oil rig, and called on the Government to intervene in a situation that is clearly worse than originally reported.

«««

“This spill is far more serious than both the company and the Government are saying. We were not prepared for the extent of what we saw,” said Senator Rachel Siewert, marine spokesperson for the Australian Greens.

«««

“The Government must urgently intervene, to stand up to the oil company and start immediate action to protect these precious waters and the whale, turtle, fish and other species that call them home.”

«««

The ABC is reporting here that Minister Ferguson says everything’s fine!!!

Well, if you stand on one leg and face NNE it DOES look smaller, but for the marine life it’s very very big and very very close

The Senator’s site will be updated with video and pecise co-ordinates of the oveflight soon, please visit and bookmark, share

WBC Muay Thai championship night Perth Aug 22 2009 – produced by Phon MartdeeHIGHLIGHTS FINAL

Plenty of Muay Thai action at the Perth Italian Club for Battle Collossal VII.

A National WBC title was up for grabs, a local hero returned to the ring, the ladies match was tough but fair, and WA fighters matched it with he best from Victoria and Queensland.

visit muaythaipromotons.com to pre-order the full DVD

Congratulations to Phon and all of the Martdee family for 20 years of sport and cultural exchange in Perth.

In 20 years there has NEVER been a fight OUTSIDE the ring.

Brilliant new Mental Health network Check out nkm2.org

nkm2.org is brand new!! Visit nkm2.org today and create your user account! Share your story and get involved in the fight to end the stigma! New Interactive Features: FORUM Discuss interesting articles, interviews, and more on all aspects of brain dis-ease! Create an NKM2! account and start your own discussion! BLOG We want to hear your thoughts! Create an NKM2! account and start sharing your views on brain dis-ease! VIDEOS Informative, inspirational clips on brain dis-ease, and the pursuit of mental health! Submit your NKM2! videos! GALLERY A visual account of what’s going on with NKM2! Submit your NKM2! pics! EVENTS Find out about our next event! We could be coming to your city! Coming soon to nkm2.org… The Stomp Out The Stigma Tour From August 31st to September 10th 2009 NKM2! – Joe Pantoliano, Lisa Jay, and psychiatric specialist Dr. Robert Irvin – will tour U.S. military installations in Iraq and Kuwait, showing the inspirational documentary NKM2!, and talking to our troops! Stay tuned to nkm2.org for updates, and Joey and Lisa’s Iraq video blog! Want to make a donation…click here!

Kids doing time: Crowding, cuts and crisis -

Many believe the juvenile justice system in New South Wales has been placed in crisis by overcrowding and a budget cut that will see it lose 100 front-line staff.

Statistics obtained by ABC1′s Four Corners reveal why: since 2007, assaults and incidents of self-harm inside the state’s juvenile detention centres have more than doubled and the centres are bursting at the seams.

In 2007 there were 187 assaults by detainees on each other. In 2008 this figure jumped to 242. So far this year the number has gone to 258.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/24/2664591.htm

It’s as bad here in the west and Indigenous youth make up the majority of those in detention. Jail is no substitute for Mental Health services.

from @perthtones’ iPhone

Australian Telco watchdog upbeat despite the ongoing mayhem in customer service – do they have an ISP themselves?

Monday 24 August, 2009

Telcos take first steps to improve customer service: Ombudsman

The Telecommunication Industry Ombudsman (TIO) has called on service providers to continue putting customers’ interests first in a bid to improve the consumer experience.

The Ombudsman Deirdre O’Donnell made the comments today at the launch of the TIO’s connect.resolve report, which shines the spotlight on the telecommunications industry’s customer service performance in the first six months of this year. The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy launched the report in Melbourne today.

The report shows the number of complaints about customer service matters to the TIO increased by 1.8 per cent during the campaign, compared with a 46 per cent rise in 2007-08.

Ms O’Donnell said although the overall number of complaints stabilised during the campaign, further action was needed.

"The stabilisation shows that our collaborative approach with service providers has been effective, but they need to continue their efforts to prioritise customer service," she said.

"The proportion of complaints about customer service-related matters has remained unacceptably high and, in the TIO’s view, the industry still has much work to do in this area."

The connect.resolve campaign was created to encourage the 10 largest telecommunications companies to refocus on their customers’ experiences and the need to improve their customer service practices.

Throughout the campaign, service providers received monthly data about their customers’ complaints to the TIO, as well as examples of consumer ‘voices’ so they could have a better understanding of which areas needed improvement, and further develop their customer service processes.

Some companies acknowledged they needed to make substantial changes to the way they approached customer service and some had already begun to do so.

"All the changes that the telecommunications industry is making will greatly benefit its customers and the community overall," Ms O’Donnell said.

However, she emphasised the industry must continue to give priority to improving customer service.

"To achieve a sustainable improvement, the collaborative effort that has been initiated through connect.resolve, involving telecommunications companies, regulators, policy makers and key consumer and industry groups, needs to continue," Ms O’Donnell said.

The TIO will continue to report publicly on the industry’s performance through its quarterly consumer newsletter TIO Talks.

Download release in PDF (2 pg/69 KB)

Media contact: John DuBois, Communications Manager, (03) 8600 8378 or 0417 559 287

POSTED BY tony serve who’s still waiting to resolve costly and maddening disputes with #optus after they supplied the TIO with false info and failed to send compensation forms as directed, they sent the debt collectors instead.

Skype: perthtones Google Talk: serve.tony@gmail.com
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tony serve blogs Australian Bassist loses fight against cancer – ABC link

Australian Bassist loses fight against cancer – ABC link

Tributes flow for Magic Dirt bassist

Monday, August 24, 2009

Magic Dirt’s MySpace page has been inundated with tributes to bassist Dean Turner, who has lost his fight against cancer aged 37.

Turner co-founded the Geelong-based band with singer Adalita Srsen in 1992 and is survived by a wife and two young daughters.
To view on a PC/Mac please use this link

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/24/2664870.htm

To view on a mobile please use this link

http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=2664870&cat=Justin

from @perthtones’ iPhone

ABC News Article link.

WA oil spill ‘one of Australia’s worst’

Monday, August 24, 2009

An oil spill in the Timor Sea off Western Australia’s northern coast is shaping as one of the nation’s worst.

The incident occurred at the West Atlas mobile offshore drilling unit, 250 kilometres north of Truscott, and 690 kilometres west of Darwin, last Friday morning.

To view on a PC/Mac please use this link http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/24/2664927.htm

To view on a mobile please use this link http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=2664927&cat=Justin
from @perthtones’ iPhone

Mental Health Forum in Perth Tuesday September 29 on plans for the coming decade – be part of the change in Western Australia September

Thank you to all the West Australians who took part in recent workshops hosted by Price Waterhouse Cooper to inform the powers that be about the urgent need for change in practice and process.

Join those steering the information process on Tuesday September 29 to hear about what happens from here. Please see the brochure below this post for details of the forum and share with your contacts.

The recent confirmation of Australia‘s suicide rate as not falling in ten years clearly shows that Governments and Service Providers have failed tragically.

No group has been failed more miserably than the First Australians, city or regional, who are suffering and dying at rates that higher than many third world countries ( don’t get me started on how little impact the Government and resource industry’s meagre efforts have had on their welfare despite making Billions from sacred land )

The deadly toll of stigma, misdiagnosis, over-drugging, ignorance,vested interests and plain inertia can’t even be measured because of the failed unwritten media rule of not reporting on suicide ( except if it’s a ratings boosting celebrity suicide )

The silence is deadly, and even offensive, as the media still gives oxygen to suicide kits and tragically wrong advice from the man known as Dr Death – under the guise of “covering” the Euthenasia debate.

A Perth woman with mental illness died horribly in Mexico after following his advice on “dignified death”, leaving her young children orphaned and a hole in the hearts of her family and community, including her since departed sister who was a dear friend of mine and the 6PR Perth radio talkback family.

Click Pic for Perthnow.com.au story

Greens call for environmental repair fund in wake of West Australian oil spill

Senator Rachel Siewert

Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia

Sunday 23rd August 2009

Greens call for environmental repair fund in wake of WA oil spill

The Australian Greens today called for more information to be made available about the oil spill off the coast of Western Australia, and for the company responsible to set up an environmental fund to monitor and repair any environmental impacts the spill may have caused.

“The company needs to be more forthcoming with information,” Australian Greens marine spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

“We have limited information on what is currently occurring out there, what actually happened out there, how did it happen, or when they expect to get it under control.”

“This area has been dubbed a ‘marine superhighway’. There are populations of baby turtles this time of year, and the area also serves as a migratory route for whales and other marine life. It’s also close to Ashmore Reef, so we need to be certain the spill is contained before any further damage is done.”

“We are deeply concerned that it has taken so long for clean-up operations to begin and we don’t know what the long-term impacts are going to be. We believe a fund needs to be set up by the company to fund ongoing monitoring and any further repair needed in the future.”

“Before any further development is undertaken closer to the Kimberley coast, we need to ensure that emergency response teams are situated closer than Victoria or the WA wheatbelt, as this instance has shown that the increased response time could potentially result in further environmental damage,” said Senator Siewert.

“I am also concerned by comments from Resources Minister Martin Ferguson over this spill where he is playing down the potential environmental impacts – we do not yet know if the environment is at risk. He is clearly demonstrating that resources come before the environment.”

The Greens are calling on PTTEP Australasia to set up a fund to monitor damage and repair the environment.

“We also need better processes than this, to ensure quick response times and adequate safeguards to protect the environment,” she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418 401 180

Tim Norton
Communications and Campaigns
Office of Rachel Siewert | Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia
Suite SG-113 Parliament House, Canberra ACT | P: 02 6277 3741 | F: 02 6277 5762

Tim.Norton@aph.gov.au |
www.RachelSiewert.org.au | www.GreensMPs.org.au

	PROTECTING THE CLIMATE IS A JOB FOR EVERYONE
	Sign-up to GreensMPs	GreensBlog	Twitter

posted by tony serve in support of those working to save our environment

Skype: perthtones Google Talk: serve.tony@gmail.com
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tony serve blogs Big Pharma’s huge profits from human suffering features in brilliant doco and awesome new novel, listen to Producer Kevin Miller and author Pamela Glasner

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• Doodurls is the Doodle destination (thenextweb.com)

Big Pharma’s huge profits from human suffering features in brilliant doco and awesome new novel, listen to Producer Kevin Miller and author Pamela Glasner

click the blue link for audio

Pamela Glasner & Kevin Miller talking with Tony Serve

Pamela Glasner author "Finding Emaus"

Kevin P Miller Producer of "Generation Rx "

Pamela’s Novel “Finding Emmaus” Out Oct 1 Pre-order now

Kevin Miller’s Documentary trailer – DVD available now

Australian Greens win Inquiry into Parliament Approving Troop Deployment

Senator Scott Ludlam

Australian Greens Senator for WA

Thursday 20th August 2009

Greens win Inquiry into Parliament Approving Troop Deployment

The Greens welcome the decision of the Senate today for an Inquiry into the “War Powers” Bill requiring Parliamentary approval for deployment of Australian troops into conflict situations.

“In 2003, in the absence of any checks or balances that many other democracies have, John Howard sent Australian troops to war, without Parliamentary approval and against overwhelming public opposition,” said the Greens’ Attorneys General Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam. "This must never happen again."

“In the wake of the departure of Australian troops from Iraq, the time is ripe for debate about to the “War Powers” Bill that would ensure parliamentary approval for taking the country to war.”

"The Committee can now take evidence and gauge the mood in the community for this long overdue and essential reform."

“My Private Senator’s Bill will subject a decision to go to war to the scrutiny of Parliament as is the case in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. It is carefully drafted so as not to hinder emergency deployments, disaster relief or peacekeeping operations.

“In these countries troop deployment is set down in constitutional or legislative provisions. This is a subject of intense debate in the UK – where the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives are both pressuring the Prime Minister to take this step."

Senator Ludlam’s Private Senator’s Bill, the Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Approval of Overseas Service) Bill 2008 [No. 2] was first introduced by Democrat Senator Andrew Bartlett. Senator Ludlam took carriage of the Bill after Senator Bartlett departed the Senate mid 2008.

The Senate Committee will report on 19 November 2009.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418 401 180

Senate calls for Government action on deafness

Senator Rachel Siewert

Australian Greens Senator for WA

Senate calls for Government action on deafness

The Senate has called on the Government to improve services and support for those Australian suffering from a hearing impairment, supporting a Greens motion on the matter.

“In Australia, one in six people have some form of hearing impairment. Australians who are deaf, have a hearing impairment, chronic disorder of the ear or are deafblind still experience many forms of discrimination which prevents them from fulfilling their true potential as citizens of Australia. We need to increase our level of support for people with a hearing impairment” said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.

“At the moment, people over the age of 21 are not eligible for a government-funded hearing aid or hearing services. This significantly impacts on the quality of life for many people with a hearing impairment – it is important that the Government expand this service to people over the age of 21. I was pleased to see the Senate support the motion calling on the Government to investigate the feasibility of expanding government-funded hearing services and aids to those over the age of 21″ said Senator Siewert.

“I call on the Government to start such an investigation immediately”.

“This week I was proud to host a cross-party supported demonstration of deafness technologies at Parliament House in Canberra. I hope that, by bringing these technologies directly to the politicians, they can gain a better understanding of how these issues can impact on the well-being and community participation of those affected.”

“There is still a lot of work needed to ensure that those suffering from a hearing impairment are not significantly disadvantaged in this country. There are ongoing matters of access to technologies, services, hearing aids and captioning that the Government could address right now.”

“I was pleased to see the Senate in agreement of my motion, and strongly urge the Government to take action on these matters,” she concluded.

The motion reads:

(a) Notes that:

(i) the week beginning Sunday, 23 August 2009 is Hearing Awareness Week

(ii) one in six Australian has some form of hearing impairment, a total of 3.55 million people

(iii) noise injury is the single most common cause of hearing loss, with a total of 37 per cent of hearing loss due to noise injury

(iv) captioning increases the ability of people with a hearing impairment to access broadcast messages

(b) Calls on the Government to:

(i) ensure access to suitable technologies to assist eligible people with a hearing impairment

(ii) investigate the feasibility of expanding government-funded hearing services and aids to those over the age of 21

(iii) investigate the feasibility of expanding captioning to include all government media

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418 401

Australian anti terror campaign increasingly anti freedom – Senator Scott Ludlum Greens WA

Untangling the laws of terror Opinion Editorial | Spokesperson Scott Ludlam Wednesday 19th August 2009, 1:36pm in Peace & Security Terrorism Laws It’s rare to hear the phrase “war on terror” these days — it has been seemingly purged from the official lexicon as the superficial certainty of the Bush/Howard years gives way to darker and more ambiguous terrain.

“war on  freedom terror”

Image via Wikipedia

Australia is still a nation at war: one and a half thousand troops on the ground in Afghanistan, backing NATO’s installation of a brittle democracy in a violent failed state where the distinctions between friend and terrorist change by the day.

“war on  freedom terror”

But something is going on at home as well: a determined, coordinated expansion of the internal security estate that is permanently blurring the boundaries between institutions of defence, intelligence and policing.

“war on  freedom terror”

Some of the thinking is laid bare in the most recent defence white paper: a highly militarised Australia stepping up to meet the threats of nameless Asian aggressors, while an expanded web of domestic security agencies wage an unseen war against the enemy within.

“war on  freedom terror”

The forthcoming counter-terrorism white paper will no doubt provide a discrete glimpse into the workings of this secret war on terror that no longer has a name.

“war on  freedom terror”

But we have some flesh on the bones already.

We know that spy agency ASIO will have doubled in size over four years and has a half-billion dollar headquarters under construction next to the defence complex in Canberra.

“war on  freedom terror”

We know that Australians are, per capita, 23 times more likely to have their phone calls intercepted than United States citizens.

“war on  freedom terror”

We know that a tight feedback loop of mutual self interest binds Ministers, law enforcement agencies and favoured media outlets who somehow manage to have photographers and journalists in place as raids are occurring, or in a recent celebrated example have the story rolling off the presses before the doors have even been kicked in.

The most telling sign of the Rudd Government’s intentions are that every word of the Howard Government’s complex and unwieldy terror laws are still in place, nearly four years after they were forced through the Senate in one fevered afternoon.

“war on  freedom terror”

It has taken two years to get a look at the Governments’ proposed “reforms”, which arrived last week in the form of a 400 page discussion paper that looks very much as though it was rushed out the door in time to catch the aftershocks of the raids in Melbourne.

The debate since then has had a peculiarly unfocused character. The Australian editorialised that the Attorney General was softening the laws. The Fairfax media reported that the laws were being toughened up.

The Coalition accuses the Government of being “soft on terror” and “draconian” at the same time. In reality, the laws are being refined, tuned, the sharp edges knocked off and the subtle underpinnings embedded more deeply in the legal architecture that guides the work of the intelligence and law enforcement communities.

The Australian Federal Police will be able to declare an emergency and then enter premises without a warrant and conduct searches essentially free of judicial oversight. Terror offences will quietly expand to encompass racial violence and “psychological harm”.

The provisions in the Crimes Act that were used to detain Dr Mohammed Haneef for 11 days while the Government frantically worked out whether to prosecute or deport him will remain, although suspects will only be allowed to be held and interrogated without charge for an eight day week. The Government has said that this is about “achieving the right balance between strong laws that protect our safety whilst preserving the democratic rights that protect our freedoms.”

“war on  freedom terror“

It is here that the argument rests most uneasily. If these “strong laws” really were protecting our safety, they would be hard to argue with.

“war on  freedom terror“

The Australian Greens is a party founded on nonviolence. We condemn acts and threats of politically motivated violence without reservation.

“war on  freedom terror“

Image via Wikipedia

The question is whether the continued ratcheting up of the security state actually makes us safer, or whether we should be looking elsewhere for the kind of “security” that seems so fragile in this complicated age.

“war on  freedom terror“

Because they operate behind a firewall of operational secrecy, the Australian public has very little idea to what degree the rapidly proliferating acronym soup of intelligence, defence and law enforcement agencies are actually making us safer.

“war on  freedom terror“

When mistakes do spill into the public domain — as they did with Dr Haneef, Izhar Ul-Haque or Jack Thomas, they shake public confidence not just in the agencies concerned but in the whole assumption that larger and better resourced secret police are the key to a secure Australia.

“war on  your rights terror“

No doubt these agencies are staffed with talented and motivated individuals, some of them doing dangerous work to pre-empt violent crimes, their only reward the absence of some half-formed horror.

“war on  your rights terror“

But this is no reason for centuries of hard-fought legal protections drawn up to protect each of us from abuse of state power to be so casually eroded.

“war on  your rights terror“

The long-awaited reviewer of the terror laws looks like it will be a well qualified part-timer supported by two staffers in the PM’s office. I wish them well — they will barely have time to come to grips with the tangled legacy of Prime Minister Howard‘s war on terror before the next tranche from Prime Minister Rudd hits the table.

Who or what we’re at war with now is an open question.

your rights and freedom are at stake support the GREENS in lobbying for a balance between fear and freedom

First published in Crikey.

West Australian mining deal with China exposes Ex-Rocker’s KOW-TOW- Gorgon announcement relegates Garrett to ‘rubber stamp’ status

Senator Rachel Siewert Australian Greens Senator  WA

Image via Wikipedia

Gorgon announcement relegates Peter Garrett to ‘rubber stamp’ status

The Australian Greens today called on the Rudd Government to explain how it can announce its endorsement of a $50 Billion gas deal with China before the Gorgon project had received Commonwealth environmental approval.

“The message to us seems clear – threatened species will not be allowed to get in the way of development under Rudd, and environmental conditions are nothing more than a means of green-washing projects destined to go ahead regardless of their environmental impacts,” said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

“Today, the role of the Environment Minister has been relegated to the status of a rubber stamp of approval.”

“Barrow Island has been dubbed ‘Australia‘s Ark’ for its unique range of endangered species, with 24 species and sub-species preserved on the island, many of who are extinct or endangered on mainland Australia.”

Image via Wikipedia

“Endemic species such as the Barrow Island spectacled hare-wallaby, Barrow Island golden bandicoot, Barrow Island mouse and the Barrow Island burrowing bettong will face possible extinction if proper environmental restrictions and controls are not put in place,” said Senator Siewert.

“There is also the carbon footprint of this plant to consider. Gorgon’s gas has a high CO2 content, meaning its emissions will be at least 5.45 million tonnes-a-year if carbon geo-sequestration can be achieved (and 8.81 million tonnes-a-year without it).”

“This is a time when we should be actively reducing emissions,” concluded Senator Siewert.

The Greens are calling on the Prime Minister to explain whether he still considers that the Gorgon plant will only be able to proceed subject to environmental approval, or whether he now believes his Government should not be bound by the provisions of the Environmental Protection and Biodiver

Image via Wikipedia

sity Conservation Act to reject the project if it fails to secure approval.

Tim Norton
Communications and Campaigns
Office of Rachel Siewert | Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia
Suite SG-113 Parliament House, Canberra ACT | P: 02 6277 3741 | F: 02 6277 5762

Tim.Norton@aph.gov.au |
www.RachelSiewert.org.au | www.GreensMPs.org.au

posted here by tony serve in support of the Greens’ ongoing efforts to hold Govt & Big Business accountable

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	PROTECTING THE CLIMATE IS A JOB FOR EVERYONE
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Blues downunder! awesome videos with Matt Taylor and The Shinkickers and featuring the amazing guitar of Gerry Quigley on “Weeping Willow”

This guitar work from Shinkickers axeman Gerry Quigley brought tears to my goosebumps! – one of THE blues solos

Modest Maestro Gerry Quigley is also a renowned teacher and has my 8 year old boy playing licks from Hendricks  – Gerry is a gift for us to cherish.

Please follow @TheShinkickers on twitter/YouTube and share their music with your friends.

I’ll be talking with the Shinkickers and Damien Cripps Band about video streaming a joint ( not that kind! ) gig to showcase their magic.

Please leave a comment and let me know if you’d like to see the boys live on the net

How to clean up sound recording for better quality voice audio – a great and simple App free from the Conversations Network

Tips for better results from your voice recordings

It’s not easy to get decent sound quality in a recording, especially if you have a low-end microphone or there is noise affecting the audability of the voice(s)

You can dramatically improve sound quality for dodgy voice recordings with a free app called LEVELATOR.

It works for Windows Mac and Linux and you simply drag your sound file onto the Icon and the new “cleaned” audio is saved. click here for the free download

What is The Levelator™?

Do you believe in magic? You will after using The Levelator to enhance your podcast. And you’ll be amazed that it’s free, now even for commercial use.

So what is The Levelator? It’s software that runs on Windows, OS X (universal binary), or Linux (Ubuntu) that adjusts the audio levels within your podcast or other audio file for variations from one speaker to the next, for example. It’s not a compressor, normalizer or limiter although it contains all three. It’s much more than those tools, and it’s much simpler to use. The UI is dirt-simple: Drag-and-drop any WAV or AIFF file onto The Leveler’s application window, and a few moments later you’ll find a new version which just sounds better.

Real Israelis take action kol ha kavod ABC News Article link.

Defiant Israelis help rebuild Palestinian homes

Thursday, August 13, 2009

By Middle East correspondent Anne Barker

Some Israeli citizens are challenging the Jewish state over its practice of demolishing Palestinian houses.

They have taken up trowels and buckets to rebuild two houses that were knocked down in a Palestinian town straddling East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
To view on a PC/Mac please use this link

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/13/2655353.htm

To view on a mobile please use this link

http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=2655353&cat=Justin
from @perthtones’ iPhone

Barnett Government rules out lead safety option despite the lessons of the deadly Esperance contamination

MINISTER REFUSES TO HEAR SAFE LEAD OPTION FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Greens MP Adele Carles says she is shocked that the Minister for Environment has rushed through Magellan’s approval today, when the Minister knew full well that a large public company, Griffin Mining Ltd was offering to get involved in an alternative means of transporting lead that is more consistent with public health and safety.

“The Minister has rushed this approval through, before Griffin could get a fair hearing. Griffin went on the public record 2 weeks ago when it said on ABC TV that it would be financially viable for a refinery in Wiluna to be built to enable the export of lead blocks.”

“This would remove the risk posed by the release of lead carbonate dust.”

“This is what Magellan initially received approval for several years ago a

Image via Wikipedia

nd this is exactly what the Minister should be requiring Magellan to do now, given that the health of potentially thousands of residents is at stake” says Ms Carles.

“Magellan has a shocking history, it contaminated Esperance with the same product. It should not be given a second chance.”

“Given the bullying tactics we have witnessed this week with Irvernia threatening Griffin for daring to offer us a safe option, we dread seeing how this is going to play out in Fremantle.”

blogged in the interests of a safe environment by
tony serve

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tony serve blogs West Australian Government continues plans to sell off the farm to a mining industry dominated by greed and exploitation – Greens (WA) alarmed at Dracula getting keys to the blood bank!
@ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

West Australian Government continues plans to sell off the farm to a mining industry dominated by greed and exploitation – Greens (WA) alarmed at Dracula getting keys to the blood bank!

The West Australian Government continues plans to sell off the farm to a mining industry dominated by greed and exploitation

The Government of Colin Barnett has again moved to bypass or neutralize checks and balances on the rapacious mining industry. ( search Barnett/Moore on this site for related articles )
The tragedy is that mainstream ( corporate interests ) media reports are full of stories of approval delays and bureaucracy in W.A. allowing the Barnett Government to claim they “have to act”

Meanwhile our environment and world heritage are being scarred and decades of mining and Government promises of improving life for traditional landowners are a tragic joke…the life expectancy for a male aborigine is 37.

Image via Wikipedia

The answer to delays in approvals is not to remove the much needed scrutiny, but to spend a tiny bit of the billions in mining royalties on properly resourcing a totally independent review process.

What are you afraid of Mr Barnett – accountability on both bureau management and sustainability?
tony serve

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

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tony serve blogs Australia’s “Pyramids” need protection – Greens urge State Government to nominate Burrup for the World Heritage List

Media statement from  Robin Chapple MLC

for the Mining and Pastoral Region

13 August 2009

Norman Moore’s environmental reforms will put Dracula in charge of the blood bank, say Greens.

Norman Moore has proven himself an enemy of environmental accountability

, Greens (WA) MLC Robin Chapple said today.

“Mr. Moore’s industry-backed working group is seeking to reverse three decades of progress in environmental protection measures.” Mr Chapple said.

“This is completely unacceptable for a State which was one of the first places in the world to introduce an environmental protection agency.”

Mr. Chapple was commenting on the Jones Report released by Mr. Moore’s Industry Working Group yesterday.

He said that while he recognised the need for reform of the current approvals process, the diluting of environmental assessment was a retrograde step.

“Some of the report’s recommendations – namely the stripping of the EPA’s environmental impact assessment powers – make for frightening reading.”

“Handing environmental assessment powers to the Minister for Mines and Petroleum is like sending Kim Jong Il to inspect his own nuclear arsenal.”

The WA community and many miners want stronger, not weaker environmental protection measures, Mr. Chapple said.

“I welcome any move to grant the EPA departmental status, but without approvals power over mining proposals it will be a hollow department indeed.”

“What Western Australians deserve is an authority that delivers strong environmental protection and allows the mining sector to know where it stands regarding its environmental obligations.”

“These recommendations do neither.  They weaken environmental accountability and do nothing to sort out the under-resourced, confused approvals process.”

Image via Wikipedia

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Australia’s “Pyramids” need protection – Greens urge State Government to nominate Burrup for the World Heritage List

Robin Chapple MLC For the Mining and Pastoral Region
MEDIA RELEASE Wednesday, 12 August 2009

Greens urge State Government to nominate Burrup for the World Heritage List

Greens MP for the Mining and Pastoral region Robin ChappleDampier Archipelago for inclusion in the World Heritage List. MLC introduced a motion into parliament yesterday urging the Barnett government to finally nominate the

“The ancient Aboriginal rock art on the Burrup Peninsula makes the Dampier Archipelago one of the most important heritage sites in Western Australia, if not the world.”

“There are thousands of carvings there that date back to the ice age. This makes the Dampier Archipelago a place of immense cultural and historical significance.”

“The fact that it is not already on the World Heritage List is a disgrace.”

“Thankfully Colin Barnett has spoken out on many occasions about the importance of protecting the rock art on the Dampier Archipelago.” Mr Chapple said.

“We trust that Mr Barnett will make good on those words and finally move to protect this incredibly significant heritage site.”

“Already a number of the carvings have been stolen or damaged. This represents a tremendous loss on a global level.”

“To fail to take action, when we know full well the importance of this place, would be a tragedy of epic proportions.”

For more information please contact Robin Chapple MLC on 0409 379 263.

See below for;

Image by publik16 via Flickr

Colin Barnett quotes on Burrup rock art and the World Heritage List

· 22.08.08, 720 morning radio: “…preserving and protecting the ancient rock art on the Burrup Peninsula. It’s an important issue, probably the most important heritage site in Australia. I took that up in Opposition.”

· 31.05.07, The West: “World heritage listing is inevitable. But you would not think we are some struggling third world country which needs to be dictated to as to how it deals with its heritage. The status of the rock art, (makes it) in my opinion, without doubt the most important heritage site in WA and possibly the nation. It is up there with Uluru.”

· 31.05.07, GWN TV news: “You’ve got to question the [Liberal] Federal Government when they have a process of saying ‘well, we will list it, but we won’t list it until after the site has been cleared for the Pluto project’. I mean how third world is that?”

· 22.12.06, 720 morning radio: “Sadly, it appears to me that neither a Federal Liberal Government nor State Labor Government is prepared to make the decisions to protect this rock art. And it’s not rocket science, there are a number of commonsense things that should be done to make sure that we accept our responsibility, a world responsibility, and that’s to protect the most unique and largest collection of rock art in the world.”

· 22.12.06, 720 morning radio: “The Australian and state governments would need to go down that path [of a world heritage listing], and sooner or later that will happen.”

· 28.11.06, 720 morning radio: “It’s inevitable … absolutely inevitable that the rock art on the Burrup Peninsula will not only receive national heritage listing, it will probably get world heritage listing before too long.”

· 28.11.06, 720 morning radio: “The rock art that has been lost, and it’s happened over the last 25 years or so, has been lost because of the physical destruction, the clearing of sites. And we have a responsibility, it seems to me, in the 21st century, as a first world economy, to make sure that we do get the benefits of the development of the gas resource, but we also have a wider responsibility to protect this ancient rock art. It is of immense international significance.”

· 25.06.06, 60 Minutes TV: “People are trying to pretend that the rock art isn’t there. What I’m saying is ‘this is of world significance’.”

· 01.05.06, 6PR afternoons: “The rock carvings on the Burrup Peninsula are anywhere from probably 8,000 to 15,000 years old. They’re two to three times the age of the pyramids. It is the largest collection, if you like, of rock art anywhere in the world. There’s at least 300,000 carvings. And without doubt, it is Australia’s greatest heritage asset, it is of world significance.”

* posted by tony serve in support of efforts to save world heritage

Colin Barnett has made it clear he will try to protect the Burrup and its unique physical and spiritual assets.

But as we saw at the movies – “there is no try – do, or don’t do!” tony serve

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

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tony serve blogs Australia’s “Pyramids” need protection – Greens urge State Government to nominate Burrup for the World Heritage List

It’s time to DO Mr Barnett.

[ burrup,world heritage, environment, mining, rock art ]

2009-08-11 Media Rlease re Burrup World Heritage Motion.docx

Media ban on reporting Suicide – a deadly mistake ( see also abc story on 60 minutes being gagged )

Image by Aaron Edwards via Flickr

The ongoing silence in the media about suicide is being challenged by 60 minutes and supported by website advocacy group Beyond Blue (see abc.net.au story here)

As a long time advocate for mental health and suicide prevention I support a change in the deadly silence.

The only real debate is the nature of change to reportage and education.

Image via Wikipedia

It is particularly galling to hear cries of ” let’s protect potential suicides by not mentioning it” even as the media continues to almost champion the activities of the Euthenasia proponent known as Dr Death with tragic consequences.

And in simple terms we can ask ” well how’s that working for ya?” as yet another school community is wracked by unwell youngsters taking their own lives. Their being “protected” from truthful reporting of the issues didn’t work out so well.

Stigma is deadly, and it thrives in a vacuum of i

Image by ashley.adcox via Flickr

nformation such as we have surrounding suicide. It’s time for the so-called ” sane” people in Government, Bureacracy and Services to “get over it” and stop perpetrating a culture of deadly denial.

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Gorgon’s dirty secret: Western Australia’s biggest single polluter?

Barrow Island Wiki pic

Senator Rachel Siewert

Gorgon’s dirty secret: WA’s biggest

single polluter?  Bye Bye Barrow Is.

MEDIA RELEASE, Tuesday 11 August 2009

The Gorgon LNG proposal for Barrow Island, if it goes ahead, will massively increase WA’s greenhouse gas emissions, representing a disastrous decision for the climate, Greens Senator for WA Rachel Siewert has warned.

“While the old parties in Canberra this week are debating various flawed forms of an emissions trading scheme – all aimed at donating billions of dollars to the nation’s biggest polluters to compensate them for the cost of the pollution they are causing – the State Government is quietly progressing a project that will single-handedly boost WA’s greenhouse gas emissions by between eight to 12 per cent,” Senator Siewert said.

“Gorgon’s emissions will be 5.45 million tonnes-a-year if carbon geo-sequestration is achieved and 8.81 million tonnes-a-year without the greenhouse gas sequestered.

“This represents either an eight or 12 per cent increase on the State’s total annual carbon footprint now.

“Meanwhile, there are plans to more than double the number of coal-fired power stations in Collie from four to nine by 2013, plus allow the highly polluting Perdaman urea plant.

“If the WA and Federal governments are relying on public apathy to get away with taking us down the opposite path that we need to go on climate change, then they are wrong.

“This issue was a vote-decider at the last Federal election and we saw it again with the Fremantle by-election. People care about climate change and they can see that neither the Liberal nor the Labor party are showing leadership on this issue.”

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

Image via Wikipedia

BACKGROUND:

Even with carbon geosequestration, Gorgon proponents plan to add 5.45million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually: (ref: page 30, http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/2937_Rep1323GorgonRevPer30409.pdf).

The amount Gorgon proponents Chevron, Shell and Exxon Mobile plan to geo-sequester from the expanded, three-LNG train proposal is 3.36 million tonnes annually (ref: page 31 http://www.gorgon.com.au/review/FromClient/Gorgon_Revised_Proposal_PER_Final_Main_Report_20080909.pdf. To quote: “The addition of a third LNG processing train and a Domestic Gas supply will potentially increase the annual volume of reservoir CO2 to be injected from approximately 2.72 MTPA as a result of the Approved Development, to a total of approximately

3.36 MTPA (Table 2.2) as a result of the Revised Proposal.”

This compares to WA’s total annual CO2 emissions of 70.4mtpa (ref: http://www.climatechange.gov.au/inventory/stateinv/index.html)

· 5.45mtpa therefore represents an eight per cent increase on WA’s current annual greenhouse gas emissions (assuming carbon geo-sequestration is achieved)

· If carbon sequestration is not achieved, annual greenhouse emission from Gorgon will be 8.81mtpa (5.45mtpa + 3.36mtpa), equivalent to a 12.5 per cent increase on WA’s current annual emissions.

posted in support of those working to protect the environment by tony serve

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tony serve blogs Really useful info for west australians from WACOSS – WACOSS Update – 7th August

Really useful info for west australians from WACOSS – WACOSS Update – 7th August

social policy | organisation development | membership | training

Please distribute through your networks WACOSS Update Friday 7th August 2009 News items listed in this bulletin include… Message from Sue Ash, CEO at WACOSS Media Release: Unemployment Rises in WA More than Expected Semester Two WACOSS Training Calendar Available NOW! WACOSS Pre-Budget Submission: Consultation with Regional Community Organisations OSH for Community Organisations, Wednesday 12th August Time and Stress Management in the Workplace, Tuesday 18th August Fundraising and Submission Writing, Wednesday 26th August Message from Sue Ash, CEO at WACOSS Thank you to all those who have renewed their membership of WACOSS for 2009-10. WACOSS is fundamentally a membership based organisation and we value the large number of agencies and individuals who choose to continue on as members of the organisation. If you haven’t renewed your membership, there is still time. For information about becoming a WACOSS Member, or to renew your membership please click on the link below: Membership of WACOSS top Media Release: Unemployment Rises in WA More than Expected New figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on 6 August show that the unemployment rate in WA increased from 5.2% in June to 5.7% in July. To read more details and the WACOSS media response to these figures click here top Semester Two WACOSS Training Calendar Available NOW! WACOSS workshops are designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge of managers, staff, volunteers and committee/board members. Our workshops are all designed to be highly practical and interactive and are delivered by people who have extensive experience of the not for profit sector. Many of our workshops are also suitable for staff working in the government and business sectors. If you would like WACOSS to post an A2 copy of Semester Two’s Calendar to your organisation please email training@wacoss.org.au or click on the link below: Semester Two Calendar top WACOSS Pre-Budget Submission: Consultation with Regional Community Organisations In our large and diverse state, delivering funding and services to the regions is a critical component of sustaining healthy, vibrant communities. But how do we ensure that what is delivered is what is actually needed on the ground? Have your say on what the State Government should be funding in the 2010/11 Budget. WACOSS will be hosting a consultation forum near you which will encompass: - Roundtable discussion on your regional funding priorities for the next State Budget - Your opportunity to provide input to WACOSS’ social policy priorities - Private consultations available on request Please note this event is dependant on adequate numbers. To ensure consultations are held in your region please confirm your place by Friday 14 August. To register, click on the relevant link below. Bunbury: Monday 24 August Esperance: Tuesday 25 August Albany: Wednesday 26 August Port Hedland: Thursday 27 August Kalgoorlie: Friday 28 August Geraldton: TBC top OSH for Community Organisations, Wednesday 12th August Do you wish that you had a system for identifying health and safety risks before they turned into accidents? Do you believe that it is essential for your staff, managers, and board members to know what the law expects of them, and the potential fines, if they do not keep the workplace free from physical and psychological harm? If you answered Yes! to either of these questions, then this training will benefit your organisation. WHAT DOES IT COVER? >A presentation by Worksafe on the Occupational Safety and Health legislation applying WA. This workshop is not an accredited training course for elected Occupational Health and Safety Officers as defined by the Act. But if you are wondering what all this means then you should attend! > Responsibilities of Employees/Employers under the OSH act; > Including what is required when electing an occupational health and safety representative > What are your responsibilities to volunteers > Defining areas of risk for community based not for profit groups > What is the workplace? > Who does the Act apply to? > Starting the Risk Management system > OSH committees- Who to consult and who to consult with > Implementing a culture of safety in your workplace 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 Time and Stress Management in the Workplace, Tuesday 18th August YOUR TIME WONT BE WASTED IF YOU ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP FULL OF PRACTICAL TIPS AND TOOLS Learn how to IMPROVE your work performance and REDUCE stress to achieve your work-life BALANCE. - Most of us spend 3 hours each day dealing with interruptions - 3 hours each week looking for things on our desk and - 11 hours a week in meetings - while managing 600% more information than we managed 20 years ago. Time Management training is ideal for anyone who has countless tasks demanding their attention and who needs to juggle conflicting priorities. In this Workshop you will learn to improve planning, set goals and feel more in control of your work load. What previous participants have said… “The Time Management seminar has been very valuable and has motivated me to make changes which will benefit myself, my clients and my organisation.“ 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 Fundraising and Submission Writing, Wednesday 26th August Everything you wanted to know about finding grants, fundraising and community business partnerships This workshop will cover where to look for funds and grants for community groups, essential information for grants and submissions and practical tips to writing successful applications. Explore the various methods for working smartly and being strategic in how you raise funds in an effort to secure the financial survival of your organisation. Fundraising is a changing dynamic. With more and more services looking for support, organisations need to work smart and be strategic in how they approach their financial survival. WHAT DOES IT COVER? >Determining resources & funding needs >Types of funding & grants available >Developing a fundraising strategy >Why, how and what of business community partnerships >Negotiating sponsorship agreements 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

[social service health community support training perth}

Fact and Fiction – Big Pharma busted again as new novel highlights the tragedy of prescription drugs

Just weeks away from the launch of Pamela Glasner’s novel “Finding Emmaus” and one of the book’s underlying themes is being echoed in reality.

The historic fantasy is also a meticulously researched commentary on the “treatment” of people deemed to be mentally ill, especially the effect on real people of efforts by Big Pharma to sell more drugs.

Enjoy this short video on “Finding Emmaus” and read below how in REALITY, Big Pharma gets busted for using Ghost writers to lobby lawmakers considering crucial health reforms in the US.

From the nytimes.com By NATASHA SINGER

Published: August 4, 2009

Newly unveiled court documents show that ghostwriters paid by a pharmaceutical company played a major role in producing 26 scientific papers backing the use of hormone replacement therapy in women, suggesting that the level of hidden industry influence on medical literature is broader than previously known.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/05/health/research/05ghost.html?_r=1

Meanwhile, the use of anti-depressants has doubled in a decade in the USA, while the number of people seeking psychiatric treatment is falling.

A study quoted in the USA Today article below suggests that doctors with little or no up to date specialist knowledge are increasingly writing scripts for SSRI and other heavily promoted drugs.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-08-03-antidepressants_N.htm?csp=34

Any specialist will tell you that even at their best the SSRI and other medications are at best only a bandaid, and far too often lead to suicidal ideation, especially in the first two weeks of use.

Many advocacy groups are now being heard in their pleas for balanced, consumer informed resources to be made available at all doctors rooms, everywhere.

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