The fawning “interview” with Hsien Harper including the original declaration of myself as a supporter and sometimes advisor to the Greens – think of it as the Unauthorized Hsien Harper Fan Club, leave a comment, join the hugfest ;-)

By the way it’s my Blog and I’ll support, even fawn over, whomever I choose.

On air I declare my bias and occasionally cop flak from those opposed to my brand of social justice.

The whistleblower in this case called me a ” tofu muncher ” – that’s it man, beads at 50 paces. ( can’t stomach the stuff  :^p  )

IC’s Daniel Hatch was actually quite fair and almost accurate in giving me a “serve.” Just the misquote ( I always record my end of an interview ) where he asked if I’d mentioned the incident on air over the weekend and I said no.

I often cover politics, as I have for 30 years, but I’m not a working journo now and 6PR’s intelligent and well informed listeners are reglarly reminded of my ageing hippie bias – some occasionally take the time to show their objection with clever use of seldom used words and references to family members.

My Apologies to Alan Carpenter too, I do think he’s a dork but did not mean to scar him with my heartless jibe making the west, which was in fact intended to be a PRIVATE comment. (until I shot myself in the foot with the upload )

IC’s Daniel Hatch is good on the descriptions too, here’s a couple from his PUBLIC twitter feed

• Daniel to @la…….e At least it’s not (Female Federal Minister) That woman is like a pethedine overdose every time she talks. Puts me to sleep without fail. about 7 hours ago from web in reply to la…….e

• Daniel to @m..a Haven’t seen the film. I know it’s Richard Gere but there’s no suggestion (a Premier ) and the barmaid used a gerbil is there? about 8 hours ago from web in reply to m…a

No hard feelings mate – I would have run it too, just not the Carps bit, he’s got kids you know, as do I – you’ll note I protected your correspondents’ IDs

…anyway, below is my fawning adoration of someone who WILL make a difference when she’s elected to serve the people of Willagee ( minus the private chat before and after )

Willagee by-election – a chance for a better way forward with Greens WA candidate Hsien Harper

Hsien Harper brings fresh energy to represent the people of Willagee – in more ways than one

Click here for audio of Hsien Harper with Tony Serve

Alan Carpenter failed the electorate, and Labor is likely to focus their new candidate on issues outside the electorate if he were to win the seat, doing what the factions say.

This by-election is an historic chance for the people of Willagee to shake up the powers that be and vote Greens WA for fresh energy in the community and clean, job creating, sustainable energy for the state.

tony serve – Greens supporter, occasional media consultant

Visit and support Hsien on Facebook

Meet Hsien this Friday at a fundraiser for the Greens WA Willagee campaign, with: Music and entertainment from Mr and Sunbird, Stillfire, Nat Ripepi and Willagee locals Zombie Step

Doors open at 7:30pm, just $5 for entry. Meet Hsien Harper, and talk to her about the issues that affect YOU

Willagee by-election – a chance for a better way forward with Greens WA candidate Hsien Harper

Hsien Harper brings fresh energy to represent the people of Willagee - in more ways than one

Click here for audio of Hsien Harper with Tony Serve

Alan Carpenter failed the electorate, and Labor is likely to focus their new candidate on issues outside the electorate if he were to win the seat, doing what the factions say.

This by-election is an historic chance for the people of Willagee to shake up the powers that be and vote Greens WA for fresh energy in the community and clean, job creating, sustainable energy for the state.

tony serve – Greens supporter, occasional media consultant

Visit and support Hsien on Facebook

Meet Hsien this Friday at a fundraiser for the Greens WA Willagee campaign, with: Music and entertainment from Mr and Sunbird, Stillfire, Nat Ripepi and Willagee locals Zombie Step

Doors open at 7:30pm, just $5 for entry. Meet Hsien Harper, and talk to her about the issues that affect YOU

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).

West Australia gets ready to DUCK & COVER to dance away the Uranium blues – Special Events Notice – You Don’t Want to Miss the Event of the Year!!!

*Please share this

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY AT THE DUCK & COVER HOP
A fancy dress fundraiser for the campaign to stop uranium mining in WA
http://duckcoverhop.wordpress.com

WHEN: Friday 6 November 2009
WHERE: Fremantle Town Hall
TIME: 7.30pm-midnight
Fully licenced bar & supper available

Travel back in time, dust off your cool threads and get crazy for a cause at the Duck and Cover Hop – Fremantle’s first and finest retro radioactive ball.

Dance the night away to Harry Deluxe and DJ Atomic ‘Burn’, with special appearances by the radioactive ladies of Sugar Blue Burlesque and the Swing Academy.

TIckets: $30 unwaged / $40 waged / $60 solidarity *all tickets include supper
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL! Book here

For more information:
Email: duckcoverhop
Web: http://duckcoverhop.wordpress.com

All money raised goes to the Anti-NuclearAlliance of Western Australia, Conservation Council of Western Australia & Fremantle Anti-Nuclear Group

Sponsors: Fremantle City Council, Fremantle Festival & Little Creatures

image0062

image0072

Kate Vallentine

ANAWA Campaigner

5 King William Street, Bayswater WA 6053

Ph/Fax: (08) 9271 8786

Email: kate

Website: www.anawa.org.au

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ANAWA

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/ANAWA/147771085564

Myspace: www.myspace.com/473370523

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AntiNuclearWA

HELP AUSTRALIAN ADULT SURVIVORS TO UNTANGLE THE KNOT OF CHILD ABUSE & Win tickets to the Big Apple by supporting ‘FORGET ME KNOT DAY’- Friday 13th November

HELP AUSTRALIAN ADULT SURVIVORS TO UNTANGLE THE KNOT OF CHILD ABUSE & Win tickets to the Big Apple by supporting ‘FORGET ME KNOT DAY’- Friday 13th November

ASCA Knot Day Pin

MEDIA RELEASE

Win tickets to the Big Apple by supporting

‘FORGET ME KNOT DAY’- Friday 13th November

HELP AUSTRALIAN ADULT SURVIVORS

TO UNTANGLE THE KNOT OF CHILD ABUSE

26th October 2009: Participants in the inaugural Forget-me-knot Day celebrations, on Friday 13th November, could win two tickets to fly to New York to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art.

Part of an International Week For Prevention of Child Abuse, Forget-me-knot Dayhas been established by Adults Surviving Child Abuse (ASCA) to encourage Australians to show their support for the two million+ adult Australians[i] personally affected by childhood abuse, as.

The Symbol:

The knot in ‘Forget me knot’ Day symbolises the ‘tangle’ of childhood abuse, which in most cases is a lifelong challenge for the survivor to unravel. As a society, we forget that abused children grow up – and for many adulthood is when they are first able to confront the issue of abuse and begin to heal the emotional scars. Unfortunately, the shame around abuse can prevent adult survivors disclosing and others from reaching out to them.

The impact of child abuse is not just felt by the children. The adults they become, their families, their partners and their community are all impacted by this tragedy. More than eight million Australian community members are directly affected by child abuse. In a population of 22 million, this is a staggering figure.

The Competition:

As part of the ‘Forget me knot’ Day campaign,ASCA invites all Australians to submit photographs of any object tied in a blue tangled knot to go in the draw to win a trip for two to New York, including two economy airfares, two nights’ accommodation and free entry to the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, New York. The competition is active now and entries close midnight on Friday 6th November. Submissions can be made online at www.asca.org.au/competition. The competition winner will be announced on Forget-me-knot Day, Friday 13th November.

ASCA Chair Dr Cathy Kezelman said “We chose the knot to help explain the struggle or ‘tangle’ survivors encounter as they live with and attempt to overcome the damage inflicted by childhood abuse. As a society we can find the trauma of childhood abuse difficult to comprehend; so it is often ignored, left unspoken and unaddressed. To help engage people in this very real issue, we chose a public art competition to encourage thinking, discussion and debate about a challenge faced by more than two million adult Australians. Artists, creative thinkers and even laypeople can often explore and connect with complex issues through art and a trip to New York is a wonderful incentive to encourage people to engage in this discussion. I look forward to seeing the results.”

Forget-Me-Knot Day Campaign Components:

Through a range of activities including a national petition, a photographic competition, a ceremony of connection which involves the unravelling of a mammoth knot on an iconic Sydney building, ASCA’s ‘Forget-me-knot Day’ raises awareness of this struggle, and gives all Australians an opportunity to donate, and help adult survivors to reconnect with their community. Details can be found here www.asca.org.au/forgetmeknot

People can also order the official blue tangled knots pins from the ASCA website www.asca.org.au/forgetmeknot and donate to help survivors overcome their trauma and reconnect with their community.

The Solution:

With the right help and support, survivors can find their way through the tangle of child abuse and find a sense of health and wellbeing and re-engage positively in their communities. Listening, understanding and supporting are critical to the healing process. ASCA is a core part of the solution, delivering evidence-based workshops to adult survivors of child abuse, and workshops for health practitioners to inform treatment of survivors of child abuse around Australia.

Media Contact: Amanda McGregor ph: (02) 9492 1004 mb: 0411 222 311

About ASCA: (www.asca.org.au) (www.asca.org.au/forgetmeknot)

ASCA is a charity which focuses exclusively on advancing the needs of the more than 2 million Australian adults surviving child abuse. ASCA was formed in 1995 and its current activities encompass: a 1300 information/support line – 1300 657 380, website, newsletters for survivors and health professionals, workshops for survivors and their supporters, education and training programs for health care professionals and frontline workers. ASCA is currently developing a national network of services and practitioners with the experience and expertise to specifically address survivors’ needs. ASCA is the key national Australian organization to support adults who have experienced all forms of child abuse and neglect, and receives no ongoing government funding.

(attached: Image of Forget Me Knot Day Pin)

Amanda McGregor

Being tough on refugees is pretty weak – article from “the Age”

Being tough on refugees is pretty weak – from “the Age”

Image via Wikipedia

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/being-tough-on-refugees-is-pretty-weak-20091017-h22b.html

“According to some, there are 10,000 refugees massing on foreign shores, just waiting for the right moment to sneak across the ocean. Putting aside the dubious evidence for that figure, yes: 10,000 people would be a lot to squeeze into a living room. But the Australian continent is quite large. The settler arrival figures increased by nearly that amount just this year – from 149,000 in 2007-08 to 158,000 in 2008-09 – and we hardly heard a peep from anybody.”

Chris Berg is a research fellow with the Institute of Public Affairs and editor of the IPA Review. His column appears in The Sunday Age every fortnight.

Mental Health Minister to address noon rally, can’t say what staff cuts have & will be made – Alison Xamon MLC Media Release

Alison Xamon MLC

MEMBER FOR THE EAST METROPOLITAN REGION

P.O. BOX 104, MAYLANDS, WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6931
PHONE (08) 9275 7474 – FAX (08) 9275 7574

The W.A. Mental Health Minister has told Parliament he doesn’t know what cuts to staff and services have been made in his portfolio as those behind the cuts of at last 13%,Troy Buswell and Colin Barnett, talk shopping hours.
mp3 audio cut 3 lays out the spin and distraction being put out by the Premier & Treasurer and runs 20 secs

Greens MLC Alison Xamon last night asked the Minister what cuts to staff and resources had been made and what cuts are coming. The reply was to the effect that it would take “some time” to provide answers.
mp3 audio Alison on his reaction and runs 25 secs

Ms Xamon also moved an Urgency Motion, supported by the Opposition, calling on the Government to spell out its plans for the sector.
mp3 Audio Ms Xamon explaining that the Mental Health Minister has little Idea what his Premier and Treasurer have done and have planned – runs 23 secs

Organisers of the midday rally to overturn the dedly cuts say they’ve been approached by the Minister, asking if he can speak to them as they deliver a petition to the Lower House.
mp3 Audio Alison on people in the public and private sector being fed up with spin and lack of answers to urgent questions – runs 22 secs

It will be worthwhile sending reporters and cameras to the midday rally to see what happens, and to interview the Auditor General who’s due to issue a report on the prformance of the Mental Health Sector around 1pm.

mp3 audio  Alison lashing the rush to make cuts before the AG’s report is handed down, and the lack of consultation with stakeholders, staff, service providers and those who use mental health services – runs 13 secs

There will be people from public and private groups like, the HSU, WAAMH, MHC, COMIC, RUAH etc, as well as the Minister, Shadow Minister, Alison Xamon, Many of my dear 6PR listeners and Twitter friends will be there too because this is life or death for many west australians and the damage will be almost impossible to undo.

IF YOU CAN’T MAKE THE NOON RALLY

please call talkback radio TODAY ( 6PR 922 11 882 )   You can also email Colin Barnett at wa-government@dpc.wa.gov.au or  Treasurer Troy Buswell at Minister.Buswell@dpc.wa.gov.au or call the Premier’s office today on 9222 9475, Troy Buswell’s office is 9222 9111  ( contact details are from the public WA Government website )

In W. Australia – Some die waiting for a meagre measure of justice after being abused in State Care – a small vigil at Parliament today- Media Alison Xamon

Alison Xamon –

MLC for East Metropolitan

News release  (Tuesday October 13 )

Alison Xamon MLC for East Metropolitan ( Greens )

Alison Xamon has been working closely with victims of state abuse for some time and laments the dwindling number of victims able to keep a monthly vigil at State Parliament.

The MLC for East Metropolitan says the halving of a meagre ex-gratia payment, and ongoing delays in paying even that have caused hardship and heartache that add more insult to awful injury.

“At midday today  a small group of our most vulnerable people will gather as they do each month to ask the Government for a small measure of justice that has been denied for decades and then cut in half.”

They are the last few members of the Redress activists keeping a monthly vigil, those West Australians who were officially acknowledged to have been abused while in State care, and many more who were removed from families her and abroad against their will or without consent of parents.

They will gather outside state Parliament at Midday in the faint hope that the Barnett Government will re-instate the full amount of compensation awarded to them, and ensure no more victims die waiting for the mostly inadequate funds

Only a few months ago a 50 year old woman eligible for Redress, but still waiting for its meagre justice, died ( click here for the ABC story of one victim who died just 2 months ago…still waiting )The money would have helped pay for her funeral, but even that late comfort was denied to her.

The Greens MLC asks “How many more people will die waiting – waiting for the full amount of Redress funds to be re-instated – waiting again once money’s been allocated for it to actually be paid.”

Alison is asking media to speak to the bravehearts at parliament today and hear how the Government’s funding cut and payment dlay are affecting people in our community.

Audio -

Cut 1   The Greens Alison Xamon says some of those waiting for payment were hoping to use it to travel to the family they were taken from al those years ago, and they are tiring of waiting for justice.      AlisonXamonRedress1-17secs-click blue link for short mp3 audio

Cut 2  Alison Xamon, who’s worked fro some tim with victims to get some measure of justic says those still waiting include a host of people originally from the UK as well as Indigenous Australians.    click this link for mp3 audio

Cut 3 The MLC for east metropolitan Alison Xamon says these people have been through enough, and the heartless State Government must overturn the funding cuts and remove ongoing delays to payments.    Click for mp3 audio AlisonXamonRedress3-17secs

Perth Mental Health Rally midday Wednesday 14th Oct at State Parliament, please copy and sign petition below – hear Greens MH spokesperson Alison Xamon on a tragic MH Week in WA

Email from Ingrid Bentsen Background to the issue

The State Government is proposing budget to Mental Health of between 10-15%

Where people can find a petition to sign

Copy of petition attached, When completed, they need to be returned to PO box  3167 Carlisle South WA 6101on or before 12th October OR BRING THEM TO THE RALLY

3. And about the Parliament house action

ALL interested parties Consumers carers providers encouraged to attend the official hand over of the petition at

Parliament house MIDDAY 14th October.

No permits for a march have been applied for however the gathering of a large number of people at Parliament house along with media coverage should send the message loud and clear.

The intention is to show the state government we are not invisible we will not be treated like the poor cousin regarding adequate funding and we will be a strong voice for those who have none!

The media will be there and some placards available hopefully making it easier to get our message out:

• INCREASE FUNDING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

• REJECT PROPOSED CUTS

Click blue link for mp3 audio of Greens MLC Alison Xamon on a tragic Mental Health week in Perth

PETITION OPPOSING THE PROPOSED FUNDING CUTS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

TO THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE PARLIAMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED.

We, the undersigned, are concerned about the effect that any proposed funding cuts will have on consumers of the mental health services, their carers, families, members of the community, as well as the providers of mental health services in Western Australia

Of major concern are any cuts in relation to the much needed recovery programs, which are known to prevent re hospitalisation.

We are also concerned of the affect any proposed cuts would have on service providers, many of whom are already under funded and understaffed

We urge the State Government to oppose any such proposal and ensure that those involved in mental health will not have their health and lifestyles compromised

Secondly, we strongly urge the Legislative Assembly propose an increase in funding to raise staffing levels to a safe and effective standard

We now ask that the Legislative Assembly take every appropriate action to ensure the above.

NAME	ADDRESS	SIGNATURE

Please clearly mark envelope petition and return to Sound Psychiatric Information Network C/O

P/O Box 3167 Carlisle SOUTH WA 6101

West Australian Government “celebrates” Mental Health week with demands for spending cuts totalling 13%

Mental Health services told to cut budgets by a total of 13 %

Media Release Tuesday October 6th – Day 2 of Mental Health Week

The Barnett Government calls on Mental Health Services to cut spending by 13 per cent.

Mental Health Week

Greens Mental Health Spokesperson Alison Xamon ( MLC for East Metro http://alisonxamon.org.au ) has exposed a tragic travesty on day two of “Mental Health Week” in W.A. where Treasurer Troy Buswell is not just applying the 3% spending cut imposed across all sectors, but cutting even more deeply into MH services.

Mental Health Week

Private and public service providers as well as NGOs and consumer groups say the extra 10 per cent is due to an overspend by the “General” Health Department.

Mental Health Week

They are reluctant to speak to the media because history shows time and again that Government employees who blow the whistle are punished ,while overstretched community groups stand to lose the meagre funding they receive while delivering life and death, front-line services.

Mental Health Week

It appears the Mental Health sector is being punished for the alleged “sins” of General Health, but so far there’s no word from Colin Barnett’s Government explaining why the demandss are being made and why it’s being done without the community being informed.

Mental Health Week WEAK

One of WA’s leading advocates, Margaret Cook had this to say about the shameful revelations;

” This is a travesty!!! We have for too long put up with this kind of cut backs and treatment of the mental health services while the community has no idea what is really happening.

Mental Health Week WEAK

Due to people with mental illness remaining the shameful silent voices. It is time we remain silent no more it is not only we who are experiencing these cutbacks but the whole community.

Mental Health Week WEAK

Staff also they have jobs and family to support also and love their jobs some whom have been in them many years and dedicated their lives to them.

There are many others our children services mental health services have had drastic cuts, and don’t believe that will not impact future generations it will.

Mental Health Week WEAK

We see this daily our children being exposed to troubled parents who are traumatised by serving overseas in wars created by Zealots who our governments think they can end  century old persuasion.

Mental Health Week WEAK

This is but just one example of a government policy that ends up as a useless costly long term problem that Governments on both sides of politics have created.

Cheers Margaret Margaret Cook Mental Health Consumer Advocate/Educator

To Know The Road Ahead Ask Those Coming Back

COMIC WA Convenor Children of Mentally Ill Consumers   “

Listen to some of the news grabs from Greens MLC Alison XAMON

Alison Xamon MH frontline services mp3

Alison Xamon MH reconsider mp3

Alison Xamon MH kicking the needymp3

Alison Xamon MH no fat to cutmp3

Alison Xamon MH critical servicemp3

Alison Xamon MH call to actionmp3

Australia NW Oil Spill, company links to Burma’s military dictatorship? Are we financing the Generals as we pick up the bill for their mess? OP/ED

Atlas West Oil Rig – we know where the oil-spill is going,

West Atlas Oil Spill 1

what about where the profits are going.

Are we helping finance repression in Burma - Myanmar?

The 2007 AP, SMH & Rigzone articles below pose some very disturbing questions about where the profits go from the badly leaking West Atlas Oil Rig.

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Is it possible that our Governments are indirectly financing the illegal Military Junta in Burma/Myanmar and it’s brutal repression.

<<|>>

Aren’t we meant to be backing UN sanctions against the Generals’ brutal repression and imprisonment of elected leader Aung Saan Suu Kyi?

<<|>>

Meanwhile we can only wonder at the standards of corporate governance of the operators as “their” oil covers our NW waters, threatening island, reef and mainland ecosystems.

<<|>>

Excerpts and links to media exposing Burma links are below, including related interview & video from Senator Rachel Siewert.

Click the blue text to see the full story on each

A search of the website Rigzone shows these recent links between the WA Rig’s operator PTTEP and the Generals

PTTEP & CNOOC Ink Asset Swap Deal
NEWS ARTICLE: … of the Union of Myanmar. Under the agreement, the partners comprise PTTEP Myanmar
Limited, a subsidiary of PTTEP with 20% interest. CNOOC Ltd. as the operator …

PTTEP, CNOOC May Discuss Myanmar Gas Block Stake Swap
NEWS ARTICLE: … 24 hours with China National Offshore Oil Corp. about closer business ties that could
include swapping assets in Myanmar, PTTEP’s top executive said Thursday. …

PTTEP May Invest $25 Million in Myanmar Gas Fields
NEWS ARTICLE: Title: PTTEP May Invest $25 Million in Myanmar Gas Fields Date: 8/3/2004 Body: Thailand’s
PTT Exploration and Production PCL may invest $25 million to explore …

<<|>>

This  2007 AP article from the Star Via AP spells out the economic and political significance of the links

RANGOON’S CORPORATE FRIENDS

TheStar.com | Business | Oil companies fuelling Burma’s junta

Oil companies fuelling Burma’s junta

Foreign firms are fighting for access to untapped energy reserves that some say fund a repressive regime Oct 02, 2007 04:30 AM Thomas Hogue ASSOCIATED PRESS

<<|>>

From the Sydney Morning Herald, also in 2007 ( how has the structure changed we wonder )

While Burma’s military junta cracks down on pro-democracy protests, oil companies are busy jostling for access to the country’s largely untapped natural gas and oil fields.

Just last Sunday – as marches led by Buddhist monks drew thousands in the country’s biggest cities – Indian Oil Minister Murli Deora was in Burma’s capital Rangoon for the signing of contracts between state-controlled ONGC Videsh Ltd and Burma’s military rulers to explore three offshore blocks.

<<|>>

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 )

Related articles by Zemanta

• New Myanmar Clashes Leave 1 Dead, Dozens Injured (abcnews.go.com)

• CNOOC First-Half Profit Down 55% on Lower Prices (nytimes.com)

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!

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.

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.

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“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

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

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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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click the blue link for audio

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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

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

Skype: perthtones Google Talk: serve.tony@gmail.com
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	PROTECTING THE CLIMATE IS A JOB FOR EVERYONE
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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.

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

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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.”

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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.

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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

Proposed BHP Billiton Olympic Dam Uranium Mine Expansion opposed on a series of logical, economic, environmental and ethical points – former Senator Jo Valentine’s letter to the”authorities”

The letter below is from the Chair of the Anti Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia, former Senaor Jo Vallentine.

There are details here that Government and the mining/uranium industry have yet to address, read on and ask your own questions of those in charge of our future.

The Manager

Assessment Branch,

Department of Planning and Local Government,

GPO Box 1815, Adelaide, SA 5001.

Re: Proposed BHP Billiton Olympic Dam Uranium Mine Expansion

Dear Manager,

On behalf of the Anti-Nuclear Alliance of Western Australia, I make this submission: there should be no expansion of the uranium mining operations of BHP Billiton at Olympic Dam.

Our organization, working to challenge the nuclear industry in all its forms, has been operating since 1997. We are comprised of twelve determined community based, not-for-profit groups.

There are four parts to my argument:

1. Warming

2. Waste

3. Water

4. Weapons

1. WARMING: Since around 2003 -4 the global nuclear industry has positioned itself as part of the solution to climate change. In what has been an unprecedented attempt to fool governments and the public about its merits, and to minimise its dangers, the nuclear industry has been cavalier with the truth, to say the very least.

It claims that it is greenhouse friendly, and therefore should be a sought-after energy source for the future. The only part of the nuclear industry’s operations which is not a heavy greenhouse gas emitter is the boiling of the water in the reactor. At every other stage in the chain, from uranium mining, to milling, to transport, to enrichment, to construction of reactors, to re-processing, to storage of waste (probably requiring more transport), to making of weapons, to de-commissioning of reactors, greenhouse gases are emitted. Just take the reactor construction and deconstruction as an example of what is never referred to by the industry’s proponents. The making of cement is widely acknowledged as a huge contributor to CO2 emissions, and there is a massive amount of cement used in both operations ….. especially in de-commissioning of ageing reactors, which will become a common, but likely unacknowledged feature of the industry in the coming decade. So, concrete and steel manufacturing emissions should be included in any assessment of the carbon footprint of this industry.

Likewise, transport components are also huge …… uranium ore to ports, across the seas to clients, to enrichment, then reactor plants and so on. Going one step further back …… consider the diesel used in the gigantic trucks and other machinery required to dig the rocks out of the ground, and to mill those large pieces into powder. Most of the fuels used to generate nuclear power in all its stages, comes from the consumption of fossil fuels. Why are those greenhouse (and monetary costs) not accounted for in either the greenhouse or financial costs of nuclear power production? (Ref.: Jan Storm van Leeuwen and Philip Smith, “Can Nuclear Power Provide Energy for the Future? Would it solve the CO2 Emission Problem? ” , October 12, 2004.)

Another component, often overlooked in this consideration of the dirty, rather than “clean” industry is the production of CFC’s in the enrichment process. Going against the trend to limit the production of chlorofluorocarbons according to the Montreal Protocol of 1987, as the U. S Department of Energy acknowledges, the nuclear industry’s enrichment plants emit most of the 114 gas still produced in the United States, which is an ozone layer destroyer (James Bruggers, “Uranium Plants Harm Ozxone Layer, Kentucky, Ohio Facilities Top List of Polluters …. The Courier Journal, May 29, 2001).

Various studies show that CO2 emissions depend on the grade or uranium ore ….. high grade ore, requiring less energy input than low grade ore. In most cases a nuclear power station must operate for three years to generate the amount of energy it costs to install and get the reactor operating (by comparison, wind power requires only about six months of generation of energy, in order to “pay” for its installation in energy terms(Danish wind Industry Association 1997 “The Energy Balance of Wind turbines).

However, with low-grade ore, containing less than 0.01% yellowcake, at least 10 tonnes of ore has to be mined in order to obtain 1 kg. of yellowcake, entailing a huge increase in the fossil energy required for mining and milling. Consumption of fossil fuels then becomes so large that nuclear energy emits total quantities of CO2 comparable with those from an equivalent combined cycle gas-fired power station (van Leewen & Smith, 2005 “Can nuclear power provide energy for the future; would it solve the CO2 emission problem?”)

The vast majority of the world’s uranium reserves are low-grade. With the current contribution by nuclear energy of 16% of the world’s energy production, the high grade reserves would only last several decades if nuclear energy were to be expanded, as the industry hopes.

Far from being any part of the answer to global warming, I submit that the nuclear industry is a major contributor to greenhouse emissions. As Storm van Leewen argues: “The Nuclear Industry should commit itself to publish a thorough analysis of the emissions of carbon dioxide and all other greenhouses gases in all processes of the fuel chain before claiming that nuclear energy is carbon free or greenhouse gas free.” (J.W. Storm van Leewen. “Uranium and Greenhouse Gases” August 13, 2005, as quoted by Helen Caldicott in “Nuclear Power is Not the Answer to Global Warming or Anything Else” – Melbourne University Press, 2006)

Specific to the Olympic Dam expansion, it is incongruous for the government to allow a $350 million subsidy in diesel fuel rebates, and for the company to plan for an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from 1.2 million tones of CO2 per year, up to 5.9 million tonnes per year by 2020. This would increase South Australia’s current total emissions of 33 million tonnes a year by up to 14% by 2020, and severely compromise the potential for urgent action on deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions overall. There is no sense in that. It is a license for the big polluters to continue with business as usual, and is totally unacceptable when communities, small businesses and households are expected to (and in most cases are keen to) reduce their emissions.

ANAWA is clear that BHP Billeton’s plans for expansion of the Olympic Dam operation should be disallowed on the grounds that there will be a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the plant.

2. WASTE

The nuclear industry has had sixty four years to figure out waste disposal. It has failed, utterly and universally. This isn’t just any toxic waste disposal, which might damage waterways, or pollute the air, or contaminate the soil, although it does all of those things. This is radioactive waste with the capability of altering the gene pools of all living things on the face of the earth. It is a very serious charge: the possibility of affecting the reproductive organisms, interfering with the DNA of every facet of life on earth.

Yet this industry continues to promote itself as some sort of “saviour” when the global community is faced with the challenge of climate change. It is a big challenge, but not ne which will be assisted in any way by introducing more nuclear waste on the scene. There are already mountains of waste to be disposed of securely, safely, for the unforeseeable future. This is a shameful legacy to be leaving future generations – they will have to deal with the folly of this twentieth century failed experiment.

The problem of nuclear waste begins with the uranium mining process. Huge volumes of lower level radioactive wastes are left behind at abandoned minesites, as much as 680 parts of finely ground rock for every part uranium oxide extracted. At Ranger mine in the Northern Territory, there are constantly overflows from the tailings dams during a heavy wet season. At Olympic Dam, it’s a different problem (usually) of high winds sending the tailings blowing in the wind. The proposed expansion would add a further mountain of tailings, which could not be guaranteed against leakages, seepages, windstorms.

BHP Billiton’s proposal to spend at least five years digging the world’s largest open pit, to be 3 kms. by 3 kms. at the surface, and 350 metres deep, just to reach the ore body, will leave not only a huge hole in the ground, because there are no plans to rehabilitate, or to fill in that pit, but also, the storage proposed would cover an area of up to 44 square kms. to a height of up to 65 metres. This toxic mountain will probably leak as all tailings dams/pits do, for the duration of the open pit mine’s life, which is predicted to be until 2050. From ANAWA’s perspective, this scenario is totally unacceptable. We call on the government to reject the BHP Billiton proposal for expansion.

Because whatever happens at an Australian uranium mine is directly linked to the wider international nuclear picture, because we sell uranium to overseas clients for use in nuclear power plants, and indirectly for making bombs, and producing waste elsewhere, we make further comment on other situations regarding waste.

There have been numerous international scientific attempts to find a solution to the storage of spent fuel from reactors, like synroc, once touted as the magic answer. Still not proven. But no company, either involved in uranium mining, or nuclear power generation, or weapons production, is taking the ultimate responsibility of dealing with its contaminated waste until the radioactive e materials are no longer dangerous. This responsibility will have to be borne by governments and communities long after the companies involved now have made their profits, and cut and run.

A very serious attempt was made in the United States to establish one single waste depository for high-level waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Opponents said for years that it was not a suitable site for many reasons (earthquake zone, porous rocks included). The industry persisted against the wishes of the people and against scientific data, and after twenty years and the expenditure of more than eleven billion dollars (mostly taxpayers’ dollars), President Obama has called it quits. Yucca Mountain is not going ahead. So, the United Sates nuclear industry is back to square one in its search for a suitable site, or for new technology to deal with the waste.

There is one possibly viable project underway in Olkiluto in Finalnd, where the government is paying billions of dollars constructing a deep depository to take the spent fuel rods from its four reactors. It is way behind schedule. It remains to be seen whether the technology is deemed safe for the long term (how can that be proved with material that is radioactive for 250.ooo years?) before a license would be granted for it to continue operation.

Here in Western Australia, we experienced the push from an international consortium seeking a permanent waste depository, deep underground in the desert, which was considered expendable. The Pangea company wooed the government and offered massive financial inducements. But the people sent Pangea packing, even finally gaining the support of the conservative Court Government, which passed legislation outlawing the dumping of international nuclear waste in Western Australia. That legislation still stands, and is supported by current Liberal Premier Colin Barnett, despite his enthusiasm for uranium mining. This is neither an ethical nor a consistent policy. The rationale for excluding international waste would b e a lot stronger if no uranium mining was exported from this state. This is a position towards which ANAWA continues to work.

South Australia successfully challenged Prime Minister John Howard’s plan for a national waste depository in that state. Aboriginal people and their land had already suffered contamination from British nuclear testing in the 1950’s and sixties, and they were not going to let that kind of contamination occur again. Fortunately, they were supported by the people and Government in their strong stand.

Now the Northern Territory is experiencing the pressure to make way for a national nuclear waste dump (and Australia’s stored nuclear waste is miniscule, compared with countries which have major nuclear programmes) – Labor’s promises to reverse the Howard government’s plans remain unfulfilled. A real concern is that once a national repository is confirmed, the international nuclear industry will be lining up, again (new name, same crowd, Arius?), with huge inducements for Australia to take the waste from many countries desperately trying to get rid of the material which is mounting up exponentially in all countries with nuclear power stations.

Why on earth would we want to add to that dangerous stockpile by further increasing uranium mining operations in this country?

Most of the worlds 440 plus nuclear reactors are ageing, and due for de-commissioning. The industry keeps on trying to get them re-licensed to continue for a few more years. Finally they become too radioactive to continue. The mothballing required to segregate the large buildings, requiring massive amounts of concrete, leaves monuments dotted around the countryside as testament to this failed technology.

Then there’s the question of so-called “depleted” uranium. This is highly toxic material, used by the United States military wherever it has been fighting wars, since 1990. Depleted of U235, it is still highly radioactive as U238, which is very dense – an ideal anti-tank weapon which can penetrate heavy metals, like a hot knife cutting through butter. It ignites on impact, disintegrating into a fine powder which is blown by the wind …. this radioactive mist has half-life of 4.5 billion years. The Pentagon admitted to using 360 tons of DU in the anti-tank shells in Kuwait, Iraq and Saudi Arabia in the 1991 gulf War. Probably more was used in the second Gulf War , beginning in 2003. ‘Since 1991, there has been a sevenfold increase in both childhood cancers and gross congenital abnormalities in the Basra region of Iraq’ (Helen Caldicott, “Nuclear Power is Not the Answer to Global Warming or Anything Else,” op. cit., p. 52).

It is also important to recognize the international global Nuclear Energy Program devised by President Bush, and signed on to by Prime Minister John Howard, which could be interpreted as an obligation by a uranium exporting country to accept the radioactive waste generated by its primary product overseas. This is yet to be tested.

ANAWA considers the production of more nuclear waste a gross violation of the human rights of future generations, and a gross violation of the integrity of our global environment into the unforeseeable future. This is not a right of this generation, but we have a responsibility not to add to the enormous problem which already exists, and to which there is no answer on the horizon. That argument alone, our organization to strongly resists any moves by the Government of South Australia to consider expansion of the Olympic Dam uranium mining operation.

3. WATER

In the driest state of the driest continent on earth, it is unwise, to put it mildly, to consider expanding the Olympic Dam operations. Already a huge water guzzler, taking 35 million litres of water daily from the great Artesian Basin, this is an industry out of control, and out of line with the thinking of most Australians who are increasingly realizing that water is our most precious resource, and that we shouldn’t be squandering it on any unnecessary projects. The Olympic Dam expansion is an unnecessary project. It is a gross waste of water, whether that water is sourced from the Great Artesian Basin, at considerable cost to the unique and fragile Mound Springs, listed as an endangered ecological community, or from a specially commissioned de-salination plant, 500 expensive kilometers away. The fact that the water currently taken from GAB is free of charge, adds insult to the injury of water wastage. BHP Billiton plans to increase that water usage to at least 42 million litres per day – this must be rejected outright. ANAWA calls on the S.A. Government to phase out all water extraction from the GAB’s Borefield A as soon as possible.

The nuclear industry generally is a heavy water user. As Tim Flannery says “Coal fired power plants have large water requirements for cooling and steam generation, but these are dwarfed by the water needs of nuclear power.” (Friends of the Earth and the Medical Association for the Prevention of War, 2008).

Water for nuclear power stations can be sourced from a river, lake, dam, or the ocean. It has two uses: it is converted to steam to drive a turbine, and cooling water then converts the steam back to water. Per megawatt, existing nuclear power stations use and consume more water than power stations using other fuel sources. Depending on the cooling technology utilised, the water requirements for a nuclear power station can vary between 20 to 83% more than for other power stations. Water outflows expel relatively warm water which can have adverse local impacts in bays and gulfs. In recent very hot summers in Europe, some French nuclear reactors had to be switched off, because the cooling water became not only too hot to be effective in the reactors, but too dangerous for the outflows.

Water pollutants, such as heavy metals and salts, build up in the water used in the nuclear power plant systems. A U.S. report ‘Licensed to Kill: How the Nuclear Power Industry Destroys Endangered Marine Wildlife and Ocean Habitat to Save Money’ (Greenpeace, 2007), details the nuclear industry’s destruction of delicate marine ecosystems and large numbers of animals, including endangered species. Water shortages, driven by climate change, drought or heat waves have caused reactors to be taken off line periodically, reducing their effectiveness in being reliable producers of baseload power.

ANAWA therefore believes that adding to the myth that nuclear energy can assist with the global warming climate crisis is grossly irresponsible because of the industry’s voracious appetite for water. Therefore the Olympic Dam’s expansion would not only add to Australia’s water usage pressures, but add to global water issues as well. ANAWA strongly recommends that the Olympic Dam expansion be rejected because of its extraordinarily high usage of our most precious and scarce resource, water.

1. WEAPONS

This is another vexed area of deep concern, and one which no doubt BHP
Billiton does not want to address. But the bald facts are undeniable: nuclear weapons cannot be produced without the raw material of uranium being mined, and secondly, that every country which has acquired nuclear weapons, has done so by association with the nuclear power programme within their country.

By exporting uranium, despite safeguards galore, Australian uranium at very least, frees up uranium from other sources to be used in bomb-making programmes, and at worst, Australian uranium could be used directly in the manufacture of nuclear weapons. There is no way to prove that Australian uranium oxide, once it leaves Australia’s shores, does not end up in other countries’ nuclear weapons programmes. A case in point is the Tricastin plant in France, which is owned and operated by the French government, which serves both the military and civilian sectors. Atom by atom, Australian uranium cannot be separated from uranium sourced from other countries once it enters the nuclear fuel chain. And what country would want to admit that its uranium has been diverted for use in the North Korean nuclear weapons programme? Every exporter claims innocence!

It was Al gore, former U.S. Vice President who said “In the eight years I served in the White House, every weapons proliferation issue we faced was linked with a civilian reactor program.” (Guardian Weekly 9-15 June, 2006)

The International Energy Agency, like a fox in charge of the chicken house, has a dual role: to promote “peaceful” application of nuclear energy, and to guard against nuclear ;weapons proliferation. Despite the attempts of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, with its five yearly Review conferences, nuclear weapons have proliferated, but probably not as much as they would have without that treaty being in existence. However, as recent former head of the IAEA, Dr. Mohamed El Baradei has said: “the IAEA’s Illicit Trafficking Database has, in the past decade, recorded more than 650 cases that involve efforts to smuggle nuclear and radioactive materials” and “IAEA verification today operates on an annual budget of about $100 million – a budget comparable to that of a local police department. With these resources, we oversee approximately 900 nuclear facilities in 71 countries. When you consider our growing responsibilities – as well as the need to stay ahead of the game – we are clearly operating on a shoestring budget.” And “we are only as effective as we are allowed to be.” And “If a country with a full nuclear fuel cycle decides to break away from is non-proliferation commitments, a nuclear weapons could b e only months away.” And “the IAEA’s legal authority to investigate possible parallel weaponisation activity is limited.” (from “An Illusion of Protection” Australian Conservation Foundation and Medical Association for the Prevention of War – 2006).

Australia has in place various safeguard agreements with its client states, but ANAWA has little confidence in such measures. In June 2006, The Weapons of Terror report by the Mass Destruction Commission chaired by Dr. Hans Blix had this to say: “The Commission rejects the suggestion that nuclear weapons in the hands f some pose no threat, while in the hands of others they palace the world in mortal jeopardy. The three major challenges the world now confronts – existing weapons, further proliferation and terrorism – are interlinked politically and also practically: the larger the existing stocks, the greater the danger of leakage and misuse.” (from “An Illusion of Protection” Australian Conservation foundation and Medical Association for the Prevention of War – 2006).

Under article VI of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, nuclear weapons states are obliged to disarm their nuclear weapons. The recognized five nuclear weapons states (at the time of the NPT’s inception in 1970) were Britain, France, the Soviet Union, China and the United States of America. It’s no accident that they are also the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council with the power of veto. They have not fulfilled their obligations. Yet we still sell uranium to some of those states. Other countries have acquired nuclear weapons since that time, including Israel (undeclared, but a real threat to peace in the Middle East) and India, which previous and present Government toys with as a potential client state.

ANAWA believes that Australia has a moral responsibility not to add to the stockpiles of weapons-available material on the world market, whether such materials are available by legal or illegal means.

ANAWA calls on the Australian and South Australian Governments to reject the Olympic Downs uranium mine expansion on the ground that it adds to the availability of material for manufacture, testing, storage of nuclear weapons – a big problem from any perspective, and one to which Australia need not, and should not contribute.

CONCLUSION:

As well as the four headings above, and the recommendations to scrap plans for Olympic Dam expansion due to outstanding problems in the areas of global warming, water usage, waste disposal and weapons proliferation, ANAWA could site many more reasons for denying BHP Billeton’s request for expansion. These grounds include, but are not limited to

1. the scant regard for the rights of indigenous people in the area (people whose rights have already been trampled upon by the nuclear industry with the history going back to British nuclear testing, to despoilation of their water supplies) and

2. b) the outrageously unfair Roxby Downs Indenture Act of 1982, which allowed the then owner of the mine, Western Mining, to totally disregard any other legislation which might have bearing n that land, or their operations. ANAWA considers this extraordinary financial assistance, and exemption from Aboriginal Heritage and environmental considerations to be totally inappropriate, and calls for the abandonment of the aforesaid legislation: the Roxby Downs Indenture Act, 1982.

We believe that the grab for uranium by BHP Billiton and other uranium mining companies is a cynical grab for the grubby dollar while there is some vestige of hope for this ailing industry. It must be seen in light of the fact that this is a declining industry, with less nuclear power being generated each year (mostly due to ageing reactors being de-commissioned, or reactors with major problems being shut down “temporarily”) and the fact that more reactors are shutting down each year than opening, despite all the industry hype. The industry’s projections look rosy, but the new generation IV reactors are still only promises and the facts reveal that, on the other hand, renewable energies are growing at exponential rates, and would be proceeding even faster, if more research and development dollars were put their way, instead of propping up a filthy, failing industry.

Neither is it any argument whatsoever to claim that because coal is finally being recognized as a filthy power source (but without the radioactive legacy offered by the nuclear industry), and being mindful of the fact that there is no such thing as “clean coal”, that the world is forced to make a choice between the two. Both are bad. Both need to be phased out, as soon as possible. Why on earth would any sane nation think of jumping out of the coal-fired frying pan into the nuclear fire? It just doesn’t make sense.

What does make sense is for Australian governments both Federal and South Australian, to invest strongly in the renewable energy sector, to stop bailing out old technology industries, to stop allowing the polluters to continue polluting, and to back up the community desire for transformation into the new technologies which we have to have to prevent runaway climate change occurring.

ANAWA re-iterates its profound concern for a multiplicity of reasons, if the Olympic Dam expansion is allowed to proceed. We call for the proposal to be rejected, and for a total phase out of uranium mining at the Olympic Dam minesite.

******************************************************************

Document prepared by Jo Vallentine

Chairperson, ANAWA.

admin@anawa. org.au

www: anawa.org

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Perth People – have your say TODAY on Local Government’s “Green” efforts where you live

Hi, if you have an interest in your local council’s ‘green’ activities, please read the following plea from the director of the WA Conservatiion Council, on behalf of the people at Environment House. Thanks! Eloise Some of you may be aware that Environment House in Maylands has launched a new website – How Green is my Council? http://www.howgreen.net.au They have secured some good media coverage in Community Newspapers however they are looking for people in different council areas for the journos to get local comments from on the performance of those councils. If you are prepared to provide brief comments to a journo about your council please email piers.verstgen@conservationwa.asn.au by the end of today with your preferred contact details and your council area. This is an opportunity to provide comment in your own right,(not representing the Conservation council of WA). They have people lined up in the following areas already (but I am sure they could do with more for diversity of comment) Vincent Bayswater Stirling Wanneroo Joondalup Cambridge blogged for and on behalf of those working to save the planet

A big swag of useful info, news,updates,reports and media Australian Policy Online Weekly Briefing – 30 July 2009 – please let me know if you’d like the APO or others like WACOSS blogged regularly :)

New commentary

Chewing the fat

29 July, 2009 | How many of the government’s health policies have been implemented? Angela Beaton and Lesley Russell look at the record

Preventable hospitalisation: the US initiative

28 July, 2009 | Re-admissions to hospital are a costly failure in the hospital system, here and in the US, writes Lesley Russell

Indonesia’s Australian connection

27 July, 2009 | The tragic Jakarta bombings should not distract our attention from the good news coming out of Indonesia, argues Hal Hill on our partner website, INSIDE STORY

New research

Creative Economy

A fistful of festivals

Lynden Barber | Meanjin
30 July, 2009 | It sometimes appears that not only every major capital city, but every café at the end of every street of every godforsaken one-horse town has a film festival — or soon will have.

Effective corporate tax reform in the global innovation economy

Rob Atkinson | Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
26 July, 2009 | This US report examines the issue of corporate tax reform and lays out six key principles for policymakers to consider as well as specific policy recommendations for crafting an innovation-based corporate tax code.

Disability arts sector consultation report

Andi Sebastian, Jacqueline Chant | Arts SA
23 July, 2009 | In late 2008, Arts SA funded a sector-wide consultation to determine the service needs of the disability and arts sector and to identify the most appropriate model for the delivery of these services

Should copyright of academic works be abolished?

Steven Shavell | Berkman Center for Internet and Society
27 July, 2009 | The conventional rationale for copyright of written works, that copyright is needed to foster their creation, is seemingly of limited applicability to the academic domain.

The world of e-portfolios

Allison Miller | Knowledge Tree, Australian Flexible Learning Framework
30 July, 2009 | This article argues that as we move deeper into a digital age, e-portfolios will be a key method for demonstrating existing skills.

Reconceptualising ‘time’ and ’space’ in the era of electronic media and communications

Panayiota Tsatsou | PLATFORM: Journal of Media and Communication
23 July, 2009 | This paper examines to what extent electronic media and communications have contributed to currently changing concepts of time and space and how crucial their role is in experiencing temporality, spatiality and mobility.

Use of electronic media and communications: Early childhood to teenage years

Australian Communications and Media Authority
23 July, 2009 | This report provides a comprehensive snapshot of young people’s use of electronic media from early childhood through to teenage years, and parents’ views about that media use.

The impact of the crisis on ICTs and their role in the recovery

OECD Directorate of Science, Technology and Industry | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
30 July, 2009 | A sudden upturn in global sales of information and communications technology (ICT) goods in May and June suggests the ICT industry may have reached a turning point and be on the road to recovery, according to this OECD report.

An implosion of knowledge

Humphrey McQueen | Meanjin
30 July, 2009 | This articles argues that the privileging of access to data above its application means that the debate over whether libraries are in the book business or the information business is diverting us from the thought that they should be in the knowledge business

Economics

Retail trade industry profile

Jocelyn Pech, Lucy Nelms, Kelvin Yuen, Thomas Bolton | Australian Fair Pay Commission
24 July, 2009 | This report examines the structural and workforce profile of the Retail trade industry, an industry that employs a relatively large proportion of low-skilled and low-paid employees.

Power, mobility and diaspora in the global city

Dale Leorke, Saskia Sassen | PLATFORM: Journal of Media and Communication
23 July, 2009 | While globalisation has given rise to the global financial market, cross-border activities, digital networks with global span, and international organisations such as the UN and WTO that operate independent of nation-states, these remain materially embedded at the local, national level.

Young people with poor labour force attachment

Jocelyn Pech, Anne McNevin, Lucy Nelms | Australian Fair Pay Commission
24 July, 2009 | Drawing on labour force data and previous research findings, this report charts recent trends in a number of indicators, including the population of young people not fully engaged in employment and/or education.

IT modernisation: An exercise in alignment

Dan Briody | Economist Intelligence Unit
23 July, 2009 | This report, based on interviews and a global survey of 170 senior executives, concludes that while firms recognise the importance of modernising IT systems, they do not always implement such projects effectively.

Education

Numeracy, maths and learning difficulties

Anne Bayetto | Curriculum Leadership
25 July, 2009 | This article describes a program where postgraduate education students at Flinders University are helping to support young people who struggle with mathematics.

A new federalism in Australian education, 2009

Jack Keating | Education Foundation, Foundation for Young Australians
27 July, 2009 | This report proposes a national reform agenda for Australian schooling.

Childhood Education and Care, Australia

Australian Bureau of Statistics
30 July, 2009 | Seven out of ten young children attended a preschool or a preschool program in 2008.

Identifying and teaching children and young people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties

Jim Rose | Department for Children, Schools and Families
25 July, 2009 | This UK report focuses on the identification of dyslexia among students and the possible intervention approaches that can be made by teachers and parents.

Environment & Planning

Climate change discussions and negotiations: a calendar

Nina Markovic, Nick Fuller | Parliamentary Library
26 July, 2009 | This background note will be updated to include any new developments on the formal negotiations are taking place within the meetings and working groups that have been established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Kyoto Protocol framework.

A quiet revolution: City governments tackle global warming

Stephen Jones | Australian Review of Public Affairs
26 July, 2009 | While Australia’s federal and state leaders have been stuck discussing the introduction of the emissions trading scheme, some of our local governments have been trying to do something about the impact of human activity on global warming.

Health

Oral health impacts among children by dental visiting treatment needs

Jason Armfield | Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
24 July, 2009 | This report provides information on the oral health impacts experienced by Australian children during the period 2004-06.

Why public hospitals are overcrowded: ten points for policymakers

Jeremy Sammut | Centre for Independent Studies
28 July, 2009 | The three-hundred page reform ‘blue print’ from the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission has endorsed a range of health reform measures that will not solve the hospital crisis in this country, argues Jeremy Sammut.

Indigenous

Staying strong on the outside: improving the post-release experience of Indigenous young adults

Robyn Gilbert, Anna Wilson | Indigenous justice clearinghouse
27 July, 2009 | This research brief draws on international research to identify current understandings of good practice in prisoner reentry generally as well as issues particular to Indigenous prisoner reentry.

Bridges and barriers – addressing Indigenous incarceration and health

National Indigenous Alcohol and Drug Committee | Australian National Council on Drugs
24 July, 2009 | This report argues that the strong links between substance misuse and Indigenous incarceration highlight an urgent need for government to address this disturbing problem.

International

Force 2030: China drives Australia toward its first strategic missile system

Ron Huisken | Nautilus Institute
24 July, 2009 | This essay argues that the strikingly different dimension of Australia’s recent Defence White Paper, stems from a disjointed, inconclusive but unmistakably alarmist assessment of China’s potential impact on order and stability in East Asia.

Middle East outlook and energy security in the Asia-Pacific region

Leanne Piggott | Australian Strategic Policy Institute
24 July, 2009 | This report explores the issue of energy security in the context of a growing dependence of the energy-hungry Asian economies on Middle Eastern supplies.

China: stumbling through the Pacific

Fergus Hanson | Lowy Institute for International Policy
26 July, 2009 | This paper suggests that China’s Pacific aid-giving is unpredictable, secretive and is mired in a vicious cycle of short-termism that is a legacy of its long-running diplomatic battle with Taiwan.

Beyond the nuclear issue: North Korea and non-traditional security challenges

Jeffrey Robertson | Parliamentary Library
26 July, 2009 | Since September 2008 North Korea has undertaken a series of measures to demonstrate the health of Kim Jong-Il, yet at the same time has demonstrated signs that succession plans may be underway.

New voices 2009: Networked

Angela Evans | Lowy Institute for International Policy
27 July, 2009 | This report is an overview of the Lowy institute’s recent conference on the ways in which network relationships, structures, and technologies affect different parts of our world.

Justice

Intimate partner abuse of women in a Central Queensland mining region

Heather Nancarrow, Stewart Lockie, Sanjay Sharma | Australian Institute of Criminology
25 July, 2009 | Perceptions about the mining industry and the rapid growth of mining communities in Australia has led to concerns that these communities are prone to higher rates of intimate partner violence than the general community.

Suspended sentences in Tasmania: key research findings

Australian Institute of Criminology
27 July, 2009 | While offenders given suspended sentences were less likely to be reconvicted, the imposition of these, rather than non-custodial sentences, on first time offenders may have serious repercussions if they are subsequently reconvicted.

Politics

State of denial

Richard Denniss | The Australia Institute
27 July, 2009 | While the Commonwealth will receive a windfall of more than $10 billion per year in revenue from auctioning pollution permits, state and local governments will transfer more than $2 billion a year to the Commonwealth Government.

A fair-weather friend: Australia’s relationship with a climate-changed Pacific

Louise Collett | The Australia Institute
27 July, 2009 | Climate change will bring significant challenges to the island nations of the Pacific. This paper examines Australia’s attitudes to climate change in the region under the two most recent federal governments.

Putting the politics back into Politics: Young people and democracy in Australia

James Arvanitakis, Siobhan Marren | The Whitlam Institute
27 July, 2009 | Young people are changing the way they engage with politics and Politics is going to have to change as a consequence.

Social Policy

Just scraping by? Conversations with Tasmanians living on low incomes

Social Policy and Research Team | Tasmanian Council of Social Service
24 July, 2009 | The voices of low income Tasmanians are reproduced in this report talking in their own words about the daily struggle to make ends meet on inadequate incomes and with limited access to health care and other services.

Managing in a downturn

Centre for Social Impact
24 July, 2009 | This report is the first comprehensive research to assess the effect of the economic downturn on Australian charities and nonprofit organisations.

Compendium of social inclusion indicators

Australian Social Inclusion Board
28 July, 2009 | Developed by the Board to generate discussion and debate on the question of how to measure disadvantage and social exclusion, these indicators are first steps towards comprehensive performance measurement and evaluation of social inclusion in Australia.

A healthier future for all Australians – final report

National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission | National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission
27 July, 2009 | The Federal Government’s health review has called for a major shake-up of the national health system, with the Commonwealth taking over the funding of most services.

New audio

Who stopped the music?

25 July, 2009 | The parlous state of music in public schools means not only are our children missing an important dimension in life, but they miss out on something that promotes brain function and social skills.

Video killed the video star

27 July, 2009 | If everyone is a producer, what role will video play in our lives in the future?

New video

2 live 2 deadly

23 July, 2009 | This video documents the historical struggle of Indigenous radio in Sydney.

Libraries of the future

30 July, 2009 | This UK documentary showcases interviews with leaders from JISC, Oxford University and LSE as well as students and academics who discuss what the library of the future will look like.

New jobs

Lecturer in Asian Studies

The Australian National University 26 July, 2009 | The Faculty of Asian Studies, College of Asia and the Pacific, wishes to appoint an outstanding scholar to lead in the coordination and teaching of its undergraduate and graduate foundational Asian Studies courses.

PhD Scholarship – MARCS Auditory Laboratories

University of Western Sydney 26 July, 2009 | MARCS Auditory Laboratories is undertaking a wide range of projects as part of a prestigious $3.4M ARC/NHMRC “Thinking Systems” grant to develop a ‘thinking head’. This is a breakthrough system that can learn from humans and will lead to advances in everything from hearing aids to mobile phones and video games. UWS is leading a consortium of Australian universities to develop the groundbreaking project including RMIT, Macquarie, Flinders and University of Canberra, with international input from the Technical University of Denmark,

Postgraduate scholarship in Chinese film and media studies

University of Sydney, School of Media and Communications 26 July, 2009 |

An ARC funded scholarship is available for a full-time Masters candidate who is undertaking research in a topic pertaining to Chinese Film and Media Studies (with a special focus on posters of the Cultural Revolution and /or film representations of contemporary Chinese history/memory)

Analyst, Credit team, Stakeholder Group

Australian Securities and Investments Commission 24 July, 2009 | The Credit team is building from the ground up.

Manager, Government Relations

NRMA Insurance 23 July, 2009 | A new position is now available for a strategic, Corporate Affairs professional to influence government policy in areas that impact on the business profitability, sustainability and reputation of NRMA Insurance.

New submissions

Collaborative and challenge-led innovation

01 March, 2010 |

New events

five: fashion musing & Innovation: Management, Policy and Practice launch

LOCATION:	The Glasshouse QUT, Creative Industries Precinct, Z2, Level 4, Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove
ORGANISED BY:	CCI – ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation

20 August, 2009 | Please join us for the joint launch of two new titles. five: fashion musing and Innovation: Management, Policy and Practice a special edition on Innovation in the Creative Industries.

Official Launch of the Indigenous Policy and Dialogue Research Unit and ‘So, what?’ Lecture with Professor Patrick Dodson

LOCATION:

20 August, 2009 | You are warmly invited to the Official Launch of The Indigenous Policy and Dialogue Research Unit in conjunction with the So, what? public lecture with Professor Patrick Dodson

Green Building and Design Conference 2009 – Green Materials

LOCATION:	Melbourne Convention Centre
ORGANISED BY:	Centre for Design, RMIT University

09 September, 2009 | Attendance in-person or online

Learning Technologies Conference

LOCATION:

Mooloolaba Campus of Sunshine Coast TAFE, 34 Lady Musgrave Drive, Mountain Creek Qld

19 November, 2009 | The objective of the two day 2009 Learning Technologies conference is to challenge and extend your thinking about the ways educators can use learning technologies to challenge, inspire, motivate, and encourage learners.

New books

After the crunch

30 July, 2009 | In this 100-page book, 42 artists, entrepreneurs, commentators, analysts, policy-makers, policy-sceptics, academics, financiers – and citizens – set out their hopes and fears for the future.

Beethoven or Britney : The great divide in music education

25 July, 2009 | Most children have little or no access to quality music teaching. And nothing is being done about it.

Innovation policy in the creative industries

30 July, 2009 | This special issue of Innovation: Management, Practice and Policy will explore some empirical and analytic connections between creative industries and innovation policy. Seven papers are presented. The first four are empirical, providing analysis of large and/or detailed data sets on creative industries businesses and occupations to discern their contribution to innovation. The next three papers focus on comparative and historical policy analysis, connecting creative industries policy (broadly considered, including media, arts and cultural policy) and innovation policy.

five: fashion musing

30 July, 2009 | Visually beautiful, the book explores fashion theory, practice and pedagogy through five key themes – mind, heart,hand, eyes and body.

New guide

Children and privacy complaints – a guide for parents and guardians

26 July, 2009 | This Privacy Victoria information sheet outlines the privacy rights of children under Victorian law.

New websites

Open video conference

27 July, 2009 | As internet video matures, we face a crossroads: will technology and public policy support a more participatory culture or will online video become a glorified TV-on-demand service?

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West Australian Government sacrifices more of your environment for big business

News

MEDIA RELEASE 30 July 2009

Faragher undermines the EPA… again: Greens

The Greens have accused Environment Minister Donna Faragher of continuing an emerging pattern of undermining her own lead environment agency after late yesterday’s announcement of final environmental approval for the massively expanded Gorgon gas proposal for WA’s fragile Barrow Island.

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“The Minister has taken advantage of this long winter break to clear through some of the most contentious environmental appeals in her in tray, but unfortunately that burst of productivity has come at the expense of the credibility of our Environmental Protection Authority,” said Greens MLC for the Mining and Pastoral Region, Robin Chapple.

“Mines Minister Norman Moore’s penchant for attacking WA’s environmental approvals system is well-known, and it now seems his ministerial protégé is getting in on the act as well.”

“This sends an ominous signal to anyone in WA who thought we still had a meaningful, independent source of science-based environmental approvals advice.”

Mr Chapple noted that just five days before this Gorgon decision the Minister overrode the EPA by allowing mining in the area surrounding the unique and vulnerable Mungada Ridge, in the Blue Hills Range about 200 km east of Geraldton.

“We are concerned of course that this de facto sidelining of the environment in decision-making on key WA projects will eventually lead to Parliament being presented with a Bill that formally guts the EPA.”

“It will be interesting to see whether the Minister will do anything in this portfolio other than to make her area of responsibility the subject of weaker and weaker protections,” Mr Chapple concluded.

posted by tony serve in support of Robin Chapple & Greens (WA)

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Great info for Western Australia on Social Services – WACOSS Update – 24th July

social policy | organisation development | membership | training

Please distribute through your networks WACOSS Update Friday 24th July 2009 News items listed in this bulletin include… WACOSS Membership Survey – Last Chance to WIN! WACOSS Social Service Organisation or Individual Member: Important Reminder! Power Assist Scheme – 2009/10 Launch of the Emergency Relief Agencies Directory 2009 Western Australian Council on Homelessness call for Nominations $135million Plan to Combat Homelessness Announced Today The National Dental Foundation Dental Rescue Day Free Job ads for WACOSS Members at EthicalJobs.com.au Risk Management: The ABC of IAC, Wednesday 29th July OSH for Community Organisations, Wednesday 12th August Time and Stress Management in the Workplace, Tuesday 18th August WACOSS Membership Survey – Last Chance to WIN! WACOSS Membership Survey You have only one day remaining for your opportunity to win $500 worth of WACOSS Training, or $500 cash! Complete the WACOSS Membership survey before close of business Friday 24th July to be in the draw! top WACOSS Social Service Organisation or Individual Member: Important Reminder! In order to secure your right to vote on important WACOSS decisions which can significantly IMPACT the community services sector…. Please ensure your Membership is renewed before 1 August! The changes to WACOSS Membership for the 2009/10 financial year can be viewed here: WACOSS Membership Fees As you will have noted Associate Members will have a completely separate fee schedule from 2009-10 onwards. For further information on fees for 2009-10 please check: the WACOSS Website REMEMBER! If your Membership is not renewed before August 1st you will not be eligible to vote in 2009/10! top Power Assist Scheme – 2009/10 WACOSS is pleased to announce Synergy’s annual contribution of $75,000 towards the Power Assist Scheme and Horizon’s $27,500 annual contribution. Horizon’s contribution is particularly pleasing as it is a 10% increase on last year’s funding. Horizon has also committed to a further two year’s funding with a 10% increase each year. As a result of these contributions the Power Assist Scheme will continue to operate during 2009/10 under the present guidelines and procedures. The funding contributions from both Utilities is in addition to the Hardship Utilities Grant Scheme and Hardship Efficiency Program presently operating throughout the WA. To find out more and download forms and guidelines please click on the link below: Utility Assistance Schemes top Launch of the Emergency Relief Agencies Directory 2009 Emergency Relief Agencies Directory 2009 The long awaited Emergency Relief Directory 09 is now out. An official launch will be held at the regular ER Forum to be held on the 5th August. We invite you to come along to the official launch. Date: Wednesday 5th August Time: 10.30 am Location: Lotteries House, 2 Delhi Street in West Perth Lotterywest has provided funding for the production of the Directory and Jan Stewart, the CEO of Lotteywest, will be presenting a cheque to WACOSS as part of the official launch. Please RSVP to bernie@wacoss.org.au or phone 9420 7222 by 31st July. The purpose of this Directory is to assist emergency relief agencies, community service organisations, Government departments, hospitals, businesses and members of the community in making appropriate and timely referrals when coming into contact with those needing material or financial assistance. All Emergency Relief organisations are listed by name in alphabetical order, along with their contact details, mailing and business addresses, operating hours and services provided. Agencies are also indexed by town/suburb. Every agency listed in the Directory has been sent a free copy. Further copies are available from WACOSS at $5.00 for community service organizations and $10.00 for Government Departments. To order copies of the ER Directory please: A) Call WACOSS on 9420 9222 OR B) Download the order form HERE and fax it to WACOSS on 9486 7966. top Western Australian Council on Homelessness call for Nominations A new Western Australian Council on Homelessness is currently being established to provide the Minister for Child Protection, the Hon Robin McSweeney MLC, with information and advice on homelessness related areas. Nominations for community representatives are currently being sought from across the homelessness sector, including; CEO’s/Senior Executives of homelessness service providers; and CEO’s/Senior Executives of non government community service agencies, especially housing, mental health, drug and alcohol, corrections and employment, that interact with homelessness service providers. The below documents provide more detailed information and the nomination form: Information Sheet Call for Nominations Nomination Form top $135million Plan to Combat Homelessness Announced Today The Federal and Western Australian governments today announced a four-year, $135.1million plan to help combat and prevent homelessness in Western Australia. To read the Media Statement please click HERE. The Fact Sheet can be read HERE top The National Dental Foundation Dental Rescue Day The National Dental Foundation Dental Rescue Day is scheduled for Saturday August 15th and will be held at a clinic in Cottesloe. This is free, one-off dental treatment. Appointments must be made prior to 1st August. Click on the link below for the types of treatments that are possible and not possible on this day: Prioritising Clients for National Dental Foundation Treatment To make an appointment email admin@ndfwa.org.au top Free Job ads for WACOSS Members at EthicalJobs.com.au EthicalJobs.com.au is a new website which promotes “work for a better world” – we connect people looking for an ethical job or career with employers who see their organisations as contributing to a more equitable, more just or more sustainable world. If you’re looking for a great you job, please visit us at www.EthicalJobs.com.au and subscribe to our free weekly e-newsletter, access a how-to guide for finding an ethical job, and check out our Ethical Jobs Blog. We’re also really keen to work with community organisations around Australia to help them find employees who are truly committed to their values and organisations. So as a special offer to WACOSS member organisations, we’re offering to post any and all of your job ads free until August 1st! Please call us on (03) 9419 7322 or email us at info@ethicaljobs.com.au if you’d like to to post some job ads for you. top Risk Management: The ABC of IAC, Wednesday 29th July Control risks within community sector organisations TRAINER: Dee Roche Identify, assess and develop strategies to control risks within community sector organisations. Identifying, assessing and managing risk within day-to-day and strategic operations is the responsibility of all levels of staff, management and Board membership. This workshop will examine the linkage between governance, risk management and control. Participants of this workshop will come away with the skills and knowledge to improve structures, procedures, systems and feedback within their own organisations. What previous participants have said… “Want to bottle this course and take it back to the board. Very practical.” Anonymous participant. 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 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

Police taser sets Aboriginal man on fire – ABC News Article link.

See today’s story and Op-ed below

A 36-year-old man has burst into flames after being shot by a police Taser in Western Australia.

Police say they were trying to arrest the Aboriginal man for petrol sniffing at the Goldfields Aboriginal community of Warburton yesterday when he turned violent.

To view on a PC/Mac please use this link

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/21/2631566.htm

To view on a mobile please use this link

http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=2631566&cat=Justin
from @perthtones’ iPhone

Image via Wikipedia

Op-ed – tony serve

• Police and Justice authorities in remote parts of Western Australia have a tough job dealing with violence and substance abuse in Aboriginal and mixed communities – no doubt about it.

• The tragedy is that Aboriginal people too often die because authorities like police and  justice staff are clearly not trained and equipped to deal with the issues in a humane and effective way.

• In the case above, which follows the “cooking” death of an elder in a prison van during a desert journey, it’s clear that the officer involved couldn’t put 2 and 2 together. That is;  petrol + spark = fire.

• Systemic racism has a long history here, and that plays a part, but it really is about the comfortable white folk in Perth not being moved to provide even BASIC health resources to deal with substance abuse and violence.

• Authorities can’t even provide proper health care to all here in the city – so imagine, just imagine, what it’s like in the remote desert communities where quick fix politicians visit in the wake of endless tragedies, and leave with empty promises still drying on their lips.

• A half-baked call for input on the next ten years of mental health policy is a start, but efforts to reach out and listen to traumatised Aboriginal communities are notably absent.

• If I were a Yamatji man instead of a white boy born on their land, I would have been dead 16 years ago – life expectancy for Aboriginal males is 37!

• Meanwhile 68% of juvenile prisoners in our jails are Aboriginal yet they make up less than 10% of the population.

• Let me draw a long bow now as the Uranium industry meets tomorrow in Fremantle to plan new mines and even nuclear power stations on land owned by Aborigines.

• Is the lack of political will to deliver even the most basic health services linked to the powerful mining lobby’s ongoing efforts to override the wishes and needs of traditional land owners in their quest for profit.

• See here for the most recent example of miners running roughshod over taditional landowners

• There’s no point in blaming the coppers, the miners or the state and federal Governments – it’s about our cosy apathy and on the “turning away.”

Shame on us all.  :/

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Please ignore the WASP-only Pic THIS IS ABOUT ETHNIC DIVERSITY & MENTAL HEALTH