http://2ser.podOmatic.com Current Affairs from Radio 2SER-FM 107.3 en-us podOmatic RSS Generator Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:19:59 GMT Current Affairs from Radio 2SER-FM 107.3 no no 2ser Selected reports from "Razors Edge" - a weekly news program on Radio 2SER FM. (Sat 1-2pm) To contact 2SER visit www.2ser.com Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hulls this week announced a controversial deal allowing church-run organisations to discriminate against single mothers, gays, and lesbians. Under changes to the State’s Equal Opportunity Act, religious organisations can refuse to provide services or employ a person on the basis of their sexuality, marital status and religious beliefs. The changes will be introduced early next year, and will require victims of discrimination to make a complaint and the religious body to justify their decision. Professor Margaret Thornton is a discrimination law expert at ANU. She spoke to 2SER’s Rebecca Leaver about the changes. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-10-03T00_05_30-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-10-03T00_05_30-07_00 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:03:06 GMT 2009-10-03 2009-10-03 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 214 no Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hulls this week announced a controversial deal allowing church-run organisations to discriminate against single mothers, gays, and lesbians. Under changes to the State’s Equal Opportunity Act, religious organisations can refuse to provide services or employ a person on the basis of their sexuality, marital status and religious beliefs. The changes will be introduced early next year, and will require victims of discrimination to make a complaint and the religious body to justify their decision. Professor Margaret Thornton is a discrimination law expert at ANU. She spoke to 2SER’s Rebecca Leaver about the changes. Are dog breeders taking it too far with man’s best friend these days? That’s the question asked in the controversial documentary, ‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed’, which was recently broadcast on the ABC. The film suggests that the health and welfare of pedigree dogs is being severely compromised by decades of inbreeding. And that breeding is primarily being done for appearance rather than for the health or well being of the animals themselves. At the University of Sydney this week, a panel of experts in fields related to canine genetics, breeding, and welfare discussed the issue. 2SER's David Fanner reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-28T07_45_07-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-28T07_45_07-07_00 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:42:25 GMT 2009-09-28 2009-09-28 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 304 no Are dog breeders taking it too far with man’s best friend these days? That’s the question asked in the controversial documentary, ‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed’, which was recently broadcast on the ABC. The film suggests that the health and welfare of pedigree dogs is being severely compromised by decades of inbreeding. And that breeding is primarily being done for appearance rather than for the health or well being of the animals themselves. At the University of Sydney this week, a panel of experts in fields related to canine genetics, breeding, and welfare discussed the issue. 2SER's David Fanner reports. The future funding viability of some charitable organisations could be at risk due to a Federal Court ruling made this week. The ruling found in favour of the Australian Taxation Office to restrict the legal definition of a charitable organisation for taxation purposes. Aid/Watch, a small charity that monitors how Australian foreign aid is distributed, has been the first casualty of the ruling. It has been stripped of its charitable status because it has a ‘view’ on government policy. The Federal Court ruling has raised concerns that public debate could be stifled as the core function of environmental and charitable organisations is put under threat. 2ser’s Alex Angel spoke with Aid Watch’s Dr James Goodman. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T00_13_49-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T00_13_49-07_00 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:11:04 GMT 2009-09-28 2009-09-26 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 333 no The future funding viability of some charitable organisations could be at risk due to a Federal Court ruling made this week. The ruling found in favour of the Australian Taxation Office to restrict the legal definition of a charitable organisation for taxation purposes. Aid/Watch, a small charity that monitors how Australian foreign aid is distributed, has been the first casualty of the ruling. It has been stripped of its charitable status because it has a ‘view’ on government policy. The Federal Court ruling has raised concerns that public debate could be stifled as the core function of environmental and charitable organisations is put under threat. 2ser’s Alex Angel spoke with Aid Watch’s Dr James Goodman. The global financial crisis has hit hard in many developing countries, but it’s taking its biggest toll on young women. According to a new report by aid agency Plan International Australia, they are the first to lose their jobs and miss out on education as families are pushed further into poverty. Chief Executive Ian Wishart says it reveals an attitude in the developing world that girls are not as important as boys. He warns human rights for women could be set back decades if the impact of the global financial crisis is ignored. As 2SER’S Britta Jorgensen reports, helping these young women could be the best way to end poverty for good. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-28T01_09_28-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-28T01_09_28-07_00 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:07:23 GMT 2009-09-28 2009-09-28 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 291 no The global financial crisis has hit hard in many developing countries, but it’s taking its biggest toll on young women. According to a new report by aid agency Plan International Australia, they are the first to lose their jobs and miss out on education as families are pushed further into poverty. Chief Executive Ian Wishart says it reveals an attitude in the developing world that girls are not as important as boys. He warns human rights for women could be set back decades if the impact of the global financial crisis is ignored. As 2SER’S Britta Jorgensen reports, helping these young women could be the best way to end poverty for good. 2009 marks China’s 60th Anniversary under communist rule and the country is celebrating with three days of festivals and parades starting October 1st. But for Tibet, this is the anniversary of the most tragic event in their recent history - the 50th year since an uprising forced the Dalai Lama out of the country. Tensions are high and Tibet’s tourism bureau has stopped issuing visitor entry permits until October 8. Without foreign access to the country the flow of information in and out of Tibet is severely limited. 2SER's Jessica Bineth spoke to Simon Bradshaw from the Australian Tibet Council. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T06_13_06-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T06_13_06-07_00 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:10:56 GMT 2009-09-26 2009-09-26 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 305 no 2009 marks China’s 60th Anniversary under communist rule and the country is celebrating with three days of festivals and parades starting October 1st. But for Tibet, this is the anniversary of the most tragic event in their recent history - the 50th year since an uprising forced the Dalai Lama out of the country. Tensions are high and Tibet’s tourism bureau has stopped issuing visitor entry permits until October 8. Without foreign access to the country the flow of information in and out of Tibet is severely limited. 2SER's Jessica Bineth spoke to Simon Bradshaw from the Australian Tibet Council. New figures released by Federal Treasury, suggest Australia’s population will rise by 13.5 million people, or 65 per cent, over the next 40 years. This is due to a huge increase in both fertility and migration rates. Environment groups have called on the government to stabilize or reduce the predicted growth, but big business generally supports the prospect of larger numbers of consumers. Ben Eltham from the Centre for Policy Development believes the existing projection of nine billion people worldwide is unsustainable. He's speaking here with 2SER's Ann Deslandes. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T06_02_30-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T06_02_30-07_00 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:58:58 GMT 2009-09-26 2009-09-26 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 244 no New figures released by Federal Treasury, suggest Australia’s population will rise by 13.5 million people, or 65 per cent, over the next 40 years. This is due to a huge increase in both fertility and migration rates. Environment groups have called on the government to stabilize or reduce the predicted growth, but big business generally supports the prospect of larger numbers of consumers. Ben Eltham from the Centre for Policy Development believes the existing projection of nine billion people worldwide is unsustainable. He's speaking here with 2SER's Ann Deslandes. A former senior Lao official in international co-operation has warned that Laos’ continued dependence on foreign aid could lead the nation to ruin. Despite the three-fold increase in foreign aid since Lao’s economic liberalisation in the 1980s, more than 10 percent of Lao people continue to live below the international poverty line. And the nation continues to be one of the poorest in South-East Asia. The book “History of Aid to Laos: Motivation and Impacts” was launched this week. It examines – for the first time - the 55 year history of foreign aid in Laos. Author Viliam Phraxayavong argues that successive governments in Laos have mismanaged foreign aid. He also contends that foreign donors have often used aid to serve their own political and economic interests, often to the detriment of Laos. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T03_12_10-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T03_12_10-07_00 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:07:54 GMT 2009-09-26 2009-09-26 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 276 no A former senior Lao official in international co-operation has warned that Laos’ continued dependence on foreign aid could lead the nation to ruin. Despite the three-fold increase in foreign aid since Lao’s economic liberalisation in the 1980s, more than 10 percent of Lao people continue to live below the international poverty line. And the nation continues to be one of the poorest in South-East Asia. The book “History of Aid to Laos: Motivation and Impacts” was launched this week. It examines – for the first time - the 55 year history of foreign aid in Laos. Author Viliam Phraxayavong argues that successive governments in Laos have mismanaged foreign aid. He also contends that foreign donors have often used aid to serve their own political and economic interests, often to the detriment of Laos. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan reports. The NSW Nationals and Liberals are calling for an end to measures designed to ensure marine conservation along the state’s coastline. Nationals MPs Andrew Stoner and Duncan Gay are spearheading the campaign to halt the creation of any more marine parks in NSW. The parks are designated areas of coastline set aside for management by the Marine Parks Authority. Traditionally around one fifth of these parks are no-go zones for any extractive activities like fishing, and it’s these sanctuaries that the Opposition is worried about. They say the Government is denying locals their right to enjoy the great outdoors. But environmental groups have slammed the Coalition’s vision, saying marine parks and sanctuaries are crucial to ensuring the health of our oceans. 2SER's Sophie Tarr has this report. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T03_04_23-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T03_04_23-07_00 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:59:44 GMT 2009-09-26 2009-09-26 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 305 no The NSW Nationals and Liberals are calling for an end to measures designed to ensure marine conservation along the state’s coastline. Nationals MPs Andrew Stoner and Duncan Gay are spearheading the campaign to halt the creation of any more marine parks in NSW. The parks are designated areas of coastline set aside for management by the Marine Parks Authority. Traditionally around one fifth of these parks are no-go zones for any extractive activities like fishing, and it’s these sanctuaries that the Opposition is worried about. They say the Government is denying locals their right to enjoy the great outdoors. But environmental groups have slammed the Coalition’s vision, saying marine parks and sanctuaries are crucial to ensuring the health of our oceans. 2SER's Sophie Tarr has this report. The Cancer Council of Victoria released a report this week which shows that higher cigarette prices are the single most effective way to get Australian smokers to quit. The research shows that price is a bigger motivating force than anti-smoking campaigns and public smoking bans in getting quitters to stick to their decision. It's been ten years since cigarettes have seen a price increase in Australia. This research comes as the Commonwealth Government is deciding on whether to increase tobacco taxes by 17% over the next three years. 2SER's Rebecca Leaver spoke to Fiona Sharkie, Executive Director of Quit Victoria. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T00_08_43-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-26T00_08_43-07_00 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:06:37 GMT 2009-09-26 2009-09-26 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 232 no The Cancer Council of Victoria released a report this week which shows that higher cigarette prices are the single most effective way to get Australian smokers to quit. The research shows that price is a bigger motivating force than anti-smoking campaigns and public smoking bans in getting quitters to stick to their decision. It's been ten years since cigarettes have seen a price increase in Australia. This research comes as the Commonwealth Government is deciding on whether to increase tobacco taxes by 17% over the next three years. 2SER's Rebecca Leaver spoke to Fiona Sharkie, Executive Director of Quit Victoria. The Federal Government has been accused of letting a war criminal off the hook. A Timor Leste man, Gui Campos, was permitted to leave Australia this week after living here since the World Youth Day celebrations of 2008. The Australian Federal Police had been investigating allegations that Campos had tortured pro-independence activists during the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. Now that Campos has left the country, the investigation is suspended. The Federal Government has been widely condemned for allowing Campos to leave before the investigation was concluded. 2SER’s Ann Deslandes reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-19T00_11_25-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-19T00_11_25-07_00 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 07:09:11 GMT 2009-09-20 2009-09-19 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 250 no The Federal Government has been accused of letting a war criminal off the hook. A Timor Leste man, Gui Campos, was permitted to leave Australia this week after living here since the World Youth Day celebrations of 2008. The Australian Federal Police had been investigating allegations that Campos had tortured pro-independence activists during the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. Now that Campos has left the country, the investigation is suspended. The Federal Government has been widely condemned for allowing Campos to leave before the investigation was concluded. 2SER’s Ann Deslandes reports. The Rudd government issued a public ultimatum to Telstra this week - split into two separate companies or face losing crucial future business. The government is trying to force the Telco giant to separate its wholesale and retail arms. This would allow other telecommunication company's cheaper access to Telstra’s present monopoly on the copper and cable network. While some commentators say this radical plan will be good for both consumers and Telstra shareholders, others aren't so sure. But the government is predicting a better outcome for taxpayers, saying the National Broadband plan will be much cheaper to build if Telstra is split. Telecommunications analyst, Paul Budde is backing the Governments plan. He spoke with 2SER’s Alex Angel. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-19T08_57_20-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-19T08_57_20-07_00 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:54:27 GMT 2009-09-20 2009-09-19 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 334 no The Rudd government issued a public ultimatum to Telstra this week - split into two separate companies or face losing crucial future business. The government is trying to force the Telco giant to separate its wholesale and retail arms. This would allow other telecommunication company's cheaper access to Telstra’s present monopoly on the copper and cable network. While some commentators say this radical plan will be good for both consumers and Telstra shareholders, others aren't so sure. But the government is predicting a better outcome for taxpayers, saying the National Broadband plan will be much cheaper to build if Telstra is split. Telecommunications analyst, Paul Budde is backing the Governments plan. He spoke with 2SER’s Alex Angel. Many of Sydney’s historic buildings were saved from redevelopment, during the ‘green bans’ of the 1970s. Led by the Builders’ Labourers Union, they fought against strong opposition from property developers and the New South Wales government. The fight was renewed in July this year, when locals successfully campaigned for a green ban on four Victorian terraces in Union Square. They were set to be demolished by the state government, to build an entrance for the Pyrmont CBD Metro station. Last week, some of the key figures who took part in the original movement met at Kings Cross Library to reflect on their experiences, and the increasing need for green bans and resident action groups today. 2SER’S Britta Jorgensen reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-19T20_17_46-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-19T20_17_46-07_00 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:15:28 GMT 2009-09-20 2009-09-20 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 283 no Many of Sydney’s historic buildings were saved from redevelopment, during the ‘green bans’ of the 1970s. Led by the Builders’ Labourers Union, they fought against strong opposition from property developers and the New South Wales government. The fight was renewed in July this year, when locals successfully campaigned for a green ban on four Victorian terraces in Union Square. They were set to be demolished by the state government, to build an entrance for the Pyrmont CBD Metro station. Last week, some of the key figures who took part in the original movement met at Kings Cross Library to reflect on their experiences, and the increasing need for green bans and resident action groups today. 2SER’S Britta Jorgensen reports. Outspoken Labor MP Julia Irwin announced her retirement from politics this week, but she also had some harsh words for her own party. Branch-stacking she claims, is alive and well in her electorate and is crippling the effective running of local branches across the country. Faction leaders are often accused of secretly paying for multiple, bogus, ALP memberships in order to get control of local branches. Three years after Kevin Rudd declared inner-party factionalism dead, 2SER's David Fanner looks at branch-stacking, and how it continues to affect Australian politics. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-19T09_01_57-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-19T09_01_57-07_00 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:59:30 GMT 2009-09-20 2009-09-19 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 296 no Outspoken Labor MP Julia Irwin announced her retirement from politics this week, but she also had some harsh words for her own party. Branch-stacking she claims, is alive and well in her electorate and is crippling the effective running of local branches across the country. Faction leaders are often accused of secretly paying for multiple, bogus, ALP memberships in order to get control of local branches. Three years after Kevin Rudd declared inner-party factionalism dead, 2SER's David Fanner looks at branch-stacking, and how it continues to affect Australian politics. Virtually all of your household trash could soon be diverted away from landfill and made into renewable goods. Sound too good to be true? Well, in the next few weeks the City of Sydney Council will begin using Jack Gully’s Alternative Waste Treatment, in an effort to cut 70% of domestic waste going to landfill. While only 4 other Council’s in NSW use the treatment, other local governments are expected to jump on board soon. 2SER’s Jessica Bineth reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-19T02_41_52-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-19T02_41_52-07_00 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:35:45 GMT 2009-09-20 2009-09-19 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 232 no Virtually all of your household trash could soon be diverted away from landfill and made into renewable goods. Sound too good to be true? Well, in the next few weeks the City of Sydney Council will begin using Jack Gully’s Alternative Waste Treatment, in an effort to cut 70% of domestic waste going to landfill. While only 4 other Council’s in NSW use the treatment, other local governments are expected to jump on board soon. 2SER’s Jessica Bineth reports. The Federal Government has initiated discussions with mothers and children affected by harmful adoption practices, offering to include them in an apology with the Forgotten Australians later this year. This comes ten years after a NSW inquiry found adoption practices between the 1950s and 1970s, were unethical and unlawful. But adoption support group Origins has rejected the offer of an apology, saying a national inquiry needs to come first. Origins is concerned an apology without a national inquiry would be used to sweep the issue under the rug. In Victoria, a 1984 Review into the Adoption Act has been cited as the reason why a state inquiry is unnecessary. Yet at the time the state’s adoption records were not open. And while inquiries have taken place in NSW and Tasmania ten years ago, there was no formal apology made at the time. 2SER's Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-20T03_24_28-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-20T03_24_28-07_00 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 10:21:47 GMT 2009-09-20 2009-09-20 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 381 no The Federal Government has initiated discussions with mothers and children affected by harmful adoption practices, offering to include them in an apology with the Forgotten Australians later this year. This comes ten years after a NSW inquiry found adoption practices between the 1950s and 1970s, were unethical and unlawful. But adoption support group Origins has rejected the offer of an apology, saying a national inquiry needs to come first. Origins is concerned an apology without a national inquiry would be used to sweep the issue under the rug. In Victoria, a 1984 Review into the Adoption Act has been cited as the reason why a state inquiry is unnecessary. Yet at the time the state’s adoption records were not open. And while inquiries have taken place in NSW and Tasmania ten years ago, there was no formal apology made at the time. 2SER's Biwa Kwan reports. Bullying is making life for hell for Australian workers. That’s according to a survey of over 800 Australian employees by Drake International. The recruitment agency report says that 25% of employees had been subjected to bullying in the workplace. Doctor Carlo Caponecchia, Lecturer in Risk and Safety Sciences at the University of New South Wales says workplace bullying is a complex phenomenon that needs more research. He spoke with 2SER’s Ann Deslandes. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T22_55_01-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T22_55_01-07_00 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:53:07 GMT 2009-09-20 2009-09-13 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 233 no Bullying is making life for hell for Australian workers. That’s according to a survey of over 800 Australian employees by Drake International. The recruitment agency report says that 25% of employees had been subjected to bullying in the workplace. Doctor Carlo Caponecchia, Lecturer in Risk and Safety Sciences at the University of New South Wales says workplace bullying is a complex phenomenon that needs more research. He spoke with 2SER’s Ann Deslandes. East Timor President Jose Ramos Horta has called for all United Nations investigations into serious crimes by Indonesian officials in East Timor to stop. He’s suggesting instead that resources be invested in the country’s young judiciary. This is not mere political rhetoric. Immediately after he made this statement, Ramos Horta ordered the release of Indonesian militia commander Martenus Bere to the Indonesian embassy in East Timor. Bere, who is expected to be released in Indonesia in the near future, was indicted for numerous crimes against humanity. 2SER's Alexandra Blucher spoke with Fernanda Borges, an MP and Chair of the East Timor Parliamentary Committee for Constitutional Issues, Justice and Human Rights. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-15T08_24_19-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-15T08_24_19-07_00 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:21:35 GMT 2009-09-20 2009-09-15 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 381 no East Timor President Jose Ramos Horta has called for all United Nations investigations into serious crimes by Indonesian officials in East Timor to stop. He’s suggesting instead that resources be invested in the country’s young judiciary. This is not mere political rhetoric. Immediately after he made this statement, Ramos Horta ordered the release of Indonesian militia commander Martenus Bere to the Indonesian embassy in East Timor. Bere, who is expected to be released in Indonesia in the near future, was indicted for numerous crimes against humanity. 2SER's Alexandra Blucher spoke with Fernanda Borges, an MP and Chair of the East Timor Parliamentary Committee for Constitutional Issues, Justice and Human Rights. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend", or at least this appears to be the case, as opposition to the state Government's CBD Metro Project continues to build. The new line, which is estimated to cost 5.3 billion dollars, will extend heavy rail from Central Station, through the city and out to Rozelle in the inner west. This week's release of the Environmental Assessment Statement, for the underground line, was met by a wave of outrage from right across the political spectrum. Liberals, Greenies and unions all joined forces this week at a mass rally at Parliament House in Macquarie Street. 2SER's David Fanner was there. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-13T19_58_51-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-13T19_58_51-07_00 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:56:23 GMT 2009-09-20 2009-09-14 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 409 no "The enemy of my enemy is my friend", or at least this appears to be the case, as opposition to the state Government's CBD Metro Project continues to build. The new line, which is estimated to cost 5.3 billion dollars, will extend heavy rail from Central Station, through the city and out to Rozelle in the inner west. This week's release of the Environmental Assessment Statement, for the underground line, was met by a wave of outrage from right across the political spectrum. Liberals, Greenies and unions all joined forces this week at a mass rally at Parliament House in Macquarie Street. 2SER's David Fanner was there. The New South Wales Upper House passed legislation this week allowing the Rees government to privatise its state-owned lottery corporation. NSW Lotteries generates hundreds of millions in profits each year but it's now set to be taken over by the private sector. The Coalition decided to support the privatisation after the government agreed to extend special protection for Newsagents, who rely on revenue from the sale of Lotto and scratchie tickets. But the Greens oppose the legislation saying it will cause more problems for gamblers and young people. 2SER’s Rosie Lewis reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T00_52_25-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T00_52_25-07_00 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 07:48:36 GMT 2009-09-20 2009-09-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 362 no The New South Wales Upper House passed legislation this week allowing the Rees government to privatise its state-owned lottery corporation. NSW Lotteries generates hundreds of millions in profits each year but it's now set to be taken over by the private sector. The Coalition decided to support the privatisation after the government agreed to extend special protection for Newsagents, who rely on revenue from the sale of Lotto and scratchie tickets. But the Greens oppose the legislation saying it will cause more problems for gamblers and young people. 2SER’s Rosie Lewis reports. This week the federal government launched a sweeping inquiry into politicians allowances. This includes reviewing the gold travel pass scheme which allows retired MP's free air travel for the rest of their lives. There are also suggestions that the 160 million dollar postage and printing scheme is being misused. The government has already decided to cut this program - From October, Lower House MPs will have their annual allowance slashed from $100,000 to $75,000 Independent member for Lyne, Rob Oakshott says the reform will allow members to concentrate upon the job which they are supposed to be doing - representing their electorate. He spoke with 2SER's Alex Angel. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T05_42_17-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T05_42_17-07_00 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:39:07 GMT 2009-09-13 2009-09-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 359 no This week the federal government launched a sweeping inquiry into politicians allowances. This includes reviewing the gold travel pass scheme which allows retired MP's free air travel for the rest of their lives. There are also suggestions that the 160 million dollar postage and printing scheme is being misused. The government has already decided to cut this program - From October, Lower House MPs will have their annual allowance slashed from $100,000 to $75,000 Independent member for Lyne, Rob Oakshott says the reform will allow members to concentrate upon the job which they are supposed to be doing - representing their electorate. He spoke with 2SER's Alex Angel. Domestic violence in the heterosexual community has received a steady stream of media coverage of late. And the white ribbon day ‘no violence against women’ campaign later this month is also generating press coverage. But in the gay and lesbian community domestic violence is rarely talked about. Those who do seek help from health services or the criminal justice system, find there is little or no service provision to deal with same sex domestic violence. A conference in Sydney yesterday brought together social workers, academics, and police in an effort to address the problem. 2SER's Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T05_32_20-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T05_32_20-07_00 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:29:22 GMT 2009-09-13 2009-09-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 403 no Domestic violence in the heterosexual community has received a steady stream of media coverage of late. And the white ribbon day ‘no violence against women’ campaign later this month is also generating press coverage. But in the gay and lesbian community domestic violence is rarely talked about. Those who do seek help from health services or the criminal justice system, find there is little or no service provision to deal with same sex domestic violence. A conference in Sydney yesterday brought together social workers, academics, and police in an effort to address the problem. 2SER's Biwa Kwan reports. Currently, there are around 230,000, people in Australia suffering with dementia. That number is expected to be close to 730,000 by 2050 unless there is a medical breakthrough. Professor John Mamo from the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute has found evidence that certain foods high in saturated fats can increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative illness that attacks the brain. As brain cells shrink or disappear the messages within the brain are disrupted and certain functions of abilities are lost. 2SER's Jessica Bineth spoke to Professor Mamo about how this study has revealed new ways of treating and preventing Alzheimer’s. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T01_01_48-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T01_01_48-07_00 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 07:59:39 GMT 2009-09-13 2009-09-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 261 no Currently, there are around 230,000, people in Australia suffering with dementia. That number is expected to be close to 730,000 by 2050 unless there is a medical breakthrough. Professor John Mamo from the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute has found evidence that certain foods high in saturated fats can increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative illness that attacks the brain. As brain cells shrink or disappear the messages within the brain are disrupted and certain functions of abilities are lost. 2SER's Jessica Bineth spoke to Professor Mamo about how this study has revealed new ways of treating and preventing Alzheimer’s. The Australian Greens say that SBS television should only screen ads in between programs. Greens Senator Scott Ludlam introduced a bill this week to ban advertisements during programs on the station. The Bill, which proposes an amendment to the SBS Act, was originally introduced by the Australian Democrats in 2008. Senator Ludlam said that reducing ads on SBS should force the Federal Government to pick up any resulting shortfall in revenue. The Bill is supported by the advocacy group Save Our SBS, who oppose what they say is the commercialization of an important public service. 2SER's Ann Deslandes spoke with Darce Cassidy from Save our SBS. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T00_56_14-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-12T00_56_14-07_00 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 07:54:04 GMT 2009-09-13 2009-09-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 298 no The Australian Greens say that SBS television should only screen ads in between programs. Greens Senator Scott Ludlam introduced a bill this week to ban advertisements during programs on the station. The Bill, which proposes an amendment to the SBS Act, was originally introduced by the Australian Democrats in 2008. Senator Ludlam said that reducing ads on SBS should force the Federal Government to pick up any resulting shortfall in revenue. The Bill is supported by the advocacy group Save Our SBS, who oppose what they say is the commercialization of an important public service. 2SER's Ann Deslandes spoke with Darce Cassidy from Save our SBS. It was science fiction only a few years ago, but now DNA testing, marketed directly to the consumer is becoming more popular in Australia and around the world. The tests, which are commonly marketed over the internet, claim to be able to predict future disease risks, such as cancer or mental illness, and even pick up a propensity for alcoholism. But in a field where the science is moving faster than regulation can keep up, The Australian national university is undertaking a study of consumer experiences of DNA testing. Sudeepa Abeysinghe, a Phd candidate from the ANU School of Social Sciences is calling for people to take part in the project which will look at the social implications of the technology. She spoke with 2SER’s David Fanner. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-06T20_48_54-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-06T20_48_54-07_00 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:47:11 GMT 2009-09-07 2009-09-07 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 201 no It was science fiction only a few years ago, but now DNA testing, marketed directly to the consumer is becoming more popular in Australia and around the world. The tests, which are commonly marketed over the internet, claim to be able to predict future disease risks, such as cancer or mental illness, and even pick up a propensity for alcoholism. But in a field where the science is moving faster than regulation can keep up, The Australian national university is undertaking a study of consumer experiences of DNA testing. Sudeepa Abeysinghe, a Phd candidate from the ANU School of Social Sciences is calling for people to take part in the project which will look at the social implications of the technology. She spoke with 2SER’s David Fanner. Health professionals played a central role in implementing torture techniques in the CIA interrogation program, according to a report by the Physicians for Human Rights in the US. The paper analyses the recently declassified CIA Inspector General Report of 2004, finding evidence that physicians and psychologists legimitimised the use of abusive interrogation techniques, and may have been involved in human experimentation. 2SER’s Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-04T23_47_04-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-04T23_47_04-07_00 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 06:44:07 GMT 2009-09-06 2009-09-05 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 394 no Health professionals played a central role in implementing torture techniques in the CIA interrogation program, according to a report by the Physicians for Human Rights in the US. The paper analyses the recently declassified CIA Inspector General Report of 2004, finding evidence that physicians and psychologists legimitimised the use of abusive interrogation techniques, and may have been involved in human experimentation. 2SER’s Biwa Kwan reports. The nature conservation lobby in New South Wales is ramping up its campaign against the commercialisation of national parks. They say the state Government is currently considering legislative changes, in response to a report from the Tourism Taskforce. The Taskforce recommended increasing accommodation options for visitors inside national parks, including the construction of new buildings. But green organisations say that this would threaten biodiversity in the parks. They also say that if the Government wants to increase tourism in the parks, there are more sustainable models available. 2SER’s Ann Deslandes spoke with Keith Muir from the Colong Foundation for Wilderness. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-04T23_53_38-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-04T23_53_38-07_00 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 06:51:22 GMT 2009-09-06 2009-09-05 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 294 no The nature conservation lobby in New South Wales is ramping up its campaign against the commercialisation of national parks. They say the state Government is currently considering legislative changes, in response to a report from the Tourism Taskforce. The Taskforce recommended increasing accommodation options for visitors inside national parks, including the construction of new buildings. But green organisations say that this would threaten biodiversity in the parks. They also say that if the Government wants to increase tourism in the parks, there are more sustainable models available. 2SER’s Ann Deslandes spoke with Keith Muir from the Colong Foundation for Wilderness. The Tasmanian Commissioner for Children has started a review into the legalities of male circumcision, and says that parents might not be entitled to cut or wound their children unless it is for a medical purpose. Paul Mason and the Tasmanian Law reform institute are concerned that the law protecting the doctor who performs the procedure is uncertain, and so could leave them liable for perceived infringements upon the child's rights. Circumcision rates in Australia have dropped from a high of 90% in the 1970’s to just 10% today. For some, this legal review is yet another instance of misinformation and propaganda from the anti-circumcision lobby. Brian Morris is a professor of physiology at the University of Sydney and strongly supports circumcision on health grounds. He spoke with 2ser's Alex Angel. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-06T05_30_51-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-06T05_30_51-07_00 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:28:37 GMT 2009-09-06 2009-09-06 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 302 no The Tasmanian Commissioner for Children has started a review into the legalities of male circumcision, and says that parents might not be entitled to cut or wound their children unless it is for a medical purpose. Paul Mason and the Tasmanian Law reform institute are concerned that the law protecting the doctor who performs the procedure is uncertain, and so could leave them liable for perceived infringements upon the child's rights. Circumcision rates in Australia have dropped from a high of 90% in the 1970’s to just 10% today. For some, this legal review is yet another instance of misinformation and propaganda from the anti-circumcision lobby. Brian Morris is a professor of physiology at the University of Sydney and strongly supports circumcision on health grounds. He spoke with 2ser's Alex Angel. The Wilderness Society is calling for a moratorium on the construction of liquid natural gas plants, off the Kimberley coast in Western Australia. The demand comes after the society conducted an aerial survey that showed hundreds of whales would be threatened by the development. They're appealing to Kevin Rudd to step in and to declare the area a marine sanctuary zone. 2SER’s Nic Christensen spoke with Josh Coates from the Western Australian Wilderness Society. He began by asking him about the aerial survey of the Woodside Petroleum development at James Price Point. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-05T05_28_38-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-05T05_28_38-07_00 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:24:02 GMT 2009-09-06 2009-09-05 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 319 no The Wilderness Society is calling for a moratorium on the construction of liquid natural gas plants, off the Kimberley coast in Western Australia. The demand comes after the society conducted an aerial survey that showed hundreds of whales would be threatened by the development. They're appealing to Kevin Rudd to step in and to declare the area a marine sanctuary zone. 2SER’s Nic Christensen spoke with Josh Coates from the Western Australian Wilderness Society. He began by asking him about the aerial survey of the Woodside Petroleum development at James Price Point. Despite its reputation as a ‘soft’ drug, scientific research has linked cannabis with mental illness and psychosis, particularly schizophrenia. But a UK study published in this month’s Schizophrenia Research journal found evidence that this link may not exist. Australian researchers are skeptical. Dr Martin Cohen, chief psychiatrist at the Hunter New England Mental Health Service, led a study last year which concluded that the brain of a heavy cannabis user functions more like that of a schizophrenic. He spoke with 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen about why the new evidence could be misleading. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-05T05_14_07-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-09-05T05_14_07-07_00 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:11:43 GMT 2009-09-06 2009-09-05 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 342 no Despite its reputation as a ‘soft’ drug, scientific research has linked cannabis with mental illness and psychosis, particularly schizophrenia. But a UK study published in this month’s Schizophrenia Research journal found evidence that this link may not exist. Australian researchers are skeptical. Dr Martin Cohen, chief psychiatrist at the Hunter New England Mental Health Service, led a study last year which concluded that the brain of a heavy cannabis user functions more like that of a schizophrenic. He spoke with 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen about why the new evidence could be misleading. As international guests fly in to East Timor today to mark the country's 10th anniversary of independence, human rights groups are calling for action on past atrocities. More than 1000 people were killed by Indonesian militia groups in 1999 but no one has been held accountable or charged, according to an Amnesty International report. The report also details how Indonesia, Timor Leste and the UN have failed to bring to account, those involved in the crimes against humanity in the 25 years preceding the vote for independence. Very few of the Indonesian officers responsible for the murder, rape and torture of thousands of East Timorese have been prosecuted and even less are serving prison sentences. Dr Clinton Fernandes is an Indonesia expert at the Australian Defence Force Academy - He spoke with 2ser's Alex Angel. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-28T23_52_39-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-28T23_52_39-07_00 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 06:50:04 GMT 2009-08-31 2009-08-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 311 no As international guests fly in to East Timor today to mark the country's 10th anniversary of independence, human rights groups are calling for action on past atrocities. More than 1000 people were killed by Indonesian militia groups in 1999 but no one has been held accountable or charged, according to an Amnesty International report. The report also details how Indonesia, Timor Leste and the UN have failed to bring to account, those involved in the crimes against humanity in the 25 years preceding the vote for independence. Very few of the Indonesian officers responsible for the murder, rape and torture of thousands of East Timorese have been prosecuted and even less are serving prison sentences. Dr Clinton Fernandes is an Indonesia expert at the Australian Defence Force Academy - He spoke with 2ser's Alex Angel. Education Minister Julia Gillard bowed to pressure this week and reworked changes to the Youth Allowance scheme, which would have reduced Centrelink payments to thousands of Uni students. She announced a compromise which will delay the introduction of the new scheme. This means that several thousand students currently taking a gap year will no longer be seriously disadvantaged. It will cost $150 million to ensure these students still qualify, and the delay is necessary to maintain a budget neutral package. This report from 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen begins with David Barrow from the National Union of Students. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-30T03_26_15-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-30T03_26_15-07_00 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:24:12 GMT 2009-08-31 2009-08-30 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 270 no Education Minister Julia Gillard bowed to pressure this week and reworked changes to the Youth Allowance scheme, which would have reduced Centrelink payments to thousands of Uni students. She announced a compromise which will delay the introduction of the new scheme. This means that several thousand students currently taking a gap year will no longer be seriously disadvantaged. It will cost $150 million to ensure these students still qualify, and the delay is necessary to maintain a budget neutral package. This report from 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen begins with David Barrow from the National Union of Students. Advocacy group Homebirth Australia have slammed the suggestion that women who oppose reforms to midwifery practices are “wingnuts” and “flat-earthers” who are holding back access to quality care in childbirth. Under reforms announced by Health Minister Nicola Roxon in the federal Budget, independent midwives attending hospital births will have their fees covered by Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The government will also require professional indemnity insurance for these practitioners, and will provide the insurance for them. But private midwives operating outside the clinical setting will not be able to access the insurance. This means that registered midwives will not be legally allowed to attend a home birth, making it more difficult for women to give birth at home. In an article for the current affairs website Crikey, political reporter Bernard Keane claimed that home birthing advocates were “shouting down” progressive reforms to maternity practices. 2SER’s Ann Deslandes discussed the future of giving birth in Australia with Associate Professor Jennifer Fenwick, who researches maternity practices at the University of Technology Sydney. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-30T03_19_59-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-30T03_19_59-07_00 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:17:19 GMT 2009-08-31 2009-08-30 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 372 no Advocacy group Homebirth Australia have slammed the suggestion that women who oppose reforms to midwifery practices are “wingnuts” and “flat-earthers” who are holding back access to quality care in childbirth. Under reforms announced by Health Minister Nicola Roxon in the federal Budget, independent midwives attending hospital births will have their fees covered by Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The government will also require professional indemnity insurance for these practitioners, and will provide the insurance for them. But private midwives operating outside the clinical setting will not be able to access the insurance. This means that registered midwives will not be legally allowed to attend a home birth, making it more difficult for women to give birth at home. In an article for the current affairs website Crikey, political reporter Bernard Keane claimed that home birthing advocates were “shouting down” progressive reforms to maternity practices. 2SER’s Ann Deslandes discussed the future of giving birth in Australia with Associate Professor Jennifer Fenwick, who researches maternity practices at the University of Technology Sydney. The Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma this week outlined plans for a new national body to represent Indigenous Australians. Five years after its controversial predecessor, ATSIC, was abolished there is great hope that a new body can move aboriginal issues forward. While some, including Tony Abbott have already criticised the scheme, others are optimistic about the idea. 2SER's Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-29T23_46_07-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-29T23_46_07-07_00 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 06:38:03 GMT 2009-08-30 2009-08-30 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 391 no The Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma this week outlined plans for a new national body to represent Indigenous Australians. Five years after its controversial predecessor, ATSIC, was abolished there is great hope that a new body can move aboriginal issues forward. While some, including Tony Abbott have already criticised the scheme, others are optimistic about the idea. 2SER's Biwa Kwan reports. Womens groups and the Greens have called on the NSW and Queensland Premiers to urgently act on abortion law reform, following reports that some women are being forced to travel to NSW to have terminations. In Queensland doctors are refusing to provide abortion services, after a 19-year-old Cairns woman was charged for organising a self-administered abortion. Abortion is technically unlawful in both states but the procedure is often performed to prevent danger to the woman’s mental and physical health. Greens MP Lee Rhiannon spoke with 2SER's Nastasia Campanella. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-29T10_36_15-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-29T10_36_15-07_00 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:34:17 GMT 2009-08-30 2009-08-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 262 no Womens groups and the Greens have called on the NSW and Queensland Premiers to urgently act on abortion law reform, following reports that some women are being forced to travel to NSW to have terminations. In Queensland doctors are refusing to provide abortion services, after a 19-year-old Cairns woman was charged for organising a self-administered abortion. Abortion is technically unlawful in both states but the procedure is often performed to prevent danger to the woman’s mental and physical health. Greens MP Lee Rhiannon spoke with 2SER's Nastasia Campanella. Plans to introduce a nation wide Container Deposits system could reduce Australia’s greenhouse emissions by over 1.3 million tones per year. The scheme, whereby 10 cents is paid on the return of a beverage container, was presented at the Senate Inquiry into the Environment Protection Bill 2009 this week. Some 2000 reverse vending machines could be situated around Australia to collect not only beverage containers, but other “problem materials” including batteries and e-waste. If the plan is to go ahead Australia’s recycling rates, currently around the 40% mark, could improve to reach 80%. The system is expected to create 2000 jobs and save the government at least $83 million per annum in landfill and curbside pick up costs. 2Ser’s Jessica Bineth spoke with Sarah Van Ert, a Waste Minimisation Officer at the Total Environment Centre. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-29T05_50_29-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-29T05_50_29-07_00 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:46:26 GMT 2009-08-29 2009-08-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 267 no Plans to introduce a nation wide Container Deposits system could reduce Australia’s greenhouse emissions by over 1.3 million tones per year. The scheme, whereby 10 cents is paid on the return of a beverage container, was presented at the Senate Inquiry into the Environment Protection Bill 2009 this week. Some 2000 reverse vending machines could be situated around Australia to collect not only beverage containers, but other “problem materials” including batteries and e-waste. If the plan is to go ahead Australia’s recycling rates, currently around the 40% mark, could improve to reach 80%. The system is expected to create 2000 jobs and save the government at least $83 million per annum in landfill and curbside pick up costs. 2Ser’s Jessica Bineth spoke with Sarah Van Ert, a Waste Minimisation Officer at the Total Environment Centre. FIJI now looks certain to be SUSPENDED from the Commonwealth group of nations after refusing to agree to hold democratic elections next year. The Commonwealth, which represents 53 countries, had given the countries military rulers until the end of August to set an election date. But Prime Minister Bainimarama has already announced that elections will not take place until 2014. Fiji has been suspended from the Commonwealth before, with little apparent impact, so what will be different this time around? 2SER's Ashley Felderhof spoke to ANU analyst, Professor Brij Lal, who is currently in Fiji. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-29T00_12_42-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-29T00_12_42-07_00 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 07:09:57 GMT 2009-08-29 2009-08-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 332 no FIJI now looks certain to be SUSPENDED from the Commonwealth group of nations after refusing to agree to hold democratic elections next year. The Commonwealth, which represents 53 countries, had given the countries military rulers until the end of August to set an election date. But Prime Minister Bainimarama has already announced that elections will not take place until 2014. Fiji has been suspended from the Commonwealth before, with little apparent impact, so what will be different this time around? 2SER's Ashley Felderhof spoke to ANU analyst, Professor Brij Lal, who is currently in Fiji. Despite mounting pressure from developed nations, the Chinese government has refused to set a timeline for carbon emission reduction targets, saying Western nations need to take the lead. China’s official negotiator for climate change, Su Wei, said last Friday the country’s carbon dioxide emissions could peak at 2050. China is the world's biggest national emitter of greenhouse gases, overtaking the United States in 2008, Environmental NGOs in China say Beijing government’s significant investment in renewable energy will not be enough to tackle the global climate change problem. 2SER’s Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-24T05_10_20-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-24T05_10_20-07_00 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:07:27 GMT 2009-08-24 2009-08-24 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 398 no Despite mounting pressure from developed nations, the Chinese government has refused to set a timeline for carbon emission reduction targets, saying Western nations need to take the lead. China’s official negotiator for climate change, Su Wei, said last Friday the country’s carbon dioxide emissions could peak at 2050. China is the world's biggest national emitter of greenhouse gases, overtaking the United States in 2008, Environmental NGOs in China say Beijing government’s significant investment in renewable energy will not be enough to tackle the global climate change problem. 2SER’s Biwa Kwan reports. The schools of a nationwide Christian sect, which Kevin Rudd once labeled a ‘cult’, have had their funding increased by 50 per cent over the last two years. The controversial EXCLUSIVE BRETHREN church will receive a total of 62 million dollars of taxpayer funds over the next 4 years. The figures were obtained by the Australian Greens in Senate committee hearings this week. As opposition leader in 2007 Mr Rudd described the Brethren as an extremist cult that breaks up families. But now his government appears to be backing the group. Michael Bachelard is a reporter with the Melbourne Age and wrote a book on the Exclusive Brethren in 2004, called “Behind the Brethren”. He spoke with 2ser’s Alex Angel. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-22T00_05_05-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-22T00_05_05-07_00 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 07:02:29 GMT 2009-08-23 2009-08-22 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 308 no The schools of a nationwide Christian sect, which Kevin Rudd once labeled a ‘cult’, have had their funding increased by 50 per cent over the last two years. The controversial EXCLUSIVE BRETHREN church will receive a total of 62 million dollars of taxpayer funds over the next 4 years. The figures were obtained by the Australian Greens in Senate committee hearings this week. As opposition leader in 2007 Mr Rudd described the Brethren as an extremist cult that breaks up families. But now his government appears to be backing the group. Michael Bachelard is a reporter with the Melbourne Age and wrote a book on the Exclusive Brethren in 2004, called “Behind the Brethren”. He spoke with 2ser’s Alex Angel. A decision by Woolworths to cut the number of caged egg brands it sells, has been applauded by animal welfare groups, but CONDEMNED by the state government. NSW Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, called the move ‘disturbing’, because it comes after the introduction of new regulations for caged hens. The egg industry spent millions of dollars to comply with an increase in the minimum cage size from 400 square centimeters to 550. So is Woolworths simply responding to consumer demand by moving to free range eggs? 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-21T19_31_50-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-21T19_31_50-07_00 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:28:34 GMT 2009-08-23 2009-08-22 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 320 no A decision by Woolworths to cut the number of caged egg brands it sells, has been applauded by animal welfare groups, but CONDEMNED by the state government. NSW Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, called the move ‘disturbing’, because it comes after the introduction of new regulations for caged hens. The egg industry spent millions of dollars to comply with an increase in the minimum cage size from 400 square centimeters to 550. So is Woolworths simply responding to consumer demand by moving to free range eggs? 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen reports. With Australia’s rental market prices set to remain high, the prospect for single parents looks grim. But an online organisation is trying to change this by encouraging single parents to combine forces and share housing and childcare responsibilities. SPACE 4 was created by mother of one, Sophie Lee, in 2007 after she’d separated from her partner. Since the financial crisis has settled in, Sophie says she’s seen an increase in single parents joining up to the site, hoping to battle-out the tough economic climate together. 2SER’s Rosie Lewis spoke with Sophie about the idea behind Space 4. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-23T04_21_45-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-23T04_21_45-07_00 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:19:48 GMT 2009-08-23 2009-08-23 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 250 no With Australia’s rental market prices set to remain high, the prospect for single parents looks grim. But an online organisation is trying to change this by encouraging single parents to combine forces and share housing and childcare responsibilities. SPACE 4 was created by mother of one, Sophie Lee, in 2007 after she’d separated from her partner. Since the financial crisis has settled in, Sophie says she’s seen an increase in single parents joining up to the site, hoping to battle-out the tough economic climate together. 2SER’s Rosie Lewis spoke with Sophie about the idea behind Space 4. A new report has found that domestic water consumption in Australia has dropped by 12 % over the last few years. The Water Services Association says Australia is now a 'world leader' in implementing water efficiency programmes in cities and towns. But with dire predictions about a continued decline in rainfall, conservationists say much more needs to be done. 2SER's Ashley Felderhof asked the Total Environment Centre's Leigh Martin, what we have achieved so far. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-23T00_47_18-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-23T00_47_18-07_00 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 07:44:46 GMT 2009-08-23 2009-08-23 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 352 no A new report has found that domestic water consumption in Australia has dropped by 12 % over the last few years. The Water Services Association says Australia is now a 'world leader' in implementing water efficiency programmes in cities and towns. But with dire predictions about a continued decline in rainfall, conservationists say much more needs to be done. 2SER's Ashley Felderhof asked the Total Environment Centre's Leigh Martin, what we have achieved so far. This week the Senate rejected the Government’s attempts to introduce a $250 fee for university students. The bill was defeated when Senator Steve Fielding combined with the Coalition to vote against the move. Opponents of the legislation argue that the Rudd government is trying to reintroduce Compulsory Student Unionism. But the Government and many students groups describe the measure as an important means restoring funding to important student services. 2SER’s Nic Christensen reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-22T05_56_52-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-22T05_56_52-07_00 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:54:24 GMT 2009-08-23 2009-08-22 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 326 no This week the Senate rejected the Government’s attempts to introduce a $250 fee for university students. The bill was defeated when Senator Steve Fielding combined with the Coalition to vote against the move. Opponents of the legislation argue that the Rudd government is trying to reintroduce Compulsory Student Unionism. But the Government and many students groups describe the measure as an important means restoring funding to important student services. 2SER’s Nic Christensen reports. The Northern Territory Labor Government has survived a no-confidence motion by brokering an unlikely deal with Independent MP Gerry Wood. The Opposition used the debate to take the government to task on its unfulfilled election promises - including its inability to do anything about remote indigenous housing. But many in the Territory are becoming increasingly aware, if they weren’t already, that neither side of party politics is capable, or willing, of meeting the needs of Indigenous constituents. Maurie Ryan, deputy chairman of the Central Land Council, has called for the creation of a new First Nations Indigenous Party. A party that would aim to ensure that money allocated for Aboriginal services, actually reaches the target. 2SER’s Alex Angel spoke to National Indigenous Times editor Chris Graham. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-16T20_01_43-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-16T20_01_43-07_00 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:59:20 GMT 2009-08-17 2009-08-17 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 306 no The Northern Territory Labor Government has survived a no-confidence motion by brokering an unlikely deal with Independent MP Gerry Wood. The Opposition used the debate to take the government to task on its unfulfilled election promises - including its inability to do anything about remote indigenous housing. But many in the Territory are becoming increasingly aware, if they weren’t already, that neither side of party politics is capable, or willing, of meeting the needs of Indigenous constituents. Maurie Ryan, deputy chairman of the Central Land Council, has called for the creation of a new First Nations Indigenous Party. A party that would aim to ensure that money allocated for Aboriginal services, actually reaches the target. 2SER’s Alex Angel spoke to National Indigenous Times editor Chris Graham. This week marks the 60th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the universal body of laws governing war conduct. A new poll by the Australian Red Cross has found not only do a significant proportion of Australians - 35 percent - doubt the effectiveness of the Geneva Conventions, but over 40 percent are OK with the torture of captured enemy soldiers to gather military information. Red Cross's strategic advisor on international law, Helen Durham, says the figures show there are still some strides to be made in improving understanding of the Geneva Conventions among Australians. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-15T05_32_09-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-15T05_32_09-07_00 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:29:22 GMT 2009-08-15 2009-08-15 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 367 no This week marks the 60th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the universal body of laws governing war conduct. A new poll by the Australian Red Cross has found not only do a significant proportion of Australians - 35 percent - doubt the effectiveness of the Geneva Conventions, but over 40 percent are OK with the torture of captured enemy soldiers to gather military information. Red Cross's strategic advisor on international law, Helen Durham, says the figures show there are still some strides to be made in improving understanding of the Geneva Conventions among Australians. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan reports. The consumer advocacy organisation Choice has accused the Federal Government of stalling on action to make our groceries cheaper. A 2008 Competition & Consumer Commission inquiry found that supermarket prices are artificially high. It suggested that competition and planning laws could be reformed to break the duopoly of Woolworths and Coles and allow smaller supermarkets to get a look in. In particular, the availability of “restrictive covenants” or lease deals between supermarkets and shopping centres is reducing competition. One year on the Rudd government still hasn’t acted on the ACCC report. Choice says it’s time the government released an official timeline for reforming the grocery sector. 2SER’s Ann Deslandes spoke with Christopher Zinn from Choice. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-15T00_06_54-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-15T00_06_54-07_00 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:04:26 GMT 2009-08-15 2009-08-15 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 338 no The consumer advocacy organisation Choice has accused the Federal Government of stalling on action to make our groceries cheaper. A 2008 Competition & Consumer Commission inquiry found that supermarket prices are artificially high. It suggested that competition and planning laws could be reformed to break the duopoly of Woolworths and Coles and allow smaller supermarkets to get a look in. In particular, the availability of “restrictive covenants” or lease deals between supermarkets and shopping centres is reducing competition. One year on the Rudd government still hasn’t acted on the ACCC report. Choice says it’s time the government released an official timeline for reforming the grocery sector. 2SER’s Ann Deslandes spoke with Christopher Zinn from Choice. A decision by the University of Tasmania, to withdraw its offer to award the Dalai Lama an honourary doctorate, has come under fire this week. The decision follows a meeting between the University and Chinese government officials. The University denies any linkage between the meeting and the decision. But, this has not satisfied Tibetan groups who argue China is increasing active in exerting its political power within Australia’s cultural, academic and political life. 2SER’s Nic Christensen reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-14T23_49_20-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-14T23_49_20-07_00 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 06:46:25 GMT 2009-08-15 2009-08-15 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 314 no A decision by the University of Tasmania, to withdraw its offer to award the Dalai Lama an honourary doctorate, has come under fire this week. The decision follows a meeting between the University and Chinese government officials. The University denies any linkage between the meeting and the decision. But, this has not satisfied Tibetan groups who argue China is increasing active in exerting its political power within Australia’s cultural, academic and political life. 2SER’s Nic Christensen reports. In an emergency, a triple 0 call can save your life. But some Australians are misusing the service, calling up for taxis and even to order pizza. Last week South Australian Police and Emergency Services Minister, Michael Wright, finally had enough. He issued an urgent public plea for pranksters to leave lines open for real emergencies. More nuisance triple 0 calls are now being made than ever before. This increase has been blamed for the death of teenage bushwalker, David Iredale, who made five triple 0 calls after he became lost in the Blue Mountains . Operators treated them as a hoax, and he died shortly after his last call. Emergency services are blaming widespread mobile phone use for the increase in nuisance triple 0 calls. 2SER's Britta Jorgensen reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-14T08_15_01-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-14T08_15_01-07_00 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:12:50 GMT 2009-08-14 2009-08-14 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 192 no In an emergency, a triple 0 call can save your life. But some Australians are misusing the service, calling up for taxis and even to order pizza. Last week South Australian Police and Emergency Services Minister, Michael Wright, finally had enough. He issued an urgent public plea for pranksters to leave lines open for real emergencies. More nuisance triple 0 calls are now being made than ever before. This increase has been blamed for the death of teenage bushwalker, David Iredale, who made five triple 0 calls after he became lost in the Blue Mountains . Operators treated them as a hoax, and he died shortly after his last call. Emergency services are blaming widespread mobile phone use for the increase in nuisance triple 0 calls. 2SER's Britta Jorgensen reports. East Timor’s President Jose Ramos Horta has urged the Australian Government to review its policy on aid to East Timor. He claims that three billion dollars in recent western aid, quote, “never made it to the people”. Mr Horta says most of the funds were swallowed up by consultants, study missions, reports and recommendations. He even claims that poverty levels in Timor are on the rise despite billions in aid. Dr Tim Anderson from the aid monitoring group AID/WATCH spoke with 2ser's Ann Deslandes about the uses and abuses of Australian aid money in East Timor and the region. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-05T06_22_16-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-05T06_22_16-07_00 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:19:34 GMT 2009-08-10 2009-08-05 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 383 no East Timor’s President Jose Ramos Horta has urged the Australian Government to review its policy on aid to East Timor. He claims that three billion dollars in recent western aid, quote, “never made it to the people”. Mr Horta says most of the funds were swallowed up by consultants, study missions, reports and recommendations. He even claims that poverty levels in Timor are on the rise despite billions in aid. Dr Tim Anderson from the aid monitoring group AID/WATCH spoke with 2ser's Ann Deslandes about the uses and abuses of Australian aid money in East Timor and the region. A group of refugees who were forced into exile over twenty years ago, are again being threatened by powerful political forces. Around three and a half thousand pro-democratic Iranians have lived sixty kilometers north-east of Baghdad, in a small province called Ashraf City since the 1980s. The group is called the Peoples Mujahedin Organisation of Iran, or the P-M-O-I. The people of Ashraf have been protected by the U.S military since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, living normal and peaceful lives. But when the U.S military formally handed control of the City back to the Iraqi government in January this year, the fate of the PMOI suddenly went up in flames. Just last month, 15 PMOI members were reportedly killed by Iraqi forces with hundreds more injured and unaccounted for. 2SER's Rosie Lewis spoke with Stephen Pitt-Walker, a former Australian military officer and human rights advocate. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-07T01_24_53-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-07T01_24_53-07_00 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:19:41 GMT 2009-08-10 2009-08-07 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser iran 280 no A group of refugees who were forced into exile over twenty years ago, are again being threatened by powerful political forces. Around three and a half thousand pro-democratic Iranians have lived sixty kilometers north-east of Baghdad, in a small province called Ashraf City since the 1980s. The group is called the Peoples Mujahedin Organisation of Iran, or the P-M-O-I. The people of Ashraf have been protected by the U.S military since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, living normal and peaceful lives. But when the U.S military formally handed control of the City back to the Iraqi government in January this year, the fate of the PMOI suddenly went up in flames. Just last month, 15 PMOI members were reportedly killed by Iraqi forces with hundreds more injured and unaccounted for. 2SER's Rosie Lewis spoke with Stephen Pitt-Walker, a former Australian military officer and human rights advocate. Children tend to be a touchy subject at the best of times, and the topic of mental and behavioural disorders in children is one that definitely gets people’s hackles up. So it’s no surprise that a new study from Macquarie University’s Children and Families Research Centre has a lot of people on edge. The centre studied placement and enrolment trends for NSW students with a disability from 1997 to 2007. The study found that the proportion of schoolchildren diagnosed with a disability has more than doubled over the past decade - up from about 2.7% to 6.7%. Study author Dr Linda Graham says that rise could be driven by policies that give schools extra funds to support students with disabilities. Dr Graham spoke to 2SER’s Sophie Tarr. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-08T21_50_06-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-08T21_50_06-07_00 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 04:43:53 GMT 2009-08-10 2009-08-09 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 315 no Children tend to be a touchy subject at the best of times, and the topic of mental and behavioural disorders in children is one that definitely gets people’s hackles up. So it’s no surprise that a new study from Macquarie University’s Children and Families Research Centre has a lot of people on edge. The centre studied placement and enrolment trends for NSW students with a disability from 1997 to 2007. The study found that the proportion of schoolchildren diagnosed with a disability has more than doubled over the past decade - up from about 2.7% to 6.7%. Study author Dr Linda Graham says that rise could be driven by policies that give schools extra funds to support students with disabilities. Dr Graham spoke to 2SER’s Sophie Tarr. Debate over the scientific evidence on alternative medicine hit Australian shores this week when Australian science magazine COSMOS republished an article that sparked a libel case in the UK. The act was done as part of an international campaign to keep libel laws out of science. British Chiropractic Association, or BCA, brought the libel case against chiropractic skeptic Simon Singh over an article he wrote for the Guardian last year. The article was critical of the BCA’s claim that spinal manipulation can effectively treat children with colic and asthma. Legal scholars and scientific journalists in Australia have watched the unfolding developments of the Singh case over the past year with interest, with some concerned the case could lead Australian writers to self-censor or even become victims of a libel suit brought under UK laws. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-08T06_53_52-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-08T06_53_52-07_00 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 13:38:37 GMT 2009-08-10 2009-08-08 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 365 no Debate over the scientific evidence on alternative medicine hit Australian shores this week when Australian science magazine COSMOS republished an article that sparked a libel case in the UK. The act was done as part of an international campaign to keep libel laws out of science. British Chiropractic Association, or BCA, brought the libel case against chiropractic skeptic Simon Singh over an article he wrote for the Guardian last year. The article was critical of the BCA’s claim that spinal manipulation can effectively treat children with colic and asthma. Legal scholars and scientific journalists in Australia have watched the unfolding developments of the Singh case over the past year with interest, with some concerned the case could lead Australian writers to self-censor or even become victims of a libel suit brought under UK laws. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan reports. The International Energy Agency has issued a warning this week that global oil production will peak in about 10 years time. The chief economist at the IEA, Faith Birol, says that without an adequate government response - oil shortages could precipitate a worldwide economic and industrial collapse. Most of the world’s biggest oil fields have already peaked and the rate of decline in oil production is now running at nearly twice the pace as calculated two years ago. Domestically, figures show that Australia's crude production has fallen by about 25% per cent in the past five years. Some analysts are saying that the state and federal governments are completely unprepared for peak oil. Bruce Robinson from the Australian Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas spoke with 2SER’s Alex Angel. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-08T05_53_37-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-08T05_53_37-07_00 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:51:08 GMT 2009-08-10 2009-08-08 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 304 no The International Energy Agency has issued a warning this week that global oil production will peak in about 10 years time. The chief economist at the IEA, Faith Birol, says that without an adequate government response - oil shortages could precipitate a worldwide economic and industrial collapse. Most of the world’s biggest oil fields have already peaked and the rate of decline in oil production is now running at nearly twice the pace as calculated two years ago. Domestically, figures show that Australia's crude production has fallen by about 25% per cent in the past five years. Some analysts are saying that the state and federal governments are completely unprepared for peak oil. Bruce Robinson from the Australian Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas spoke with 2SER’s Alex Angel. North Korea has long been a thorn in the side of the US, especially when it comes to the development of nuclear weapons. Most recently, the secretive regime sentenced two American journalists to 12 years hard labour for allegedly entering their territory illegally. But in a move that surprised many observers, former US President Bill Clinton visited North Korea this week and secured their release. After talks with Kim Jong Il, Clinton took the two reporters on a flight back to the US on Thursday. So what’s behind this new spirit of cooperation and what implications does it have for North Korea's nuclear program? 2SER’s Ashley Felderhof spoke to Professor Richard Tanter, a regional security expert at RMIT University in Melbourne. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-08T05_49_00-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-08T05_49_00-07_00 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:44:50 GMT 2009-08-10 2009-08-08 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 357 no North Korea has long been a thorn in the side of the US, especially when it comes to the development of nuclear weapons. Most recently, the secretive regime sentenced two American journalists to 12 years hard labour for allegedly entering their territory illegally. But in a move that surprised many observers, former US President Bill Clinton visited North Korea this week and secured their release. After talks with Kim Jong Il, Clinton took the two reporters on a flight back to the US on Thursday. So what’s behind this new spirit of cooperation and what implications does it have for North Korea's nuclear program? 2SER’s Ashley Felderhof spoke to Professor Richard Tanter, a regional security expert at RMIT University in Melbourne. Today Missing Persons Week wraps up for another year, after seven days of campaigning by state and federal police to promote missing persons cases. Every year in New South Wales almost 11,000 people are reported missing and almost 10% of those have a dementia-related illness. That was the focus for this year’s campaign, but it’s not usually the case. As our population ages, there are more dementia-related missing persons cases than ever. But they’re also among the most under-reported in Australia’s media. 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-07T01_34_25-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-07T01_34_25-07_00 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:32:46 GMT 2009-08-10 2009-08-07 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 220 no Today Missing Persons Week wraps up for another year, after seven days of campaigning by state and federal police to promote missing persons cases. Every year in New South Wales almost 11,000 people are reported missing and almost 10% of those have a dementia-related illness. That was the focus for this year’s campaign, but it’s not usually the case. As our population ages, there are more dementia-related missing persons cases than ever. But they’re also among the most under-reported in Australia’s media. 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen reports. 500 foreign students are in limbo this week with the collapse of Sterling College in Sydney. After two days of silence from the college and government officials, peak body Australian Council for Private Education and Training, held a meeting to outline their proposal to transfer students to alternative colleges within 28 days. However, some students are concerned about the feasibility of the plan following reports that the international student industry’s insurance fund is ‘uninsurable’. Visa extensions, moving interstate and paying an extra fee for enrolment at another college are other alternatives that have some students worried. 2SER’s Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-02T20_50_10-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-02T20_50_10-07_00 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:48:55 GMT 2009-08-03 2009-08-03 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 401 no 500 foreign students are in limbo this week with the collapse of Sterling College in Sydney. After two days of silence from the college and government officials, peak body Australian Council for Private Education and Training, held a meeting to outline their proposal to transfer students to alternative colleges within 28 days. However, some students are concerned about the feasibility of the plan following reports that the international student industry’s insurance fund is ‘uninsurable’. Visa extensions, moving interstate and paying an extra fee for enrolment at another college are other alternatives that have some students worried. 2SER’s Biwa Kwan reports. Labor party delegates and leaders are battling it out for the third day in a row today, as the ALP’s national conference in Darling Harbour draws to a close. Today also marks the last chance for discussion of one of the most divisive issues on the agenda: same-sex marriage. The conference will be the last of its kind before the next federal election, and will be critical in shaping Labor's future policy agenda. For gay rights activists, it’s a crucial chance to push for legal recognition of same-sex marriages on a national legislative level, but some evangelical Christian groups far from happy with the renewed push. Sophie Tarr reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-02T20_41_10-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-02T20_41_10-07_00 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:39:17 GMT 2009-08-03 2009-08-03 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 310 no Labor party delegates and leaders are battling it out for the third day in a row today, as the ALP’s national conference in Darling Harbour draws to a close. Today also marks the last chance for discussion of one of the most divisive issues on the agenda: same-sex marriage. The conference will be the last of its kind before the next federal election, and will be critical in shaping Labor's future policy agenda. For gay rights activists, it’s a crucial chance to push for legal recognition of same-sex marriages on a national legislative level, but some evangelical Christian groups far from happy with the renewed push. Sophie Tarr reports. Should 16 year-olds be given the vote? That's the question the federal government is considering in an upcoming electoral paper. Some groups and academics have welcomed the move as a means of engaging young people in the political process, while others have criticised the proposal as politically motivated. 2SER’s Nic Christensen reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-01T00_49_52-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-01T00_49_52-07_00 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:47:20 GMT 2009-08-02 2009-08-01 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 378 no Should 16 year-olds be given the vote? That's the question the federal government is considering in an upcoming electoral paper. Some groups and academics have welcomed the move as a means of engaging young people in the political process, while others have criticised the proposal as politically motivated. 2SER’s Nic Christensen reports. For some of us, age discrimination in the workplace is a thing of the past. But according to a new report our older citizens are still significantly disadvantaged. The study entitled "Experience Works" found unlawful age discrimination is still a critical problem faced by mature workers. And the economic crisis is forcing many employees to keep working for much longer. The Commissioner for Age Discrimination, Elizabeth Broderick, is calling on the Australian Government to recognise that age discrimination is a serious barrier to mature age employment. She spoke with 2SER’s, Nastasia Campanella. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-01T05_02_26-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-01T05_02_26-07_00 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:00:47 GMT 2009-08-02 2009-08-01 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 211 no For some of us, age discrimination in the workplace is a thing of the past. But according to a new report our older citizens are still significantly disadvantaged. The study entitled "Experience Works" found unlawful age discrimination is still a critical problem faced by mature workers. And the economic crisis is forcing many employees to keep working for much longer. The Commissioner for Age Discrimination, Elizabeth Broderick, is calling on the Australian Government to recognise that age discrimination is a serious barrier to mature age employment. She spoke with 2SER’s, Nastasia Campanella. Climate change activists have taken court action against the country’s biggest coal fired power station, in the first legal challenge of its kind in Australia. Peter Gray and Naomi Hodgson from the Newcastle-based group, Rising Tide, lodged the case with the New South Wales Land and Environment court on Monday. They’re seeking the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions from Bayswater power station in Muswellbrook, by trying to prove that CO2 is a pollutant. Bayswater is one of the single largest producers of greenhouse gases in the state. But Macquarie Generation, who owns the power station, appears to be trying to ignore the legal action against them. Peter Gray said they refused to accept the court summons he served to them on Tuesday. He spoke with 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-01T00_29_39-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-01T00_29_39-07_00 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:26:53 GMT 2009-08-01 2009-08-01 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 255 no Climate change activists have taken court action against the country’s biggest coal fired power station, in the first legal challenge of its kind in Australia. Peter Gray and Naomi Hodgson from the Newcastle-based group, Rising Tide, lodged the case with the New South Wales Land and Environment court on Monday. They’re seeking the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions from Bayswater power station in Muswellbrook, by trying to prove that CO2 is a pollutant. Bayswater is one of the single largest producers of greenhouse gases in the state. But Macquarie Generation, who owns the power station, appears to be trying to ignore the legal action against them. Peter Gray said they refused to accept the court summons he served to them on Tuesday. He spoke with 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen. Recording artist LEONARD COHEN is at the centre of heated dispute about whether International acts should perform in ISRAEL. The Canadian singer had planned to do a concert for a Palestinian audience in the West Bank and a second concert for Israelis in Tel Aviv in September. But the plan is now in tatters with some pro-Palestinian groups condemning Cohen for agreeing to perform in Israel at all. These groups have been pushing for all international artists to boycott Israel because of on-going human rights abuses against Palestinians. Israel is currently the subject of a UN inquiry into allegations of war crimes in Gaza. 2SER's Cale Bain spoke with Michael Shaik from "Australians for Palestine". http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-25T01_11_40-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-25T01_11_40-07_00 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 08:08:33 GMT 2009-07-26 2009-07-25 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 375 no Recording artist LEONARD COHEN is at the centre of heated dispute about whether International acts should perform in ISRAEL. The Canadian singer had planned to do a concert for a Palestinian audience in the West Bank and a second concert for Israelis in Tel Aviv in September. But the plan is now in tatters with some pro-Palestinian groups condemning Cohen for agreeing to perform in Israel at all. These groups have been pushing for all international artists to boycott Israel because of on-going human rights abuses against Palestinians. Israel is currently the subject of a UN inquiry into allegations of war crimes in Gaza. 2SER's Cale Bain spoke with Michael Shaik from "Australians for Palestine". The RSPCA and the Greens are outraged at a proposed bill that would allow hunting in national parks in New South Wales. In June, the Shooters’ Party introduced a bill that would also allow game hunting parks to operate, and make it an offence to interfere with hunters hunting on public land. The issue has become political, with suggestions that the Laobr party may approve parts of the bill to ensure the Shooters’ Party’s support in the upper house for unpopular legislation such as the sale of NSW lotteries. 2SER’s Kalvin Ng reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-26T05_34_20-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-26T05_34_20-07_00 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:32:04 GMT 2009-07-27 2009-07-26 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 307 no The RSPCA and the Greens are outraged at a proposed bill that would allow hunting in national parks in New South Wales. In June, the Shooters’ Party introduced a bill that would also allow game hunting parks to operate, and make it an offence to interfere with hunters hunting on public land. The issue has become political, with suggestions that the Laobr party may approve parts of the bill to ensure the Shooters’ Party’s support in the upper house for unpopular legislation such as the sale of NSW lotteries. 2SER’s Kalvin Ng reports. A national doctors’ union is calling on the federal and state governments to increase funding for hospital beds, claiming wards are packed to capacity and emergency rooms are clogged. The Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation says there are now 38 percent fewer beds than in 1981, when there were 6.4 beds available for every thousand people. This number has fallen to just 4. NSW branch president Tony Sara expects the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission to address this problem in its final report, to be released next week. But he isn’t hopeful that the government will hand over any money for the extra beds needed. He spoke with 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-25T05_51_47-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-25T05_51_47-07_00 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:49:33 GMT 2009-07-26 2009-07-25 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 309 no A national doctors’ union is calling on the federal and state governments to increase funding for hospital beds, claiming wards are packed to capacity and emergency rooms are clogged. The Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation says there are now 38 percent fewer beds than in 1981, when there were 6.4 beds available for every thousand people. This number has fallen to just 4. NSW branch president Tony Sara expects the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission to address this problem in its final report, to be released next week. But he isn’t hopeful that the government will hand over any money for the extra beds needed. He spoke with 2SER’s Britta Jorgensen. A new report reveals Australia’s population will reach 22 million by the end of this year, 40 years earlier than was forecast a decade ago. Author of the report, social demographer Mark McCrindle, says the annual growth rate of 1.9 percent is an unprecedented expansion, the likes of which has not been seen since the 1950s. He says the flow-on effects of this rapid growth could help drive an economic recovery. But Mark O’Connor, author of the recently published book Overloading Australia, says government policy has long ignored the role of population growth in exacerbating climate change and food and water shortages. Former Australian of the Year, scientist Tim Flannery recently issued a warning, saying Australia’s natural resources are currently being overstrained by the nation’s population. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-25T05_40_25-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-25T05_40_25-07_00 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:37:08 GMT 2009-07-26 2009-07-25 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 364 no A new report reveals Australia’s population will reach 22 million by the end of this year, 40 years earlier than was forecast a decade ago. Author of the report, social demographer Mark McCrindle, says the annual growth rate of 1.9 percent is an unprecedented expansion, the likes of which has not been seen since the 1950s. He says the flow-on effects of this rapid growth could help drive an economic recovery. But Mark O’Connor, author of the recently published book Overloading Australia, says government policy has long ignored the role of population growth in exacerbating climate change and food and water shortages. Former Australian of the Year, scientist Tim Flannery recently issued a warning, saying Australia’s natural resources are currently being overstrained by the nation’s population. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan reports. Have you ever considered whether your drinking water contains the chemical fluoride? If you live in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane, chances are it does. But a decision made by Australia’s food safety authority this month will allow the voluntary addition of fluoride to bottled water. Beverage companies have been pushing for fluoridated bottled water since 2006, and say this decision is about giving customers more choice. But anti-fluoride groups say this is a dangerous move because they claim the effects of fluoride in drinking water can be “disastrous”. 2SER's Rosie Lewis reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-22T00_33_11-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-22T00_33_11-07_00 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:31:21 GMT 2009-07-22 2009-07-22 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser &,fluoride,news,politics 298 no Have you ever considered whether your drinking water contains the chemical fluoride? If you live in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane, chances are it does. But a decision made by Australia’s food safety authority this month will allow the voluntary addition of fluoride to bottled water. Beverage companies have been pushing for fluoridated bottled water since 2006, and say this decision is about giving customers more choice. But anti-fluoride groups say this is a dangerous move because they claim the effects of fluoride in drinking water can be “disastrous”. 2SER's Rosie Lewis reports. The Building industry union, the CFMEU, has placed a Green Ban on a controversial government project in Pyrmont, citing heritage concerns. A row of terrace houses at Union Square were slated to be torn down as part of the Sydney Metro project, a $5 billion dollar effort to create a new rail system throughout parts of the city and the inner west. Many members of the community including the local Federal Member of Parliament, lord mayor Clover Moore, and even shock jock Alan Jones have spoken against the destruction of the terraces. Lawrence Gibbons is the president of the Pymont Chamber of Commerce and an outspoken advocate against tearing down the terraces. He spoke with 2SER’s Cale Bain. More info: http://www.saveunionsquare.com/ http://www.sydneymetro.nsw.gov.au/ http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-18T00_34_36-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-18T00_34_36-07_00 Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:32:15 GMT 2009-07-19 2009-07-18 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 287 no The Building industry union, the CFMEU, has placed a Green Ban on a controversial government project in Pyrmont, citing heritage concerns. A row of terrace houses at Union Square were slated to be torn down as part of the Sydney Metro project, a $5 billion dollar effort to create a new rail system throughout parts of the city and the inner west. Many members of the community including the local Federal Member of Parliament, lord mayor Clover Moore, and even shock jock Alan Jones have spoken against the destruction of the terraces. Lawrence Gibbons is the president of the Pymont Chamber of Commerce and an outspoken advocate against tearing down the terraces. He spoke with 2SER’s Cale Bain. More info: http://www.saveunionsquare.com/ http://www.sydneymetro.nsw.gov.au/ A new uranium mine in South Australia has been given the go ahead this week by the Environment minister Peter Garret. This decision ends decades of ALP opposition to uranium mining and could herald the widespread expansion of the industry in Australia. Despite the support of two independent reviews of the new Four Mile mine proposal, critics say the mines leaching process could inflict great damage to the environment. The Greens party are calling it a ‘deeply disappointing betrayal' of South Australia’s environment which will leave a toxic legacy for generations. South Australian Greens MP Mark Parnell spoke with 2SER’s Alex Angel. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-18T00_41_57-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-18T00_41_57-07_00 Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:39:23 GMT 2009-07-19 2009-07-18 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser nuclear,uranium 302 no A new uranium mine in South Australia has been given the go ahead this week by the Environment minister Peter Garret. This decision ends decades of ALP opposition to uranium mining and could herald the widespread expansion of the industry in Australia. Despite the support of two independent reviews of the new Four Mile mine proposal, critics say the mines leaching process could inflict great damage to the environment. The Greens party are calling it a ‘deeply disappointing betrayal' of South Australia’s environment which will leave a toxic legacy for generations. South Australian Greens MP Mark Parnell spoke with 2SER’s Alex Angel. International groups are criticizing the decision of the Papua New Guinea government to consider extending existing laws on the death penalty. The decision comes in the wake of a series of violent attacks especially the murder of four young children by their mother in the Western Highlands of PNG. The case has shocked the PNG community and led Attorney General Dr Alan Marat to ask his department to revise and update existing regulations on the death penalty. The decision has angered human rights groups who are calling on the government to abolish, rather than extend the death penalty. 2SER’s Nic Christensen spoke with Andrew Beswick from Amnesty International. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-18T08_10_07-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-18T08_10_07-07_00 Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:07:48 GMT 2009-07-19 2009-07-18 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser death,penalty,png 245 no International groups are criticizing the decision of the Papua New Guinea government to consider extending existing laws on the death penalty. The decision comes in the wake of a series of violent attacks especially the murder of four young children by their mother in the Western Highlands of PNG. The case has shocked the PNG community and led Attorney General Dr Alan Marat to ask his department to revise and update existing regulations on the death penalty. The decision has angered human rights groups who are calling on the government to abolish, rather than extend the death penalty. 2SER’s Nic Christensen spoke with Andrew Beswick from Amnesty International. 70,000 teachers backed a resolution this week to ban conducting national literacy and numeracy tests next year if the media publish school league tables based on this year’s test scores. The move follows a push from the Coalition and Greens in state’s upper house to prevent media from publishing league tables with fines of up to $55,000. Teachers’ unions argue league tables lead to a process of ‘naming and shaming’. They argue that in the US and UK, league tables have led schools to become too tests-driven to the point where students are prevented from sitting national literacy and numeracy tests if they might bring down a school’s rankings. However, former teacher and education expert Kevin Donnelly believes school league tables are a crucial indicator in exposing underperforming schools and making them accountable. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-18T23_47_29-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-18T23_47_29-07_00 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 06:43:17 GMT 2009-07-19 2009-07-19 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 382 no 70,000 teachers backed a resolution this week to ban conducting national literacy and numeracy tests next year if the media publish school league tables based on this year’s test scores. The move follows a push from the Coalition and Greens in state’s upper house to prevent media from publishing league tables with fines of up to $55,000. Teachers’ unions argue league tables lead to a process of ‘naming and shaming’. They argue that in the US and UK, league tables have led schools to become too tests-driven to the point where students are prevented from sitting national literacy and numeracy tests if they might bring down a school’s rankings. However, former teacher and education expert Kevin Donnelly believes school league tables are a crucial indicator in exposing underperforming schools and making them accountable. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan reports. The decision by the Fair Pay Commission to freeze the wages of low income earners has caused havoc in Federal politics this week. The Rudd Government and unions slammed the decision, describing it as a “kick in the guts” for working Australians. The freeze will affect 1.3 million workers and is set to remain unchanged for at least six months. The commission rejected calls for a rise of $21 per week, leaving the minimum wage at just $540 a week, before tax. 2SER’s Rosie Lewis reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T00_49_01-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T00_49_01-07_00 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:45:43 GMT 2009-07-12 2009-07-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 365 no The decision by the Fair Pay Commission to freeze the wages of low income earners has caused havoc in Federal politics this week. The Rudd Government and unions slammed the decision, describing it as a “kick in the guts” for working Australians. The freeze will affect 1.3 million workers and is set to remain unchanged for at least six months. The commission rejected calls for a rise of $21 per week, leaving the minimum wage at just $540 a week, before tax. 2SER’s Rosie Lewis reports. More than 26,000 people trying to claim their $900 stimulus payment, have been caught out by federal authorities, because they had failed to pay child support. In order to get Kevin Rudd’s bonus payment you must lodge all outstanding tax returns, but in doing so many have now been given huge bills for outstanding child payments. The 26 thousand caught so far owe a staggering 32 million dollars and the government’s Child Support agency estimates that overall, nearly 900 million is owed. The Sole Parents Union says despite this recent success, the Child support agency should take a much tougher line, with parents who refuse to pay for their childs upbringing. Union president Kathleen Swinbourne spoke with 2SER’s Alex Angel. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T00_54_03-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T00_54_03-07_00 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:51:58 GMT 2009-07-12 2009-07-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 264 no More than 26,000 people trying to claim their $900 stimulus payment, have been caught out by federal authorities, because they had failed to pay child support. In order to get Kevin Rudd’s bonus payment you must lodge all outstanding tax returns, but in doing so many have now been given huge bills for outstanding child payments. The 26 thousand caught so far owe a staggering 32 million dollars and the government’s Child Support agency estimates that overall, nearly 900 million is owed. The Sole Parents Union says despite this recent success, the Child support agency should take a much tougher line, with parents who refuse to pay for their childs upbringing. Union president Kathleen Swinbourne spoke with 2SER’s Alex Angel. Six months after Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza some commentators now say it was a textbook case of what states can get away with under international law. More than fourteen-hundred Palestinians died in the three-week conflict and about one and a half million Palestinians are now attempting to pick up the pieces and rebuild. Amnesty International recently accused both Israel and Hamas of committing war crimes during the 22-day war. There is also evidence of Gazans being abused at checkpoints and of the Israeli Defence Forces shooting at Red Cross and Palestinian medical workers. Under international law, civilians must always be shielded from attacks. But the International Committee of the Red Cross says in this case neither side is likely to be punished because they do not recognise the jurisdiction of the international criminal court. 2SER’S Alex McDonald reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T09_02_09-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T09_02_09-07_00 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:58:22 GMT 2009-07-12 2009-07-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 313 no Six months after Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza some commentators now say it was a textbook case of what states can get away with under international law. More than fourteen-hundred Palestinians died in the three-week conflict and about one and a half million Palestinians are now attempting to pick up the pieces and rebuild. Amnesty International recently accused both Israel and Hamas of committing war crimes during the 22-day war. There is also evidence of Gazans being abused at checkpoints and of the Israeli Defence Forces shooting at Red Cross and Palestinian medical workers. Under international law, civilians must always be shielded from attacks. But the International Committee of the Red Cross says in this case neither side is likely to be punished because they do not recognise the jurisdiction of the international criminal court. 2SER’S Alex McDonald reports. A green lobby group claims the packaging industry is threatening to cut funding to environment groups, if they support national container deposit laws. The Greens are pushing for a national container deposit scheme where consumers will get a 10 cent refund on drink bottles and cans if they recycle them. But groups such as the Australian Food and Grocery Council say the scheme is too expensive and unworkable. The Total Environment Centre says the packaging industry has threatened the Queensland branch of the “Keep Australia Beautiful Council” if they support such a scheme. The Australian Food and Grocery Council have denied the claim. 2SER’s Kalvin Ng spoke with the director of Total Environment Centre, Jeff Angel. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T23_14_31-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T23_14_31-07_00 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:12:21 GMT 2009-07-12 2009-07-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 301 no A green lobby group claims the packaging industry is threatening to cut funding to environment groups, if they support national container deposit laws. The Greens are pushing for a national container deposit scheme where consumers will get a 10 cent refund on drink bottles and cans if they recycle them. But groups such as the Australian Food and Grocery Council say the scheme is too expensive and unworkable. The Total Environment Centre says the packaging industry has threatened the Queensland branch of the “Keep Australia Beautiful Council” if they support such a scheme. The Australian Food and Grocery Council have denied the claim. 2SER’s Kalvin Ng spoke with the director of Total Environment Centre, Jeff Angel. Pro-euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke has revived the debate on voluntary euthanasia with contentious comments at a conference in Perth this week. Dr Nitschke, the director of Exit International, says people who fear getting old, not only the terminally ill, should have the right to choose voluntary euthanasia. Some other pro-euthanasia groups have rejected his stance as too extreme. Anti-euthanasia campaigners are concerned the comments could signal the beginning of a slippery slope where anyone and everyone has the right to voluntary euthanasia. 2ser's Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T23_09_57-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T23_09_57-07_00 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:07:29 GMT 2009-07-12 2009-07-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 341 no Pro-euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke has revived the debate on voluntary euthanasia with contentious comments at a conference in Perth this week. Dr Nitschke, the director of Exit International, says people who fear getting old, not only the terminally ill, should have the right to choose voluntary euthanasia. Some other pro-euthanasia groups have rejected his stance as too extreme. Anti-euthanasia campaigners are concerned the comments could signal the beginning of a slippery slope where anyone and everyone has the right to voluntary euthanasia. 2ser's Biwa Kwan reports. The North Korean regime seems to have engaged in a dangerous game of brinkmanship over nuclear weapons development, having conducted several missile tests last month, and a nuclear test at the end of May. In apparent retaliation, US Senators have introduced a bill to impose new economic sanctions on North Korea. At the same time President Obama has launched a new initiative to try to drastically reduce the worlds nuclear weapons stockpiles. Tilman Ruff from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, says this is a positive move and is calling for more debate on international arms control. 2ser’s Ashley Felderhof asked Professor Ruff about the current status of North Korea's nuclear programme. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-12T07_10_00-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-12T07_10_00-07_00 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:07:55 GMT 2009-07-12 2009-07-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 270 no The North Korean regime seems to have engaged in a dangerous game of brinkmanship over nuclear weapons development, having conducted several missile tests last month, and a nuclear test at the end of May. In apparent retaliation, US Senators have introduced a bill to impose new economic sanctions on North Korea. At the same time President Obama has launched a new initiative to try to drastically reduce the worlds nuclear weapons stockpiles. Tilman Ruff from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, says this is a positive move and is calling for more debate on international arms control. 2ser’s Ashley Felderhof asked Professor Ruff about the current status of North Korea's nuclear programme. A Parliamentary Inquiry has recommended that New South Wales law be changed to allow same-sex couples to adopt children. Under existing laws individual lesbians and gay men are allowed to adopt, but parental rights are not extended to both partners in a relationship. While gay rights activists have welcomed the proposals, conservative groups have criticised the changes arguing that it violates the human rights of children. The report also contained important exemptions designed to ensure faith-based groups did not withdraw from the adoption system. 2SER’s Nic Christensen spoke to Emily Grey from the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T04_22_39-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-11T04_22_39-07_00 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:19:32 GMT 2009-07-12 2009-07-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 276 no A Parliamentary Inquiry has recommended that New South Wales law be changed to allow same-sex couples to adopt children. Under existing laws individual lesbians and gay men are allowed to adopt, but parental rights are not extended to both partners in a relationship. While gay rights activists have welcomed the proposals, conservative groups have criticised the changes arguing that it violates the human rights of children. The report also contained important exemptions designed to ensure faith-based groups did not withdraw from the adoption system. 2SER’s Nic Christensen spoke to Emily Grey from the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby. The Dalai Lama’s seventy-fourth birthday is tomorrow, the 5th of July. In Australia, the local Tibetan community will gather to celebrate the birth date of their spiritual leader. Meanwhile, in the Indian town of Dharamsala, the heart of the exiled Tibetan community and home of the Dalai Lama, an Australian delegation of MPs are spending their second last day of a six-day-visit participating in a public celebration of His Holiness’ birthday. The delegation consists of Labor MPs Michael Danby and Melissa Parke, Liberal MP Peter Slipper, Australian Greens Senators Scott Ludlam and Sarah Hanson-Young and Independent Senator Nick Xenophon. It is the first time an Australian parliamentary delegation has been sent over to visit the spiritual leader. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan spoke with Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T00_54_47-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T00_54_47-07_00 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:51:08 GMT 2009-07-05 2009-07-04 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser tibet 284 no The Dalai Lama’s seventy-fourth birthday is tomorrow, the 5th of July. In Australia, the local Tibetan community will gather to celebrate the birth date of their spiritual leader. Meanwhile, in the Indian town of Dharamsala, the heart of the exiled Tibetan community and home of the Dalai Lama, an Australian delegation of MPs are spending their second last day of a six-day-visit participating in a public celebration of His Holiness’ birthday. The delegation consists of Labor MPs Michael Danby and Melissa Parke, Liberal MP Peter Slipper, Australian Greens Senators Scott Ludlam and Sarah Hanson-Young and Independent Senator Nick Xenophon. It is the first time an Australian parliamentary delegation has been sent over to visit the spiritual leader. 2ser’s Biwa Kwan spoke with Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young. Several speakers invited to this month's UNESCO-backed youth festival in Fiji, have been banned by the ruling military government. The Pacific Youth Festival is the latest casualty of Frank Bainimarama's crackdown on freedom of speech. Speakers for the Society of Accountants were also banned recently, while a Methodist Church Congress was cancelled altogether. Pacific Youth Festival organiser Jacque Koroi says the Ministry of Information vetted the guest list and then banned some guests from addressing the conference. 2SER's Biwa Kwan reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T22_47_42-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T22_47_42-07_00 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:45:41 GMT 2009-07-05 2009-07-05 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 198 no Several speakers invited to this month's UNESCO-backed youth festival in Fiji, have been banned by the ruling military government. The Pacific Youth Festival is the latest casualty of Frank Bainimarama's crackdown on freedom of speech. Speakers for the Society of Accountants were also banned recently, while a Methodist Church Congress was cancelled altogether. Pacific Youth Festival organiser Jacque Koroi says the Ministry of Information vetted the guest list and then banned some guests from addressing the conference. 2SER's Biwa Kwan reports. The Heart Foundation is under fire again over the alleged mis-use of its red tick system which gives the seal of approval to healthy foods. One fruit snack bar for kids, Nestle’s "Fruit Fix" actually contains about 75% sugar, but received the Heat Foundations tick anyway. This has prompted a heated debate about misleading labeling and whether natural sugars from fruit are any different to ordinary white sugar. David Gillespie is the author of a new book on the effects of sugar consumption called "Sweet poison". He's attacked both Nestle and the Heart Foundation saying they are promoting unhealthy products. He spoke to 2ser’s Alex Angel. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T06_20_05-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T06_20_05-07_00 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:16:43 GMT 2009-07-05 2009-07-04 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 291 no The Heart Foundation is under fire again over the alleged mis-use of its red tick system which gives the seal of approval to healthy foods. One fruit snack bar for kids, Nestle’s "Fruit Fix" actually contains about 75% sugar, but received the Heat Foundations tick anyway. This has prompted a heated debate about misleading labeling and whether natural sugars from fruit are any different to ordinary white sugar. David Gillespie is the author of a new book on the effects of sugar consumption called "Sweet poison". He's attacked both Nestle and the Heart Foundation saying they are promoting unhealthy products. He spoke to 2ser’s Alex Angel. The US might have withdrawn its forces from Iraq this week, but it’s about to start a whole new conflict much closer to home. Starting on Sunday, and continuing for the next two weeks, thousands of American troops will be heading to Rockhampton in Central Queensland, to wage simulated war against Australian combat troops. The Australian Defence Force says it’s a necessary training exercise. However, activists are heading to Rockhampton, to protest against the war games, which they say will cause great environmental damage, and are an unnecessary expense to the taxpayer. 2SER's Julia Holman reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T22_57_28-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T22_57_28-07_00 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:54:53 GMT 2009-07-05 2009-07-05 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 295 no The US might have withdrawn its forces from Iraq this week, but it’s about to start a whole new conflict much closer to home. Starting on Sunday, and continuing for the next two weeks, thousands of American troops will be heading to Rockhampton in Central Queensland, to wage simulated war against Australian combat troops. The Australian Defence Force says it’s a necessary training exercise. However, activists are heading to Rockhampton, to protest against the war games, which they say will cause great environmental damage, and are an unnecessary expense to the taxpayer. 2SER's Julia Holman reports. Tax cuts that take effect this week will see top income earners receive around $40 more per week in their pay packets. The labor party promised the tax cuts in the lead up to the last election, after a similar plan to cut taxes was announced by the coalition. Many commentators have questioned why the government is pressing ahead with the tax cuts, despite growing budget deficits, and the impact of the global financial crisis on the federal budget. 2SER's Tim Roxburgh reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T06_52_42-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T06_52_42-07_00 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:49:55 GMT 2009-07-05 2009-07-04 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 280 no Tax cuts that take effect this week will see top income earners receive around $40 more per week in their pay packets. The labor party promised the tax cuts in the lead up to the last election, after a similar plan to cut taxes was announced by the coalition. Many commentators have questioned why the government is pressing ahead with the tax cuts, despite growing budget deficits, and the impact of the global financial crisis on the federal budget. 2SER's Tim Roxburgh reports. When was the last time you used the Yellow pages? If your copy of the big yellow business directory is still in its plastic wrapping, you’re not alone. A recent survey has found that many Australians would rather use the internet to search for products and services. And if given the choice, over half of us would choose not to receive the printed directory at all. Green groups say the publisher is being environmentally destructive by producing millions of paper directories that don’t get used. This report from 2SER's Jacinta Patterson features Ian Keirnan from CleanUp Australia. --- And if you’d rather not receive the yellow pages in print, you can opt out by calling 1800 810 211. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T06_40_24-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T06_40_24-07_00 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:37:48 GMT 2009-07-05 2009-07-04 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 294 no When was the last time you used the Yellow pages? If your copy of the big yellow business directory is still in its plastic wrapping, you’re not alone. A recent survey has found that many Australians would rather use the internet to search for products and services. And if given the choice, over half of us would choose not to receive the printed directory at all. Green groups say the publisher is being environmentally destructive by producing millions of paper directories that don’t get used. This report from 2SER's Jacinta Patterson features Ian Keirnan from CleanUp Australia. --- And if you’d rather not receive the yellow pages in print, you can opt out by calling 1800 810 211. Before writing his second book, Sydney-based author Gregor Salmon spent eight months researching war-torn Afghanistan. He visited the poppy fields of Nangarhar and opium dens in the Wakhan Corridor – were he found communities ripped apart by heroin addiction. He also gained unprecedented access to many of the tribal leaders and officials who have made their fortunes from the flourishing drug trade. The release of his book, Poppy, this month follows the US Government’s recent policy shift in Afghanistan. The Obama Administration now acknowledges the country’s impoverished farmers are more likely to turn to the Taliban for support if NATO continues to destroy their main cash crop. But Gregor Salmon, who spoke to 2SER’s Alex McDonald, is not convinced that Obama’s new approach will put a dent in this multibillion-dollar business. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T09_17_49-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T09_17_49-07_00 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:14:18 GMT 2009-07-05 2009-07-04 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 368 no Before writing his second book, Sydney-based author Gregor Salmon spent eight months researching war-torn Afghanistan. He visited the poppy fields of Nangarhar and opium dens in the Wakhan Corridor – were he found communities ripped apart by heroin addiction. He also gained unprecedented access to many of the tribal leaders and officials who have made their fortunes from the flourishing drug trade. The release of his book, Poppy, this month follows the US Government’s recent policy shift in Afghanistan. The Obama Administration now acknowledges the country’s impoverished farmers are more likely to turn to the Taliban for support if NATO continues to destroy their main cash crop. But Gregor Salmon, who spoke to 2SER’s Alex McDonald, is not convinced that Obama’s new approach will put a dent in this multibillion-dollar business. US Federal drug regulators have ruled that two leading anti-smoking drugs must now carry black-box suicide warnings. The move on Pfizer's and Glaxo Smith Kline's smoking-cessation drugs, follows thousands of cases of depression and hundred of suicides in the US. Patients of the drugs Champix and Zyban have been asked to be vigilant for suicidal thoughts and signs of depression. 2SER's Esther Han reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T23_03_18-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-04T23_03_18-07_00 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 06:01:05 GMT 2009-07-05 2009-07-05 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 193 no US Federal drug regulators have ruled that two leading anti-smoking drugs must now carry black-box suicide warnings. The move on Pfizer's and Glaxo Smith Kline's smoking-cessation drugs, follows thousands of cases of depression and hundred of suicides in the US. Patients of the drugs Champix and Zyban have been asked to be vigilant for suicidal thoughts and signs of depression. 2SER's Esther Han reports. They say that a week is a very long time in politics, but that was not the case this week for the NSW Upper House. On Wednesday the Labor Government had seen a number of key pieces of legislation knocked back in the Upper House, and signs were that it was only going to get worse. The proposed sale of the state lotteries, which would see more than half a billion dollars enter the government’s coffers, was set to fail. Rather than see that the bill rejected, the Government invoked a little used parliamentary procedure, and walked out of the House. With no ministers sitting in the chamber, the Upper house president closed down the Upper House, and it won’t be reopened until September first. It is believed to be the first time the Upper House has been shut down in its nearly 200-year history. Veteran reporter Alex Mitchell was the former state political reporter for the Sun Herald, and now writes for the online paper Crikey. He spoke with 2ser’s Julia Holman. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-28T20_07_27-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-28T20_07_27-07_00 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:05:37 GMT 2009-06-29 2009-06-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 315 no They say that a week is a very long time in politics, but that was not the case this week for the NSW Upper House. On Wednesday the Labor Government had seen a number of key pieces of legislation knocked back in the Upper House, and signs were that it was only going to get worse. The proposed sale of the state lotteries, which would see more than half a billion dollars enter the government’s coffers, was set to fail. Rather than see that the bill rejected, the Government invoked a little used parliamentary procedure, and walked out of the House. With no ministers sitting in the chamber, the Upper house president closed down the Upper House, and it won’t be reopened until September first. It is believed to be the first time the Upper House has been shut down in its nearly 200-year history. Veteran reporter Alex Mitchell was the former state political reporter for the Sun Herald, and now writes for the online paper Crikey. He spoke with 2ser’s Julia Holman. After drugs and weapons, child trafficking is the third largest source of income for organised crime outfits in South East Asia. The United Nations estimates that almost one-and-a-half million people are abducted and sold worldwide every year. Over half of these are women and young girls. Much of the trade happens in countries with porous borders where poverty is rife. John Curtis set up an organisation in 2004 to stem child trafficking in South East Asia. Called The Grey Man, the organisation is made up of ex-police officers and ordinary Australians. They work covertly in Thailand and Cambodia removing children from brothels and returning them to their families. 2SER’s Alex McDonald spoke to former Green Beret commando turned Grey Man leader, John Curtis. www.thegreyman.org http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-28T18_36_38-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-28T18_36_38-07_00 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:34:53 GMT 2009-06-29 2009-06-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 340 no After drugs and weapons, child trafficking is the third largest source of income for organised crime outfits in South East Asia. The United Nations estimates that almost one-and-a-half million people are abducted and sold worldwide every year. Over half of these are women and young girls. Much of the trade happens in countries with porous borders where poverty is rife. John Curtis set up an organisation in 2004 to stem child trafficking in South East Asia. Called The Grey Man, the organisation is made up of ex-police officers and ordinary Australians. They work covertly in Thailand and Cambodia removing children from brothels and returning them to their families. 2SER’s Alex McDonald spoke to former Green Beret commando turned Grey Man leader, John Curtis. www.thegreyman.org The Barangaroo development at East Darling Harbour has come under scrutiny amid claims from the Opposition that it’s being treated as a cash-grabbing opportunity by the State Government. The Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird says the three groups pitching for the development contract are being asked to commit millions of dollars as part of their bidding proposals. But the head of the authority charged with assessing the plans, says the upfront fees are simply standard procedure for this kind of development. Mr Baird told 2SER’s Sophie Tarr, he fears that the cash-strapped NSW government – whose latest budget has a forecasted deficit of $990 million – may award the contract based on revenue, rather than on merit. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-27T22_56_06-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-27T22_56_06-07_00 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:53:48 GMT 2009-06-28 2009-06-28 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 222 no The Barangaroo development at East Darling Harbour has come under scrutiny amid claims from the Opposition that it’s being treated as a cash-grabbing opportunity by the State Government. The Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird says the three groups pitching for the development contract are being asked to commit millions of dollars as part of their bidding proposals. But the head of the authority charged with assessing the plans, says the upfront fees are simply standard procedure for this kind of development. Mr Baird told 2SER’s Sophie Tarr, he fears that the cash-strapped NSW government – whose latest budget has a forecasted deficit of $990 million – may award the contract based on revenue, rather than on merit. Cancer poses a serious threat to several animal species around the world. The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a first-ever worldwide study of the impacts of cancer on wildlife. They say the cancer in Australia's Tasmanian Devils fist alerted conservationists to the problem, which could drive the species to extinction. 2ser's Esther Han reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-27T08_10_44-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-27T08_10_44-07_00 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:08:31 GMT 2009-06-27 2009-06-27 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser cancer 245 no Cancer poses a serious threat to several animal species around the world. The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a first-ever worldwide study of the impacts of cancer on wildlife. They say the cancer in Australia's Tasmanian Devils fist alerted conservationists to the problem, which could drive the species to extinction. 2ser's Esther Han reports. The Blue Mountain’s infamous Three Sisters is visited by thousands of tourists each year. But a proposed tourist attraction, set to exhibit koalas in a shopping centre close to the Three Sisters lookout, has outraged local residents and animal welfare groups. They say the development reeks of unethical tourism and animal cruelty. The developer, Fivex Property Group, says the exhibit would encourage tourists into the shopping centre, increasing its financial viability. While the Blue Mountains Council has already denied the development, Fivex have turned to the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales to approve their plan. This report from 2ser’s Rosie Lewis begins with the general manager of Fivex, Lesli Berger. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-27T07_24_22-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-27T07_24_22-07_00 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:20:52 GMT 2009-06-27 2009-06-27 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 354 no The Blue Mountain’s infamous Three Sisters is visited by thousands of tourists each year. But a proposed tourist attraction, set to exhibit koalas in a shopping centre close to the Three Sisters lookout, has outraged local residents and animal welfare groups. They say the development reeks of unethical tourism and animal cruelty. The developer, Fivex Property Group, says the exhibit would encourage tourists into the shopping centre, increasing its financial viability. While the Blue Mountains Council has already denied the development, Fivex have turned to the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales to approve their plan. This report from 2ser’s Rosie Lewis begins with the general manager of Fivex, Lesli Berger. Are you a smoker? According to news reports published this week, so is President Barack Obama. He, like so many others, started smoking as a teenager. But that hasn’t stopped him introducing tough new laws to regulate the huge American tobacco industry. The new law will see strict controls on cigarette marketing and new rules to monitor the products added to tobacco. Stafford Sanders from the health group Ash Australia says the US move is historic. He spoke to 2SER’s, Nastasia Campanella. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-27T07_14_24-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-27T07_14_24-07_00 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:09:52 GMT 2009-06-27 2009-06-27 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 338 no Are you a smoker? According to news reports published this week, so is President Barack Obama. He, like so many others, started smoking as a teenager. But that hasn’t stopped him introducing tough new laws to regulate the huge American tobacco industry. The new law will see strict controls on cigarette marketing and new rules to monitor the products added to tobacco. Stafford Sanders from the health group Ash Australia says the US move is historic. He spoke to 2SER’s, Nastasia Campanella. High levels of pollutants are emerging from the Wallerawang coal-fired power station near Lithgow, threatening the already strained ecosystem of the Coxs River. Despite the high levels of arsenic, copper, salt and heavy metals in the water, the operators of the plant, Delta Energy, say that they’ve always operated within their environmental license, which is issued by the state government. Volunteers from the Blue Mountains Conservation Society say that they’ve been using water testing kits for years in the area, and have been passing on their disturbing findings to the NSW department of environment and climate change, but with little effect. Aquatic Ecologist Dr Ian Wright has been wading around the waterways of the Warragamba catchments for decades, and he is pressing ahead with new research into the health of the Coxs River ecosystem. The findings of Dr Wright are now being used by the Blue Mountains Conservation Society as the basis for court action against the operators of the plant in the NSW Land and Environment Court. 2SER's Tim Roxburgh asked him what his recent research was showing about the health of the river. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-19T23_32_43-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-19T23_32_43-07_00 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:27:53 GMT 2009-06-20 2009-06-20 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser &,news,politics 247 no High levels of pollutants are emerging from the Wallerawang coal-fired power station near Lithgow, threatening the already strained ecosystem of the Coxs River. Despite the high levels of arsenic, copper, salt and heavy metals in the water, the operators of the plant, Delta Energy, say that they’ve always operated within their environmental license, which is issued by the state government. Volunteers from the Blue Mountains Conservation Society say that they’ve been using water testing kits for years in the area, and have been passing on their disturbing findings to the NSW department of environment and climate change, but with little effect. Aquatic Ecologist Dr Ian Wright has been wading around the waterways of the Warragamba catchments for decades, and he is pressing ahead with new research into the health of the Coxs River ecosystem. The findings of Dr Wright are now being used by the Blue Mountains Conservation Society as the basis for court action against the operators of the plant in the NSW Land and Environment Court. 2SER's Tim Roxburgh asked him what his recent research was showing about the health of the river. The NSW Government has sold two public housing properties at Miller’s Point in Sydney, with fourteen more set to go under the hammer. The properties sold for 2.2 million dollars, and the money raised from the auctions will be used to fund more social housing in Sydney’s Inner-West. The Housing department has identified the properties as suitable for ninety-nine year leases to the private market. But the New South Wales Tenants Union says this is just short of selling the buildings at top price to the richer part of town. They also claim there are problems with the Housing sector’s management. The Union’s policy officer, Chris Martin, spoke with 2SER’s Rosie Lewis. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-20T07_26_19-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-20T07_26_19-07_00 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:23:05 GMT 2009-06-20 2009-06-20 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser &,news,politics 281 no The NSW Government has sold two public housing properties at Miller’s Point in Sydney, with fourteen more set to go under the hammer. The properties sold for 2.2 million dollars, and the money raised from the auctions will be used to fund more social housing in Sydney’s Inner-West. The Housing department has identified the properties as suitable for ninety-nine year leases to the private market. But the New South Wales Tenants Union says this is just short of selling the buildings at top price to the richer part of town. They also claim there are problems with the Housing sector’s management. The Union’s policy officer, Chris Martin, spoke with 2SER’s Rosie Lewis. A new bill that would allow recreational hunters to shoot native animals and birds in New South Wales national parks has been slammed by opposition. The NSW Shooters Party introduced the bill to Parliament, and are hoping to get Labour party support. They say the new law would not affect threatened species, but would allow the killing of feral animals. Both the Green’s and the Liberals say the bill is unacceptable. 2SER’s Rosie Lewis spoke with Green’s MP Lee Rhiannon. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-20T07_19_25-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-20T07_19_25-07_00 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:17:16 GMT 2009-06-20 2009-06-20 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 242 no A new bill that would allow recreational hunters to shoot native animals and birds in New South Wales national parks has been slammed by opposition. The NSW Shooters Party introduced the bill to Parliament, and are hoping to get Labour party support. They say the new law would not affect threatened species, but would allow the killing of feral animals. Both the Green’s and the Liberals say the bill is unacceptable. 2SER’s Rosie Lewis spoke with Green’s MP Lee Rhiannon. A fifty-three year-old grandmother was jailed for contempt of court last month after she failed to turn her computer over to US authorities. The ageing blogger had written an unflattering post about the late Anna Nicole Smith, and the former playboy model's family decided to sue for defamation. The woman is one of about twelve-million North American adults now blogging on a regular basis. More than half of them write using a pseudonym. Blogging anonymously makes sense in media-sensitive countries like China and Zimbabwe, but what are the possible legal implications for Australians who defame people on the net? 2SER’s Alex McDonald filed this report. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-19T23_38_19-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-19T23_38_19-07_00 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:35:27 GMT 2009-06-20 2009-06-20 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 262 no A fifty-three year-old grandmother was jailed for contempt of court last month after she failed to turn her computer over to US authorities. The ageing blogger had written an unflattering post about the late Anna Nicole Smith, and the former playboy model's family decided to sue for defamation. The woman is one of about twelve-million North American adults now blogging on a regular basis. More than half of them write using a pseudonym. Blogging anonymously makes sense in media-sensitive countries like China and Zimbabwe, but what are the possible legal implications for Australians who defame people on the net? 2SER’s Alex McDonald filed this report. The Australian National University recently conducted a study looking at the acceptance of minority groups in the workforce. The results showed that applicants with Chinese, Middle-Eastern and Indigenous sounding names were far less likely to be called in for an interview or hired, raising the issue of discrimination in Australia’s workforce and what can be done to minimize it. 2ser’s Caroline Savransky spoke with Professor Andrew Leigh from the Research School of Social Sciences about the findings. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-20T07_33_19-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-20T07_33_19-07_00 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:30:24 GMT 2009-06-20 2009-06-20 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser &,news,politics,racism 289 no The Australian National University recently conducted a study looking at the acceptance of minority groups in the workforce. The results showed that applicants with Chinese, Middle-Eastern and Indigenous sounding names were far less likely to be called in for an interview or hired, raising the issue of discrimination in Australia’s workforce and what can be done to minimize it. 2ser’s Caroline Savransky spoke with Professor Andrew Leigh from the Research School of Social Sciences about the findings. Kangaroo meat has become known as the cheap and ethical alternative to red meat. But according to a new animal liberation report, the welfare of kangaroos and their joeys is being compromised to supply the industry. Felicity Evans takes a look at how these kangaroos are suffering and what's been done to stop the bludgeoning of joeys. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-11T00_22_18-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-11T00_22_18-07_00 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:17:00 GMT 2009-06-11 2009-06-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 375 no Kangaroo meat has become known as the cheap and ethical alternative to red meat. But according to a new animal liberation report, the welfare of kangaroos and their joeys is being compromised to supply the industry. Felicity Evans takes a look at how these kangaroos are suffering and what's been done to stop the bludgeoning of joeys. How are you marking World Environment Day? Maybe by installing a few new energy efficient light bulbs? Well spare a thought for the people of Cuba, who've been told to turn off their lights, or to be more precise, to "save money or die" As the Global Financial Crisis hits, the Cuban economy seems less affected than many of it's neighbours. But despite this, the government is still pushing through with cost saving environmental measures. Jessica Tapp has the story. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-10T20_53_36-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-10T20_53_36-07_00 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:50:01 GMT 2009-06-11 2009-06-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 311 no How are you marking World Environment Day? Maybe by installing a few new energy efficient light bulbs? Well spare a thought for the people of Cuba, who've been told to turn off their lights, or to be more precise, to "save money or die" As the Global Financial Crisis hits, the Cuban economy seems less affected than many of it's neighbours. But despite this, the government is still pushing through with cost saving environmental measures. Jessica Tapp has the story. Queensland doctor Caroline de Costa says she's going to stop performing medical abortions. De Costa has been one of the leading advocates of the abortion drug RU486. But she says she now fears legal repercussions for herself and her patients. This week a young Cairns girl and her partner will appear in court for using the drug to have an abortion. The trial is set to reignite debate over the legality of medically acquired terminations. Jennifer Richardson reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-10T20_46_32-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-10T20_46_32-07_00 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:43:26 GMT 2009-06-11 2009-06-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 346 no Queensland doctor Caroline de Costa says she's going to stop performing medical abortions. De Costa has been one of the leading advocates of the abortion drug RU486. But she says she now fears legal repercussions for herself and her patients. This week a young Cairns girl and her partner will appear in court for using the drug to have an abortion. The trial is set to reignite debate over the legality of medically acquired terminations. Jennifer Richardson reports. Students in Sydney will take to the streets tomorrow (Sunday) to support their international classmates, after attacks on Indian students in Melbourne earlier this week. They say the attacks are just one example of the discrimination and fear international students experience. And they've warned students won't want to come to Australia safety on and off campus doesn't improve. 2SER's Chris van Egmond reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-09T07_02_11-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-09T07_02_11-07_00 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:59:25 GMT 2009-06-09 2009-06-09 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 191 no Students in Sydney will take to the streets tomorrow (Sunday) to support their international classmates, after attacks on Indian students in Melbourne earlier this week. They say the attacks are just one example of the discrimination and fear international students experience. And they've warned students won't want to come to Australia safety on and off campus doesn't improve. 2SER's Chris van Egmond reports. We all use the internet everyday, but how secure is your personal data? With everything from insurance to bank account details being stored online, it can be hard to keep it all safe. Data theft and computer hacking is rising, and it even has US President Obama on edge. Nick Gilbert reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-09T00_39_57-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-09T00_39_57-07_00 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:51:18 GMT 2009-06-09 2009-06-09 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 282 no We all use the internet everyday, but how secure is your personal data? With everything from insurance to bank account details being stored online, it can be hard to keep it all safe. Data theft and computer hacking is rising, and it even has US President Obama on edge. Nick Gilbert reports. Art is often seen as a means of expression, but for those with communication disorders, it can offer an insight into an otherwise veiled world. The Painting The Spectrum exhibition is currently on show in Sydney’s Double Bay, an exhibition of works by adults with autism. Approximately one in 160 Australians are on the autism spectrum. There is no known cause and no cure for the lifelong disease. Typical traits include impaired social interaction and repetitive behaviour. Yet while verbal and written communication for those with autism is generally limited, it seems it does not hinder artistic talent. 2ser’s Julia Holman went to the exhibition, and compiled this report. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-31T22_31_07-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-31T22_31_07-07_00 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:29:10 GMT 2009-06-01 2009-06-01 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 334 no Art is often seen as a means of expression, but for those with communication disorders, it can offer an insight into an otherwise veiled world. The Painting The Spectrum exhibition is currently on show in Sydney’s Double Bay, an exhibition of works by adults with autism. Approximately one in 160 Australians are on the autism spectrum. There is no known cause and no cure for the lifelong disease. Typical traits include impaired social interaction and repetitive behaviour. Yet while verbal and written communication for those with autism is generally limited, it seems it does not hinder artistic talent. 2ser’s Julia Holman went to the exhibition, and compiled this report. The state Government’s plan to privatize NSW Lotteries has drawn more criticism this week, after it was revealed that one of the potential buyers wants to massively increase gaming across the state. The G-tech corporation wants to introduce lottery ticket vending machines and says far more revenue could be made after privatisation. This has drawn criticism from several groups including welfare organisations, who believe the poor will be targeted by slick gambling marketing campaigns. Alex Mitchell is a former Sun Herald journalist who now writes for Crikey. Ashley Felderhof asked him why the NSW government is pushing the sell off. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-31T06_59_44-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-31T06_59_44-07_00 Sun, 31 May 2009 13:56:13 GMT 2009-05-31 2009-05-31 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 251 no The state Government’s plan to privatize NSW Lotteries has drawn more criticism this week, after it was revealed that one of the potential buyers wants to massively increase gaming across the state. The G-tech corporation wants to introduce lottery ticket vending machines and says far more revenue could be made after privatisation. This has drawn criticism from several groups including welfare organisations, who believe the poor will be targeted by slick gambling marketing campaigns. Alex Mitchell is a former Sun Herald journalist who now writes for Crikey. Ashley Felderhof asked him why the NSW government is pushing the sell off. Violence against gays and lesbians is being fuelled by an increase in the number of homophobic websites, according to the NSW Anti-Discrimination board. The board says there is evidence of a significant rise in gay hate material on the internet, which can prompt actual violence in the community. In NSW alone there are five serious assaults on gay people each month, and many more are abused without making a formal complaint or seeking police help. Rosie Lewis spoke with the President of the Anti-Discrimination Board, Stepan Kerkyasharian. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-30T19_52_03-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-30T19_52_03-07_00 Sun, 31 May 2009 02:50:03 GMT 2009-05-31 2009-05-31 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 225 no Violence against gays and lesbians is being fuelled by an increase in the number of homophobic websites, according to the NSW Anti-Discrimination board. The board says there is evidence of a significant rise in gay hate material on the internet, which can prompt actual violence in the community. In NSW alone there are five serious assaults on gay people each month, and many more are abused without making a formal complaint or seeking police help. Rosie Lewis spoke with the President of the Anti-Discrimination Board, Stepan Kerkyasharian. The NSW Government is considering a plan to extend Sydney’s light rail to the inner-west. At the moment, the light rail terminates six kilometres from the city in Lilyfield. The new line would extend to Leichhardt and to the Dulwich Hill train station. Operators say the link could be ready within a year and would cost less than 70 million dollars to build – a fraction of the five-point-three billion set aside for the contentious CBD metro rail line. Leading the government’s rail push is the transport minister, David Campbell. He took time out last year to look at the light rail systems in Paris and Nice. But other government ministers are not sold on the idea. Gavin Gatenby from the Sydney transport lobby group, Eco-Transit Sydney, told 2SER’s Alex McDonald, that a year should be more than enough time to complete the light rail upgrade. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-30T08_54_04-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-30T08_54_04-07_00 Sat, 30 May 2009 15:42:38 GMT 2009-05-30 2009-05-30 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 286 no The NSW Government is considering a plan to extend Sydney’s light rail to the inner-west. At the moment, the light rail terminates six kilometres from the city in Lilyfield. The new line would extend to Leichhardt and to the Dulwich Hill train station. Operators say the link could be ready within a year and would cost less than 70 million dollars to build – a fraction of the five-point-three billion set aside for the contentious CBD metro rail line. Leading the government’s rail push is the transport minister, David Campbell. He took time out last year to look at the light rail systems in Paris and Nice. But other government ministers are not sold on the idea. Gavin Gatenby from the Sydney transport lobby group, Eco-Transit Sydney, told 2SER’s Alex McDonald, that a year should be more than enough time to complete the light rail upgrade. This week South Australian police have used the state’s new bikie laws to request control orders, limiting the activities of two members of the Finks bikie club. It remains unknown whether or not these bikies have committed previous crimes, because South Australian laws restrict the release of criminal records. Democrat and Green members of South Australia’s upper house, say that the secrecy surrounding the new laws is excessive. There are also concerns that innocent people could get caught up in the laws by associating with people placed under a control order. It is a crime to associate with people who have been placed under a control order, but the list of people who have been placed under these orders is not made public. South Australian Greens MP, Mark Parnell, has called for the names of everyone subject to a control order to be released. Tim Roxburgh asked him how the control orders operate. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-30T00_11_46-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-30T00_11_46-07_00 Sat, 30 May 2009 07:08:35 GMT 2009-05-30 2009-05-30 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 285 no This week South Australian police have used the state’s new bikie laws to request control orders, limiting the activities of two members of the Finks bikie club. It remains unknown whether or not these bikies have committed previous crimes, because South Australian laws restrict the release of criminal records. Democrat and Green members of South Australia’s upper house, say that the secrecy surrounding the new laws is excessive. There are also concerns that innocent people could get caught up in the laws by associating with people placed under a control order. It is a crime to associate with people who have been placed under a control order, but the list of people who have been placed under these orders is not made public. South Australian Greens MP, Mark Parnell, has called for the names of everyone subject to a control order to be released. Tim Roxburgh asked him how the control orders operate. Reports have emerged that some aid workers in Papua New Guinea can earn more in a year than Kevin Rudd. These consultants are paid for by Australian taxpayers through the government’s overseas aid agency, AusAID. They can earn up to 360, 000 dollars a year. Experts say that aid money often finds its way back to Australia in the form of consultancy fees or company profits. AusAID says the rates paid to consultants in PNG are comparable to rates paid for the same kind of work around the world. Tim Anderson is a senior politics lecturer at Sydney University and a member of the board of Aid Watch, an independent organisation that monitors aid and trade issues. 2ser’s Tim Roxburgh asked him whether AusAID follows any guidelines when deciding how to pay consultants. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-23T00_09_33-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-23T00_09_33-07_00 Sat, 23 May 2009 07:04:30 GMT 2009-05-23 2009-05-23 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 307 no Reports have emerged that some aid workers in Papua New Guinea can earn more in a year than Kevin Rudd. These consultants are paid for by Australian taxpayers through the government’s overseas aid agency, AusAID. They can earn up to 360, 000 dollars a year. Experts say that aid money often finds its way back to Australia in the form of consultancy fees or company profits. AusAID says the rates paid to consultants in PNG are comparable to rates paid for the same kind of work around the world. Tim Anderson is a senior politics lecturer at Sydney University and a member of the board of Aid Watch, an independent organisation that monitors aid and trade issues. 2ser’s Tim Roxburgh asked him whether AusAID follows any guidelines when deciding how to pay consultants. The long running civil war in Sri Lankan Government was declared over this week, when Singhalese forces killed the leader of the rebel Tamil Tigers. Government forces have now taken over the countries northern areas which were formerly under the control of the Tamils, who’ve been fighting for an independent homeland. But with the end of the conflict has come a humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of Tamils forced to evacuate their homes. The Sri Lankan Government says it’s hoping to integrate the Tamils into a new and unified nation. But others believe that atrocities continue to take place, and that the death toll over the last three months has been greatly under-estimated. With the Government still denying access to the conflict areas for aid organisations and the media, it’s difficult to assess the extent of the crisis. Dr Brian Senewiratne is a physician from the majority Singhalese community who has been campaigning for the Tamil cause for decades. He spoke with 2ser’s Julia Holman. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-23T00_17_14-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-23T00_17_14-07_00 Sat, 23 May 2009 07:14:21 GMT 2009-05-23 2009-05-23 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 315 no The long running civil war in Sri Lankan Government was declared over this week, when Singhalese forces killed the leader of the rebel Tamil Tigers. Government forces have now taken over the countries northern areas which were formerly under the control of the Tamils, who’ve been fighting for an independent homeland. But with the end of the conflict has come a humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of Tamils forced to evacuate their homes. The Sri Lankan Government says it’s hoping to integrate the Tamils into a new and unified nation. But others believe that atrocities continue to take place, and that the death toll over the last three months has been greatly under-estimated. With the Government still denying access to the conflict areas for aid organisations and the media, it’s difficult to assess the extent of the crisis. Dr Brian Senewiratne is a physician from the majority Singhalese community who has been campaigning for the Tamil cause for decades. He spoke with 2ser’s Julia Holman. Sex workers say The Daily Telegraph misrepresented the industry in a series of inflammatory articles about brothels this week. The paper claims that the tough new laws introduced by the NSW Government 18 months ago, designed to stamp out illegal brothels, are not working. The reports quoted the "Adult Business Association" which claims that a growing number of illegal brothels with poor health standards are operating throughout Sydney. But sex worker groups say labeling brothels “illegal” simply contributes to the demonisation of prostitution. They say there's no such thing as “illegal” brothels, rather their development applications have not been approved by the council. Elena Jeffrey’s, President of the Scarlet Alliance, spoke with 2SER’s Erin Smith. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-23T05_13_06-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-23T05_13_06-07_00 Sat, 23 May 2009 12:07:11 GMT 2009-05-23 2009-05-23 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 286 no Sex workers say The Daily Telegraph misrepresented the industry in a series of inflammatory articles about brothels this week. The paper claims that the tough new laws introduced by the NSW Government 18 months ago, designed to stamp out illegal brothels, are not working. The reports quoted the "Adult Business Association" which claims that a growing number of illegal brothels with poor health standards are operating throughout Sydney. But sex worker groups say labeling brothels “illegal” simply contributes to the demonisation of prostitution. They say there's no such thing as “illegal” brothels, rather their development applications have not been approved by the council. Elena Jeffrey’s, President of the Scarlet Alliance, spoke with 2SER’s Erin Smith. This month marks ten years since the New South Wales government agreed to allow a medically supervised injecting centre in Kings Cross. By giving injecting drug users a safe place to shoot up, the centre aims to prevent overdoses and keep drug use off the streets. It was originally intended as an 18-month trial, and staff believed the centre would be made permanent if they could prove it was saving lives. But ten years later, the New South Wales government is still refusing to grant the centre permanent status. Staff say it’s time the government admitted that their work has been a success. 2SER’s Jacinta Patterson visited the centre to find out more. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-16T23_48_09-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-16T23_48_09-07_00 Sun, 17 May 2009 06:44:49 GMT 2009-05-17 2009-05-17 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 454 no This month marks ten years since the New South Wales government agreed to allow a medically supervised injecting centre in Kings Cross. By giving injecting drug users a safe place to shoot up, the centre aims to prevent overdoses and keep drug use off the streets. It was originally intended as an 18-month trial, and staff believed the centre would be made permanent if they could prove it was saving lives. But ten years later, the New South Wales government is still refusing to grant the centre permanent status. Staff say it’s time the government admitted that their work has been a success. 2SER’s Jacinta Patterson visited the centre to find out more. The Rudd government has been roundly criticised by welfare experts this week following Tuesday's budget, which failed to devote any funds to help the growing numbers of people losing their jobs. Pensioners received a long awaited pay rise of $32 per week but those on unemployment benefits and sole parent benefits were overlooked, despite dire predictions about rising unemployment over the next 12 months. Economists predict the recession will push the unemployment rate to over 8% which will leave more than a million people on the dole. The current basic Newstart allowance is a tiny $227 per week for a single person ($32 per day), well below the official poverty line. The National Welfare Rights Centre has challenged all MP's to try to live for a week on the dole to see if they could cope. Centre President Kate Beaumont is speaking here with 2SER's Mark Robinson. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-16T07_11_40-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-16T07_11_40-07_00 Sat, 16 May 2009 14:08:52 GMT 2009-05-17 2009-05-16 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 312 no The Rudd government has been roundly criticised by welfare experts this week following Tuesday's budget, which failed to devote any funds to help the growing numbers of people losing their jobs. Pensioners received a long awaited pay rise of $32 per week but those on unemployment benefits and sole parent benefits were overlooked, despite dire predictions about rising unemployment over the next 12 months. Economists predict the recession will push the unemployment rate to over 8% which will leave more than a million people on the dole. The current basic Newstart allowance is a tiny $227 per week for a single person ($32 per day), well below the official poverty line. The National Welfare Rights Centre has challenged all MP's to try to live for a week on the dole to see if they could cope. Centre President Kate Beaumont is speaking here with 2SER's Mark Robinson. One in five Australian women are eating poorly in a bid to lose weight, and researchers say poor eating habits it is a common cause of depression and anxiety amongst women of all ages. RMIT University in Melbourne has just launched a new project to raise national awareness. ‘What’s really eating you’ is based on a survey completed by Australian women. The results will be used to examine patterns of behavior amongst women who are un-happy with their body image, and help them find solutions. 2SER’s Caroline Savransky spoke to the study's leader, Adrian Schembri. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-14T00_57_37-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-14T00_57_37-07_00 Thu, 14 May 2009 07:51:56 GMT 2009-05-14 2009-05-14 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 284 no One in five Australian women are eating poorly in a bid to lose weight, and researchers say poor eating habits it is a common cause of depression and anxiety amongst women of all ages. RMIT University in Melbourne has just launched a new project to raise national awareness. ‘What’s really eating you’ is based on a survey completed by Australian women. The results will be used to examine patterns of behavior amongst women who are un-happy with their body image, and help them find solutions. 2SER’s Caroline Savransky spoke to the study's leader, Adrian Schembri. Australia’s deserts make up nearly three quarters of the continent, are home to more than half a million people, and contribute 90 billion dollars to the Australian export economy. Yet there is little research into the complex ecosystems, biodiversity, industries and communities who live out bush. Australia’s first desert dedicated research centre was set up six years ago and manages a diverse range of research projects into Australia’s arid regions. But this week the Commonwealth announced it would not extend funding for the Desert Knowledge CRC for another seven-year round, and that has prompted the scientists to look for alternatives. Scientists from the CRC are hoping to establish a national research centre in Alice Spring, which would receive funds from a range of interest and government groups. 2ser’s Julia Holman spoke with the Board Chairman of the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, and began by asking him what can be learned by studying the deserts. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-10T01_10_40-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-10T01_10_40-07_00 Sun, 10 May 2009 08:07:00 GMT 2009-05-10 2009-05-10 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 251 no Australia’s deserts make up nearly three quarters of the continent, are home to more than half a million people, and contribute 90 billion dollars to the Australian export economy. Yet there is little research into the complex ecosystems, biodiversity, industries and communities who live out bush. Australia’s first desert dedicated research centre was set up six years ago and manages a diverse range of research projects into Australia’s arid regions. But this week the Commonwealth announced it would not extend funding for the Desert Knowledge CRC for another seven-year round, and that has prompted the scientists to look for alternatives. Scientists from the CRC are hoping to establish a national research centre in Alice Spring, which would receive funds from a range of interest and government groups. 2ser’s Julia Holman spoke with the Board Chairman of the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, and began by asking him what can be learned by studying the deserts. Amnesty International has called on Iran to stop its planned executions of two juveniles. While most countries have a ban on the death penalty for people under 18, Iran's penal code allows children as young as nine to be put to death if they are convicted of serious crimes. The planned killing of the two teenagers, follows outrage last week, when Iran executed a young woman for a juvenile offence despite global condemnation. The international head of Amnesty, Irene Khan, this week personally protested outside the Iranian embassy in London, in a last ditch effort to save the two teenagers. 2SER's Ashley Felderhof spoke with Amnesty's Australian campaign manager Andrew Beswick. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-09T00_37_18-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-09T00_37_18-07_00 Sat, 09 May 2009 07:34:05 GMT 2009-05-10 2009-05-09 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 286 no Amnesty International has called on Iran to stop its planned executions of two juveniles. While most countries have a ban on the death penalty for people under 18, Iran's penal code allows children as young as nine to be put to death if they are convicted of serious crimes. The planned killing of the two teenagers, follows outrage last week, when Iran executed a young woman for a juvenile offence despite global condemnation. The international head of Amnesty, Irene Khan, this week personally protested outside the Iranian embassy in London, in a last ditch effort to save the two teenagers. 2SER's Ashley Felderhof spoke with Amnesty's Australian campaign manager Andrew Beswick. More Australians with a hearing or vision impairment will now be able to enjoy the latest films thanks to a Federal government plan called the ‘accessible cinema initiative’. The scheme will increase the number of cinemas providing captioning and offer audio description services for the first time in Australia. New government funding will help 12 independent theatres provide the services that are already available at 12 major chain cinemas. "Media Access Australia" has welcomed the boost and is hoping the industry will continue to increase the number of screens for the disabled. 2ser’s Dianna Fatseas spoke with the groups CEO, Alex Varley. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-09T09_59_43-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-09T09_59_43-07_00 Sat, 09 May 2009 16:56:23 GMT 2009-05-10 2009-05-09 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 349 no More Australians with a hearing or vision impairment will now be able to enjoy the latest films thanks to a Federal government plan called the ‘accessible cinema initiative’. The scheme will increase the number of cinemas providing captioning and offer audio description services for the first time in Australia. New government funding will help 12 independent theatres provide the services that are already available at 12 major chain cinemas. "Media Access Australia" has welcomed the boost and is hoping the industry will continue to increase the number of screens for the disabled. 2ser’s Dianna Fatseas spoke with the groups CEO, Alex Varley. The Federal Government this week delayed the proposed start date for their Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme in response to the international financial crisis, and announced that they would hand more free permits to trade-exposed industries. At the same time, the Government said that they are now willing to consider bigger emissions cuts of up to 25 per cent of 2000 levels by the year 2020. The Australian Conservation Foundation and the Climate Institute have welcomed the government’s consideration of larger cuts. But the Australian Greens and several other conservation groups are disappointed with the revised emissions trading scheme. 2SER's Tim Roxburgh asked Andrew Macintosh, Associate Director of the ANU Centre for Climate Law and Policy, for his take on the changes announced this week. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-09T00_51_30-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-09T00_51_30-07_00 Sat, 09 May 2009 07:43:08 GMT 2009-05-10 2009-05-09 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 258 no The Federal Government this week delayed the proposed start date for their Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme in response to the international financial crisis, and announced that they would hand more free permits to trade-exposed industries. At the same time, the Government said that they are now willing to consider bigger emissions cuts of up to 25 per cent of 2000 levels by the year 2020. The Australian Conservation Foundation and the Climate Institute have welcomed the government’s consideration of larger cuts. But the Australian Greens and several other conservation groups are disappointed with the revised emissions trading scheme. 2SER's Tim Roxburgh asked Andrew Macintosh, Associate Director of the ANU Centre for Climate Law and Policy, for his take on the changes announced this week. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd this week announced his decision to send more Australian troops to Afghanistan. 450 extra personnel will be deployed bringing Australia’s total commitment to 1,550. The decision followed a request from President Obama for western nations to provide more firepower to the eight year conflict. Rudd’s decision was fully supported by Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull, but not everyone is jumping on board. A coalition of peace groups are stepping up their protests against the war with rallies planned for this week. The Stop the War Coalition argues that the presence of an international force in Afghanistan, has not led to improved living conditions. 2SER’s Ashley Felderhof spoke with the coalition’s Pip Hinman. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-01T23_57_19-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-01T23_57_19-07_00 Sat, 02 May 2009 06:54:33 GMT 2009-05-04 2009-05-02 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 325 no Prime Minister Kevin Rudd this week announced his decision to send more Australian troops to Afghanistan. 450 extra personnel will be deployed bringing Australia’s total commitment to 1,550. The decision followed a request from President Obama for western nations to provide more firepower to the eight year conflict. Rudd’s decision was fully supported by Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull, but not everyone is jumping on board. A coalition of peace groups are stepping up their protests against the war with rallies planned for this week. The Stop the War Coalition argues that the presence of an international force in Afghanistan, has not led to improved living conditions. 2SER’s Ashley Felderhof spoke with the coalition’s Pip Hinman. It’s often assumed that abortion is legal in Australia but a recent Queensland case has shown the opposite to be true. A 19-year-old woman and her boyfriend in Cairns were arrested and charged, after she caused her own miscarriage by taking the abortion drug RU486. She is now facing the possibility of a lengthy jail term. The case has angered pro-choice activists and renewed calls for abortion to be decriminalized. Abortion is only technically legal in the ACT, Victoria and Western Australia. The co-ordinator of “Reproductive Choice Australia”, Dr Leslie Cannold, campaigned for abortion laws to be repealed in Victoria and has called on NSW to follow suit. She spoke with 2ser’s Anna Greer. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-02T05_58_45-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-02T05_58_45-07_00 Sat, 02 May 2009 12:56:31 GMT 2009-05-04 2009-05-02 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 249 no It’s often assumed that abortion is legal in Australia but a recent Queensland case has shown the opposite to be true. A 19-year-old woman and her boyfriend in Cairns were arrested and charged, after she caused her own miscarriage by taking the abortion drug RU486. She is now facing the possibility of a lengthy jail term. The case has angered pro-choice activists and renewed calls for abortion to be decriminalized. Abortion is only technically legal in the ACT, Victoria and Western Australia. The co-ordinator of “Reproductive Choice Australia”, Dr Leslie Cannold, campaigned for abortion laws to be repealed in Victoria and has called on NSW to follow suit. She spoke with 2ser’s Anna Greer. Welfare groups are fighting for increases to both pensions and unemployment benefits in this months Budget. Announced on May 12, Kevin Rudd’s second Budget comes at a time where economic recession here in Australia is all but certain. Treasurer Wayne Swan has already warned that tough calls will be made and spending will be cut in many areas. But the Greens and welfare groups have been pushing for a pension rise of $ 30 per week for more than a year, but that increase is now in doubt. And given estimates of 1 million unemployed by next year, they say the Government must increase payments for both, not one or the other. 2SER’s Patrick Wright has this report. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-01T23_53_15-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-01T23_53_15-07_00 Sat, 02 May 2009 06:49:28 GMT 2009-05-02 2009-05-02 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 346 no Welfare groups are fighting for increases to both pensions and unemployment benefits in this months Budget. Announced on May 12, Kevin Rudd’s second Budget comes at a time where economic recession here in Australia is all but certain. Treasurer Wayne Swan has already warned that tough calls will be made and spending will be cut in many areas. But the Greens and welfare groups have been pushing for a pension rise of $ 30 per week for more than a year, but that increase is now in doubt. And given estimates of 1 million unemployed by next year, they say the Government must increase payments for both, not one or the other. 2SER’s Patrick Wright has this report. Evidence to a parliamentary committee has shown that only one in five Australians under the age of 25 is on the electoral roll. The Australian Electoral Commission is stuggling to stop the participation rate in Australian elections from slowly sliding backwards. The new Australian Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn has told politicians that the Electoral Commission doesn’t have the resources to repeat the advertising blitz conducted before the previous election. The commission is trying to make the enrollment process easier, but current legislation prevents them from switching to an online process, because it requires that new voters fill out and sign a paper form. 2SER’s Tim Roxburgh asked Phil Diack, from Australian Electoral Commission, what process people currently need to go through if they want to enroll to vote. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-26T01_29_16-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-26T01_29_16-07_00 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 08:22:51 GMT 2009-04-26 2009-04-26 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 293 no Evidence to a parliamentary committee has shown that only one in five Australians under the age of 25 is on the electoral roll. The Australian Electoral Commission is stuggling to stop the participation rate in Australian elections from slowly sliding backwards. The new Australian Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn has told politicians that the Electoral Commission doesn’t have the resources to repeat the advertising blitz conducted before the previous election. The commission is trying to make the enrollment process easier, but current legislation prevents them from switching to an online process, because it requires that new voters fill out and sign a paper form. 2SER’s Tim Roxburgh asked Phil Diack, from Australian Electoral Commission, what process people currently need to go through if they want to enroll to vote. The Microsoft corporation has this week announced that its biggest ever community software grant, valued at over $6 million, has been awarded to Vision Australia. Vision Australia is the leading provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia. The grant will allow the organisation to upgrade its IT infrastructure and help establish social networking platforms and an online library. The group says it’s the biggest innovation since the development of Braille. With rates of blindness expected to double in the next decade, moving to new digital technology is crucial in meeting the needs of blind people and those with low vision. 2ser’s Dianna Fatseas spoke with Gerard Menses, the Chief Executive Officer of Vision Australia. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-25T00_13_33-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-25T00_13_33-07_00 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 07:10:43 GMT 2009-04-25 2009-04-25 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 357 no The Microsoft corporation has this week announced that its biggest ever community software grant, valued at over $6 million, has been awarded to Vision Australia. Vision Australia is the leading provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia. The grant will allow the organisation to upgrade its IT infrastructure and help establish social networking platforms and an online library. The group says it’s the biggest innovation since the development of Braille. With rates of blindness expected to double in the next decade, moving to new digital technology is crucial in meeting the needs of blind people and those with low vision. 2ser’s Dianna Fatseas spoke with Gerard Menses, the Chief Executive Officer of Vision Australia. For years, state planning ministers have had the task of deciding which parts of NSW are heritage listed and given protection. But if the NSW Opposition Leader, Barry O'Farrell is elected in 2011, he’s promising to appoint a special minister to deal with heritage and conservation. The Liberal Leader says having a separate minister would end the current conflict of interest, whereby the planning minister is responsible for both protecting and destroying historic sites. Under the plan the heritage minister will be required to make public all decisions to approve or reject plans for development. The Director of the National Trust of Australia, Scott Woodcock, has welcomed the proposal. He speaking here with 2SER's Nastasia Campanella. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-25T00_09_14-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-25T00_09_14-07_00 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 07:05:54 GMT 2009-04-25 2009-04-25 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 263 no For years, state planning ministers have had the task of deciding which parts of NSW are heritage listed and given protection. But if the NSW Opposition Leader, Barry O'Farrell is elected in 2011, he’s promising to appoint a special minister to deal with heritage and conservation. The Liberal Leader says having a separate minister would end the current conflict of interest, whereby the planning minister is responsible for both protecting and destroying historic sites. Under the plan the heritage minister will be required to make public all decisions to approve or reject plans for development. The Director of the National Trust of Australia, Scott Woodcock, has welcomed the proposal. He speaking here with 2SER's Nastasia Campanella. Trade unions are the latest group to condemn the military regime in Fiji, with the PNG Union Congress calling on all unions in the Pacific to boycott cargo from the country. The call follows a week of criticism of coup leader Frank Bainimarama with several countries including New Zealand and Australia looking at the possibility of trade sanctions. But so far the regime is defiant and is standing by its radical decisions to sack the judiciary, cancel the constitution, deport foreign reporters and censor all local media outlets. There is also talk of Fiji being kicked out of the Commonwealth and the Pacific islands forum unless it returns to democracy. But not everyone thinks sanctions will be effective. Jenny Hayward-Jones is a Pacific specialist with the Lowy Institute. She says trade sanctions could seriously damage Fiji's fragile economy. She's speaking here with 2SER's Mark Robinson. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-19T22_37_39-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-19T22_37_39-07_00 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 05:35:47 GMT 2009-04-20 2009-04-20 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 352 no Trade unions are the latest group to condemn the military regime in Fiji, with the PNG Union Congress calling on all unions in the Pacific to boycott cargo from the country. The call follows a week of criticism of coup leader Frank Bainimarama with several countries including New Zealand and Australia looking at the possibility of trade sanctions. But so far the regime is defiant and is standing by its radical decisions to sack the judiciary, cancel the constitution, deport foreign reporters and censor all local media outlets. There is also talk of Fiji being kicked out of the Commonwealth and the Pacific islands forum unless it returns to democracy. But not everyone thinks sanctions will be effective. Jenny Hayward-Jones is a Pacific specialist with the Lowy Institute. She says trade sanctions could seriously damage Fiji's fragile economy. She's speaking here with 2SER's Mark Robinson. At the start of every academic year, a few disadvantaged students enrolled in each Australian university hear the exciting news that they’ve been awarded an equity scholarship. Equity scholarships are designed to allow these students to focus on their studies, without having to worry about money troubles as they make their way through their degree. But those same students often get a nasty surprise when centrelink informs them that their youth allowance payments are going to be cut as a result of the scholarships they have been awarded. In effect the scholarship grant is viewed as income by Centrelink and then Centrelink payments are cut. The federal government has been focusing on student equity issues this year, and the Bradley review of higher education launched by the government has delivered a series of recommendations geared toward removing barriers to a university education. But the Bradley review failed to address centrelink’s bizarre practice of siphoning off scholarship money, and the Rudd Government is so far silent on the issue. Dr Ann Stewart is co-convenor of the professional organisation representing Australian university staff working on equity issues. 2SER’s Tim Roxburgh spoke to her about how scholarships can impact on centrelink allowances. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-18T05_41_00-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-18T05_41_00-07_00 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:38:06 GMT 2009-04-20 2009-04-18 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 301 no At the start of every academic year, a few disadvantaged students enrolled in each Australian university hear the exciting news that they’ve been awarded an equity scholarship. Equity scholarships are designed to allow these students to focus on their studies, without having to worry about money troubles as they make their way through their degree. But those same students often get a nasty surprise when centrelink informs them that their youth allowance payments are going to be cut as a result of the scholarships they have been awarded. In effect the scholarship grant is viewed as income by Centrelink and then Centrelink payments are cut. The federal government has been focusing on student equity issues this year, and the Bradley review of higher education launched by the government has delivered a series of recommendations geared toward removing barriers to a university education. But the Bradley review failed to address centrelink’s bizarre practice of siphoning off scholarship money, and the Rudd Government is so far silent on the issue. Dr Ann Stewart is co-convenor of the professional organisation representing Australian university staff working on equity issues. 2SER’s Tim Roxburgh spoke to her about how scholarships can impact on centrelink allowances. Australia’s Community television stations are celebrating this week after securing access to “Freeview TV”. Freeview is the new digital platform for commercial TV and The ABC and will soon offer 16 channels, including one for community TV. The Australian Community Television Alliance says the decision could easily allow community TV to double its audience size in a short time frame. But the alliance, which represents five capital city stations says it still needs government support for the switch to digital and is lobbying for extra funding in the May federal budget. 2ser’s Dianna Fatseas spoke with Greg Dee, the General Manager of Melbourne’s Channel 31 and a board member of The Community Television Alliance. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-18T05_31_51-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-18T05_31_51-07_00 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:29:22 GMT 2009-04-20 2009-04-18 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 218 no Australia’s Community television stations are celebrating this week after securing access to “Freeview TV”. Freeview is the new digital platform for commercial TV and The ABC and will soon offer 16 channels, including one for community TV. The Australian Community Television Alliance says the decision could easily allow community TV to double its audience size in a short time frame. But the alliance, which represents five capital city stations says it still needs government support for the switch to digital and is lobbying for extra funding in the May federal budget. 2ser’s Dianna Fatseas spoke with Greg Dee, the General Manager of Melbourne’s Channel 31 and a board member of The Community Television Alliance. The Federal Government has approved production of the first all-electric car for the Australian market. The plug-in car called the iMiEV, can travel 160 kilometres on a seven-hour charge. The Mitsubishi vehicle emits zero CO2 exhaust emissions, and unlike hybrid cars, doesn’t use a drop of petrol. The car instead runs completely on a lithium-ion battery charged from your normal household power point. It’s also safe, passing all 83 of the Federal government’s Design Rules - making Australia the first country outside of Japan to fully certify the i-MiEV for road use. Senior research consultant at Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures, Joshua Usher, says the car’s approval is great news - He spoke with 2SER’s Patrick Wright. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-11T06_42_02-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-11T06_42_02-07_00 Sat, 11 Apr 2009 13:39:27 GMT 2009-04-13 2009-04-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 321 no The Federal Government has approved production of the first all-electric car for the Australian market. The plug-in car called the iMiEV, can travel 160 kilometres on a seven-hour charge. The Mitsubishi vehicle emits zero CO2 exhaust emissions, and unlike hybrid cars, doesn’t use a drop of petrol. The car instead runs completely on a lithium-ion battery charged from your normal household power point. It’s also safe, passing all 83 of the Federal government’s Design Rules - making Australia the first country outside of Japan to fully certify the i-MiEV for road use. Senior research consultant at Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures, Joshua Usher, says the car’s approval is great news - He spoke with 2SER’s Patrick Wright. On the same day this week that day that North Korea launched a long range rocket, the US president said that the America would take steps to reducing its nuclear arsenal. The nuclear non-proliferation treaty requires that countries with nuclear weapons reduce their stockpiles, but some non-nuclear countries say that the United States has been dragging its feet on disarmament, and taking steps to develop new weapons in the meantime. Tim Roxburgh asked Karin Von Strokirch, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the University of New England, whether this represented a genuine break from the past for the US. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-11T00_10_25-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-11T00_10_25-07_00 Sat, 11 Apr 2009 07:08:01 GMT 2009-04-13 2009-04-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 303 no On the same day this week that day that North Korea launched a long range rocket, the US president said that the America would take steps to reducing its nuclear arsenal. The nuclear non-proliferation treaty requires that countries with nuclear weapons reduce their stockpiles, but some non-nuclear countries say that the United States has been dragging its feet on disarmament, and taking steps to develop new weapons in the meantime. Tim Roxburgh asked Karin Von Strokirch, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the University of New England, whether this represented a genuine break from the past for the US. Ever assumed that you or your children were eating a healthy breakfast in Nutri-Grain or cereal bought in the health-food section? An investigation by online advocacy group ‘the parents jury’ and nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton reveal the worst children’s breakfast cereals that may make you think twice about the next product you buy. The investigation is part of an ongoing campaign to uncover the truth behind the marketing spin on packaged foods. Dr Stanton says the results indicate the need for a simpler food labelling system on the products we buy in supermarkets. She spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-12T05_55_48-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-12T05_55_48-07_00 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:52:27 GMT 2009-04-13 2009-04-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 331 no Ever assumed that you or your children were eating a healthy breakfast in Nutri-Grain or cereal bought in the health-food section? An investigation by online advocacy group ‘the parents jury’ and nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton reveal the worst children’s breakfast cereals that may make you think twice about the next product you buy. The investigation is part of an ongoing campaign to uncover the truth behind the marketing spin on packaged foods. Dr Stanton says the results indicate the need for a simpler food labelling system on the products we buy in supermarkets. She spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga. AMNESTY international has called for an independent investigation after it was revealed that Indonesian Police opened fire on protesters this week in West Papua. Nine people were admitted to hospital with injuries after being shot while taking part in a rally calling for a boycott of Indonesia’s national elections. The incident followed a week of large protests calling for an independence referendum for West Papua. Many West Papuans do not recognise Indonesia’s control of the region which they view as an illegal occupation. Following the renewed violence this week there are calls for international intervention, including the possibility of sending a delegation of Australian MP’s to visit West Papua. 2ser's Mark Robinson spoke to Matthew Jamieson from the Institute for Papuan advocacy. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-11T05_30_57-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-11T05_30_57-07_00 Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:24:18 GMT 2009-04-13 2009-04-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 370 no AMNESTY international has called for an independent investigation after it was revealed that Indonesian Police opened fire on protesters this week in West Papua. Nine people were admitted to hospital with injuries after being shot while taking part in a rally calling for a boycott of Indonesia’s national elections. The incident followed a week of large protests calling for an independence referendum for West Papua. Many West Papuans do not recognise Indonesia’s control of the region which they view as an illegal occupation. Following the renewed violence this week there are calls for international intervention, including the possibility of sending a delegation of Australian MP’s to visit West Papua. 2ser's Mark Robinson spoke to Matthew Jamieson from the Institute for Papuan advocacy. The Easter eggs Australians are biting into this weekend could be tainted with the bitter taste of child labour. Cocoa fields on the West Coast of Africa produce more than half of the world’s cocoa. Research by the aid agency World Vision has found that at least 300 000 children work in these cocoa fields in dangerous conditions. World Vision claims that major chocolate manufacturers in Australia can not guarantee that their chocolate has been produced free of child labour. 2SER’S Alex Blucher spoke with Susan Mazrahi, the national campaign manager for World Vision’s Don’t Trade Lives campaign, about how the chocolate industry needs to clean up their act. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-12T05_49_02-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-12T05_49_02-07_00 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:46:09 GMT 2009-04-13 2009-04-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 282 no The Easter eggs Australians are biting into this weekend could be tainted with the bitter taste of child labour. Cocoa fields on the West Coast of Africa produce more than half of the world’s cocoa. Research by the aid agency World Vision has found that at least 300 000 children work in these cocoa fields in dangerous conditions. World Vision claims that major chocolate manufacturers in Australia can not guarantee that their chocolate has been produced free of child labour. 2SER’S Alex Blucher spoke with Susan Mazrahi, the national campaign manager for World Vision’s Don’t Trade Lives campaign, about how the chocolate industry needs to clean up their act. People in Parramatta are more likely to suffer from severe disabilities than people in Mosman. That’s according to a new report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare which looked at the link between economic disadvantage and disability in Australian capital cities. The report found that disability is more common in suburbs where residents have fewer economic resources but its author, Dr Louise O’Rance, says that it’s hard to say whether disability causes disadvantage or the other way around. The release of the report coincides with a government review into the disability pension which many say is inadequate, and it highlights a link that’s likely to intensify as the economic climate darkens. 2ser’s Michael Edwards asked Dr O’Rance why disability is more common is poorer suburbs. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-07T17_59_50-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-07T17_59_50-07_00 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:56:20 GMT 2009-04-08 2009-04-08 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 301 no People in Parramatta are more likely to suffer from severe disabilities than people in Mosman. That’s according to a new report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare which looked at the link between economic disadvantage and disability in Australian capital cities. The report found that disability is more common in suburbs where residents have fewer economic resources but its author, Dr Louise O’Rance, says that it’s hard to say whether disability causes disadvantage or the other way around. The release of the report coincides with a government review into the disability pension which many say is inadequate, and it highlights a link that’s likely to intensify as the economic climate darkens. 2ser’s Michael Edwards asked Dr O’Rance why disability is more common is poorer suburbs. Back in 1991 Australia was heading into a deep recession. The unemployment rate went over 10%, and it took twelve years for it to climb back to its pre-recession levels. This week the OECD signaled that we might be returning to the horrors of the early 1990s, when it released a report saying that unemployment was headed for the ten-percent mark in all of its member countries, almost without exception. The federal treasurer Wayne Swan has conceded that we will probably see unemployment rise above the government’s previous estimate of 7%. 2SER’s Tim Roxburgh asked Professor William Mitchell, Director of the Centre of Full Employment and Equity, if he thought we were headed back to the dark days of the early 90s. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-05T06_53_21-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-05T06_53_21-07_00 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 13:50:38 GMT 2009-04-05 2009-04-05 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 301 no Back in 1991 Australia was heading into a deep recession. The unemployment rate went over 10%, and it took twelve years for it to climb back to its pre-recession levels. This week the OECD signaled that we might be returning to the horrors of the early 1990s, when it released a report saying that unemployment was headed for the ten-percent mark in all of its member countries, almost without exception. The federal treasurer Wayne Swan has conceded that we will probably see unemployment rise above the government’s previous estimate of 7%. 2SER’s Tim Roxburgh asked Professor William Mitchell, Director of the Centre of Full Employment and Equity, if he thought we were headed back to the dark days of the early 90s. For many people over 55, taking a cocktail of medication is a daily ritual. But researchers in India have this week have released a study on the Polypill, which could change all that. The once a day super-tablet combines various drugs to treat blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce blood clotting and could potentially reduce the number of heart attacks and strokes by a 50%. According to Dr. Christopher Cannon, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, the polypill is a “first and crucial step" toward treating cardiac risk factors in one drug. While the concept has generally received praise, there is a concern that people could become complacent in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, in favour of conveniently popping one pill. They also question the idea of daily medication for people who don’t yet have any risk factors. The Heart Foundation’s National Manager of Clinical Programs, Nancy Huang has welcomed the new study and says the Polypill has great potential. She’s speaking here with 2ser’s Vanessa Aiello. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-05T04_58_19-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-05T04_58_19-07_00 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:55:50 GMT 2009-04-05 2009-04-05 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 243 no For many people over 55, taking a cocktail of medication is a daily ritual. But researchers in India have this week have released a study on the Polypill, which could change all that. The once a day super-tablet combines various drugs to treat blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce blood clotting and could potentially reduce the number of heart attacks and strokes by a 50%. According to Dr. Christopher Cannon, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, the polypill is a “first and crucial step" toward treating cardiac risk factors in one drug. While the concept has generally received praise, there is a concern that people could become complacent in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, in favour of conveniently popping one pill. They also question the idea of daily medication for people who don’t yet have any risk factors. The Heart Foundation’s National Manager of Clinical Programs, Nancy Huang has welcomed the new study and says the Polypill has great potential. She’s speaking here with 2ser’s Vanessa Aiello. While the rest of the country is being told to exercise wage restraint, the nation’s leaders may soon be offered a large pay rise. The independent review panel which determines Federal and State Parliamentarians’ wages, the Remunerations Tribunal, will hand down its recommendation in mid-June. Last year the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd froze pay rises for MP’s, choosing not to pass on the Tribunal’s suggested increase of close to five and a half thousand dollars, and he may well do the same thing again this year. However, some parliamentarians think the issue is far more complicated than just the base parliamentary wage. 2SER's Julia Holman spoke with Independent Federal MP Rob Oakeshott, who believes that the perks offered to politicians once they leave politics are of far greater concern. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-03T23_25_33-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-03T23_25_33-07_00 Sat, 04 Apr 2009 06:21:01 GMT 2009-04-05 2009-04-04 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 301 no While the rest of the country is being told to exercise wage restraint, the nation’s leaders may soon be offered a large pay rise. The independent review panel which determines Federal and State Parliamentarians’ wages, the Remunerations Tribunal, will hand down its recommendation in mid-June. Last year the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd froze pay rises for MP’s, choosing not to pass on the Tribunal’s suggested increase of close to five and a half thousand dollars, and he may well do the same thing again this year. However, some parliamentarians think the issue is far more complicated than just the base parliamentary wage. 2SER's Julia Holman spoke with Independent Federal MP Rob Oakeshott, who believes that the perks offered to politicians once they leave politics are of far greater concern. Most of us love a good cup of coffee? Norton Street Leichhardt is well known for churning out a decent home brew, and now the suburbs coffee is set to become more fair trade friendly. Leichhardt Council has paid $10,000 to be a part of the Fair Trade Movement – a global scheme supporting farmers in developing countries, ensuring their prices are fair and stable. The Council is encouraging Inner West outlets to stock products with the Fair Trade label. The Mayor of Leichhardt Jamie Parker, has dismissed a recent attack on the scheme by The Daily Telegraph, saying there will be many benefits for the local community. He spoke with 2SER’s Nastasia Campanella. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-03T23_34_12-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-03T23_34_12-07_00 Sat, 04 Apr 2009 06:31:51 GMT 2009-04-05 2009-04-04 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 253 no Most of us love a good cup of coffee? Norton Street Leichhardt is well known for churning out a decent home brew, and now the suburbs coffee is set to become more fair trade friendly. Leichhardt Council has paid $10,000 to be a part of the Fair Trade Movement – a global scheme supporting farmers in developing countries, ensuring their prices are fair and stable. The Council is encouraging Inner West outlets to stock products with the Fair Trade label. The Mayor of Leichhardt Jamie Parker, has dismissed a recent attack on the scheme by The Daily Telegraph, saying there will be many benefits for the local community. He spoke with 2SER’s Nastasia Campanella. Two-thirds of executions carried out in 2008 took place in Asia, according to a new report released by Amnesty International. The report found that two-thousand three hundred and ninety people were executed in 25 nations in last year, with most of these occurring in China. China alone accounted for more than 17 hundred executions however the figure is believed to be much higher as statistics on death sentences and executions remain state secrets. The Middle East and North Africa has the second-highest number of executions, with Iran using some of the most inhumane methods such as stoning and hanging. Andrew Besiik, Amnesty International’s Campaigns manager, says hundreds of people continue to be sentenced to death and suffer in the many countries that have not formally abolished the death penalty. He spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-01T07_04_52-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-04-01T07_04_52-07_00 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:01:59 GMT 2009-04-01 2009-04-01 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 247 no Two-thirds of executions carried out in 2008 took place in Asia, according to a new report released by Amnesty International. The report found that two-thousand three hundred and ninety people were executed in 25 nations in last year, with most of these occurring in China. China alone accounted for more than 17 hundred executions however the figure is believed to be much higher as statistics on death sentences and executions remain state secrets. The Middle East and North Africa has the second-highest number of executions, with Iran using some of the most inhumane methods such as stoning and hanging. Andrew Besiik, Amnesty International’s Campaigns manager, says hundreds of people continue to be sentenced to death and suffer in the many countries that have not formally abolished the death penalty. He spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga. This week the Dalai Lama was refused entry to South Africa, where he had been scheduled to appear at a Peace Conference. He has traveled to South Africa before without problems, and the refusal to grant the spiritual leader a Visa has surprised human rights organisations. China is beginning to exert significant influence in Africa, where it has been investing in development, at the same time as lending support to violent and repressive regimes. 2SER's Tim Roxburgh asked Helen Ware, Professor in the department of peace studies at the University of New England, why she thought South Africa had suddenly turned on Tibet’s spiritual leader. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-29T07_33_03-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-29T07_33_03-07_00 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:28:57 GMT 2009-03-29 2009-03-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 293 no This week the Dalai Lama was refused entry to South Africa, where he had been scheduled to appear at a Peace Conference. He has traveled to South Africa before without problems, and the refusal to grant the spiritual leader a Visa has surprised human rights organisations. China is beginning to exert significant influence in Africa, where it has been investing in development, at the same time as lending support to violent and repressive regimes. 2SER's Tim Roxburgh asked Helen Ware, Professor in the department of peace studies at the University of New England, why she thought South Africa had suddenly turned on Tibet’s spiritual leader. Research released this week has found that serious health problems for Indigenous Australian’s are alive and well because of widespread racism. The three year study done by Flinders University in Adelaide looked at Aborigines living in urban South Australia . It found 93 percent of indigenous people had direct experience with racism. Senior Researcher at Flinders University , Anna Ziersch tells 2SER’s, Nastasia Campanella the findings weren’t surprising http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-29T04_14_51-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-29T04_14_51-07_00 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 11:12:27 GMT 2009-03-29 2009-03-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 268 no Research released this week has found that serious health problems for Indigenous Australian’s are alive and well because of widespread racism. The three year study done by Flinders University in Adelaide looked at Aborigines living in urban South Australia . It found 93 percent of indigenous people had direct experience with racism. Senior Researcher at Flinders University , Anna Ziersch tells 2SER’s, Nastasia Campanella the findings weren’t surprising The New South Wales State Government is getting ready to announce the approval of a plan to upgrade one of Sydney’s busiest roads, but the local residents who it’s designed to help say the plan is flawed and won’t help solve congestion on the busy arterial. The proposed Victoria Road upgrade is a $162 million project, and part of the plan includes the construction of a bridge to sit alongside the existing Iron Cove Bridge, a 500 metre link connecting the suburbs of Rozelle and Drummoyne. Residents have launched a campaign called No New Bridge, and warn that if the Labor Government fails to listen to their concerns, they could lose two marginal seats in the 2011 State elections. 2SER’s Julia Holman spoke with Alex Elliott, from the Victoria Road Community Committee, and asked him why his organisation opposes the Government’s plan. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-28T23_17_59-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-28T23_17_59-07_00 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 06:15:16 GMT 2009-03-29 2009-03-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 304 no The New South Wales State Government is getting ready to announce the approval of a plan to upgrade one of Sydney’s busiest roads, but the local residents who it’s designed to help say the plan is flawed and won’t help solve congestion on the busy arterial. The proposed Victoria Road upgrade is a $162 million project, and part of the plan includes the construction of a bridge to sit alongside the existing Iron Cove Bridge, a 500 metre link connecting the suburbs of Rozelle and Drummoyne. Residents have launched a campaign called No New Bridge, and warn that if the Labor Government fails to listen to their concerns, they could lose two marginal seats in the 2011 State elections. 2SER’s Julia Holman spoke with Alex Elliott, from the Victoria Road Community Committee, and asked him why his organisation opposes the Government’s plan. Politicians and green groups concerned about dramatic climate change are failing to look at one of the most important issues - overpopulation. That's according to Roger Short, honorary professor at the University of Melbourne's faculty of medicine. He says that government-commissioned reviews - such as the Stern report in Britain and the Garnaut report in Australia - had not even mentioned the word "population". The UN estimates that on current trends the earth's population will reach 7 billion by 2012 and NINE billion by 2050. Massive food and water shortages are predicted as consumption levels skyrocket, so why are population controls off the agenda? The organisation "Sustainable population Australia" says these warnings need to be heeded and countries like Australia need to implement a consistent population policy. JOHN COULTER is the groups spokesperson and a former Democrat Senator. He spoke with 2ser's Ashley Felderhof. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-22T22_50_16-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-22T22_50_16-07_00 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:48:40 GMT 2009-03-23 2009-03-23 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 301 no Politicians and green groups concerned about dramatic climate change are failing to look at one of the most important issues - overpopulation. That's according to Roger Short, honorary professor at the University of Melbourne's faculty of medicine. He says that government-commissioned reviews - such as the Stern report in Britain and the Garnaut report in Australia - had not even mentioned the word "population". The UN estimates that on current trends the earth's population will reach 7 billion by 2012 and NINE billion by 2050. Massive food and water shortages are predicted as consumption levels skyrocket, so why are population controls off the agenda? The organisation "Sustainable population Australia" says these warnings need to be heeded and countries like Australia need to implement a consistent population policy. JOHN COULTER is the groups spokesperson and a former Democrat Senator. He spoke with 2ser's Ashley Felderhof. This week saw News Limited print a series of nude pictures in their publications that were claimed to be of Pauline Hanson. The editor of Sydney’s Sunday Telegraph has apologized for not checking the photos thoroughly enough to see if they really were of Hanson, but earlier in the week – when they thought they had the right woman - the paper was happy to defend the decision to print the photos, and said that the public would decide if the story was in the public interest, by buying the paper if they thought the story was interesting. Currently the Press Council handles complaints about invasions of privacy by the media, but privacy advocates have criticised its role in handling these issues. The Australian Law Reform Commission last year recommended that thorough privacy protections be enshrined in federal legislation, including the right to sue media outlets in severe cases. Tim Roxburgh asked Nigel Waters, a board member of the Australian Privacy Foundation, how the proposed laws might have applied to the events of this week, if that woman in the photos had been Pauline Hanson. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-22T04_47_09-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-22T04_47_09-07_00 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:44:09 GMT 2009-03-22 2009-03-22 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 305 no This week saw News Limited print a series of nude pictures in their publications that were claimed to be of Pauline Hanson. The editor of Sydney’s Sunday Telegraph has apologized for not checking the photos thoroughly enough to see if they really were of Hanson, but earlier in the week – when they thought they had the right woman - the paper was happy to defend the decision to print the photos, and said that the public would decide if the story was in the public interest, by buying the paper if they thought the story was interesting. Currently the Press Council handles complaints about invasions of privacy by the media, but privacy advocates have criticised its role in handling these issues. The Australian Law Reform Commission last year recommended that thorough privacy protections be enshrined in federal legislation, including the right to sue media outlets in severe cases. Tim Roxburgh asked Nigel Waters, a board member of the Australian Privacy Foundation, how the proposed laws might have applied to the events of this week, if that woman in the photos had been Pauline Hanson. NSW Police could be allowed to conduct secret home and business searches under a new law put forward by the Rees government. Under the plan police don’t have to tell the householder that a search has taken place for up to three years. Any offence carrying a maximum penalty of seven years or more can be the basis for a warrant. The council for Civil Liberties says the proposal is extreme and is calling on MP's in the states Upper House to block the bill. Council Secretary Stephen Blanks spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-20T22_52_44-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-20T22_52_44-07_00 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 05:49:21 GMT 2009-03-21 2009-03-21 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 279 no NSW Police could be allowed to conduct secret home and business searches under a new law put forward by the Rees government. Under the plan police don’t have to tell the householder that a search has taken place for up to three years. Any offence carrying a maximum penalty of seven years or more can be the basis for a warrant. The council for Civil Liberties says the proposal is extreme and is calling on MP's in the states Upper House to block the bill. Council Secretary Stephen Blanks spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga A report published this week has put a figure on the true costs of car, bus and train travel in Sydney. Cars cost their owners and society dearly, says the report, and trains beat buses to take out the title for the cheapest form of transport. But the report says the costs of different forms of transport aren’t reflected in the prices that we pay when we travel, and that the exorbitant costs of car travel aren’t apparent to people when they decide to jump in their car. The UTS study found that in 2006 Sydney-siders and the NSW government spent around 40 billion dollars on running cars, while the government spent just 3 billion on public transport. Tim Roxburgh asked Dr Gary Glazebrook, the author of the report, about the hidden costs of driving. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-20T22_46_42-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-20T22_46_42-07_00 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 05:43:46 GMT 2009-03-21 2009-03-21 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 254 no A report published this week has put a figure on the true costs of car, bus and train travel in Sydney. Cars cost their owners and society dearly, says the report, and trains beat buses to take out the title for the cheapest form of transport. But the report says the costs of different forms of transport aren’t reflected in the prices that we pay when we travel, and that the exorbitant costs of car travel aren’t apparent to people when they decide to jump in their car. The UTS study found that in 2006 Sydney-siders and the NSW government spent around 40 billion dollars on running cars, while the government spent just 3 billion on public transport. Tim Roxburgh asked Dr Gary Glazebrook, the author of the report, about the hidden costs of driving. This week, Israeli activist Professor Jeffrey Halper arrived in Sydney to begin a speaking tour discussing security in the Middle East. Professor Halper is from the Israeli Committee against Housing Demolition which vocally opposes the Israeli policy of bulldozing the homes of Palestinians for military purposes. His supporters have created quite a controversy with some groups considering them anti-Israeli or even anti-semetic. A host of one of his talks, the Emmanuel Synagogue in Woollahra, ran an ad promoting Professor Halper’s talk in the Australian Jewish News. The ad was pulled this week by the newspaper’s publisher, Robert Magid. 2SER’s Cale Bain asked him why. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-15T04_52_48-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-15T04_52_48-07_00 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 11:50:05 GMT 2009-03-17 2009-03-15 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 305 no This week, Israeli activist Professor Jeffrey Halper arrived in Sydney to begin a speaking tour discussing security in the Middle East. Professor Halper is from the Israeli Committee against Housing Demolition which vocally opposes the Israeli policy of bulldozing the homes of Palestinians for military purposes. His supporters have created quite a controversy with some groups considering them anti-Israeli or even anti-semetic. A host of one of his talks, the Emmanuel Synagogue in Woollahra, ran an ad promoting Professor Halper’s talk in the Australian Jewish News. The ad was pulled this week by the newspaper’s publisher, Robert Magid. 2SER’s Cale Bain asked him why. The organisation representing six capital city community TV stations has criticised the Logie Awards for refusing to accept an entry from one of their programs. The Community Television Alliance says it's surprised by the decision to exclude the cult hit, the Bazura Project, which wanted to enter the most outstanding comedy category. The Barura Project is a satire show which looks at cinema and it was broadcast in four cities during 2008. The programs producers say the Logie rules don't exclude community TV but the organisers have refused to accept a nomination on several occasions. So why are the TV Week Logie Awards so reluctant to give new programs a go? Shannon Marinko is one of the directors and a co-host of the Bazura Project - he spoke with 2SER's mark Robinson. http://www.bazuraproject.com/ http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-15T04_17_18-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-15T04_17_18-07_00 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 11:05:14 GMT 2009-03-16 2009-03-15 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 336 no The organisation representing six capital city community TV stations has criticised the Logie Awards for refusing to accept an entry from one of their programs. The Community Television Alliance says it's surprised by the decision to exclude the cult hit, the Bazura Project, which wanted to enter the most outstanding comedy category. The Barura Project is a satire show which looks at cinema and it was broadcast in four cities during 2008. The programs producers say the Logie rules don't exclude community TV but the organisers have refused to accept a nomination on several occasions. So why are the TV Week Logie Awards so reluctant to give new programs a go? Shannon Marinko is one of the directors and a co-host of the Bazura Project - he spoke with 2SER's mark Robinson. http://www.bazuraproject.com/ Amnesty International has joined forces with campaigners from within Iran to end the practice of stoning, where people convicted of certain crimes have stones thrown at them until they die from their injuries. They say that eight Iranian women, charged with adultery, are currently in prisons awaiting this sentence. There is a growing movement inside the county to end the unpopular practice and even some members of the Islamic judiciary have come out against stoning in recent years. But campaigners say that the punishment continues and is indicative of the situation faced by women under Iran’s strict sharia law. Farida Shaheed is part of the Stop Stoning Forever campaign. She heads a women’s resource centre in neighboring Pakistan. 2ser’s Michael Edwards asked her if stonings were common in Iran. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-13T23_08_02-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-13T23_08_02-07_00 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:05:07 GMT 2009-03-14 2009-03-14 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 302 no Amnesty International has joined forces with campaigners from within Iran to end the practice of stoning, where people convicted of certain crimes have stones thrown at them until they die from their injuries. They say that eight Iranian women, charged with adultery, are currently in prisons awaiting this sentence. There is a growing movement inside the county to end the unpopular practice and even some members of the Islamic judiciary have come out against stoning in recent years. But campaigners say that the punishment continues and is indicative of the situation faced by women under Iran’s strict sharia law. Farida Shaheed is part of the Stop Stoning Forever campaign. She heads a women’s resource centre in neighboring Pakistan. 2ser’s Michael Edwards asked her if stonings were common in Iran. This week the Education Minister Julia Gillard announced a sweeping reform of the higher education system, with the goal of steeply increasing the number of students graduating over the next decade. Central to the reforms is a new demand-driven allocation of funding, meaning that government money will follow students to the institutions and the courses they choose to enroll in. The ramifications of this deregulated model are causing heated debate within the higher education sector, and there are fears that some regional universities and less populated subject areas will wither away in the midst of intense competition to attract students. As 2SER's Tim Roxburgh found out, the National Tertiary Education Union is backing the changes, while student organizations remain bitterly opposed. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-07T04_17_03-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-07T04_17_03-08_00 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 12:08:40 GMT 2009-03-07 2009-03-07 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 285 no This week the Education Minister Julia Gillard announced a sweeping reform of the higher education system, with the goal of steeply increasing the number of students graduating over the next decade. Central to the reforms is a new demand-driven allocation of funding, meaning that government money will follow students to the institutions and the courses they choose to enroll in. The ramifications of this deregulated model are causing heated debate within the higher education sector, and there are fears that some regional universities and less populated subject areas will wither away in the midst of intense competition to attract students. As 2SER's Tim Roxburgh found out, the National Tertiary Education Union is backing the changes, while student organizations remain bitterly opposed. With digital radio landing in cities across Australia in May this year, it seems the future is at our fingertips. The new technology offers pictures and text, and pause and rewind options, as well as many other possibilities. But the community sector has been given less than a third of the broadcasting space allowed to commercial and national radio stations, meaning the advantages of the digital age could be almost non-existent. Now Sydney's community stations must figure out the best way to make use of the digital leftovers. 2SER’s Angus Thompson reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-28T04_37_38-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-28T04_37_38-08_00 Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:35:23 GMT 2009-02-28 2009-02-28 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 216 no With digital radio landing in cities across Australia in May this year, it seems the future is at our fingertips. The new technology offers pictures and text, and pause and rewind options, as well as many other possibilities. But the community sector has been given less than a third of the broadcasting space allowed to commercial and national radio stations, meaning the advantages of the digital age could be almost non-existent. Now Sydney's community stations must figure out the best way to make use of the digital leftovers. 2SER’s Angus Thompson reports. The new US secretary of State Hillary Clinton has angered human rights groups by playing down the issue of ongoing human rights abuses by the Chinese government. Just prior to her recent trip to China, Clinton made a point of saying that human rights must not get in the way of discussions about the economic crisis facing both countries. As state-controlled Chinese media outlets issued positive reviews of the Clinton visit this week, the US state department released a report on Wednesday saying that China’s human rights record was getting worse. The report found that in 2008 Chinese authorities had committed extrajudicial killings and torture, coerced confessions of prisoners, and used forced labour. All this despite the international spotlight on the Beijing olympics. 2SER’s Tim Roxburgh asked Professor Geoffrey Garrett, the CEO of the US Studies Centre at Sydney University, whether we can expect to see any change in the US policy on human rights in China under the Obama administration. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-27T22_56_00-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-27T22_56_00-08_00 Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:53:26 GMT 2009-02-28 2009-02-28 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 269 no The new US secretary of State Hillary Clinton has angered human rights groups by playing down the issue of ongoing human rights abuses by the Chinese government. Just prior to her recent trip to China, Clinton made a point of saying that human rights must not get in the way of discussions about the economic crisis facing both countries. As state-controlled Chinese media outlets issued positive reviews of the Clinton visit this week, the US state department released a report on Wednesday saying that China’s human rights record was getting worse. The report found that in 2008 Chinese authorities had committed extrajudicial killings and torture, coerced confessions of prisoners, and used forced labour. All this despite the international spotlight on the Beijing olympics. 2SER’s Tim Roxburgh asked Professor Geoffrey Garrett, the CEO of the US Studies Centre at Sydney University, whether we can expect to see any change in the US policy on human rights in China under the Obama administration. A federal government inquiry will hold hearings in Sydney next week to discuss the options for strengthening human rights protection in the Asia-Pacific. In recent weeks, 2ser has broadcast a number of stories about this issue. The Thai military’s treatment of Rohingya refugees from Burma, Indonesia’s ongoing crackdown on the West Papuan independence movement, and the release of China’s first ever human rights report, suggest that human rights is an ongoing issue in this region. The inquiry will discuss alternatives ranging from building an overarching regional body – like the one that operates in Europe – to strengthening national human rights commissions. Catherine Renshaw is a research fellow at the Australian Human Rights Centre, one of the organisations giving evidence to the inquiry next week. 2ser’s Michael Edwards asked her to describe the current state of human rights protection mechanisms in the Asia-Pacific. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-14T21_44_16-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-14T21_44_16-08_00 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:41:34 GMT 2009-02-15 2009-02-15 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 305 no A federal government inquiry will hold hearings in Sydney next week to discuss the options for strengthening human rights protection in the Asia-Pacific. In recent weeks, 2ser has broadcast a number of stories about this issue. The Thai military’s treatment of Rohingya refugees from Burma, Indonesia’s ongoing crackdown on the West Papuan independence movement, and the release of China’s first ever human rights report, suggest that human rights is an ongoing issue in this region. The inquiry will discuss alternatives ranging from building an overarching regional body – like the one that operates in Europe – to strengthening national human rights commissions. Catherine Renshaw is a research fellow at the Australian Human Rights Centre, one of the organisations giving evidence to the inquiry next week. 2ser’s Michael Edwards asked her to describe the current state of human rights protection mechanisms in the Asia-Pacific. Freedom of Information in Australia is often called freedom FROM Information because of the dated and secretive system currently in place. However, politicians could be subject to a radical new Freedom of Information Act under changes proposed by the NSW Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour. Barbour says the present system is “overly complex” and “pretty appalling” in his recent review of the Act and is calling on the Government to replace it with a new Open Government Information Act. Rick Snell is a Senior Lecturer in Law at University of Tasmania and a strong advocate for FOI reform in Australia. He spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-14T04_16_36-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-14T04_16_36-08_00 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:13:54 GMT 2009-02-14 2009-02-14 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 353 no Freedom of Information in Australia is often called freedom FROM Information because of the dated and secretive system currently in place. However, politicians could be subject to a radical new Freedom of Information Act under changes proposed by the NSW Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour. Barbour says the present system is “overly complex” and “pretty appalling” in his recent review of the Act and is calling on the Government to replace it with a new Open Government Information Act. Rick Snell is a Senior Lecturer in Law at University of Tasmania and a strong advocate for FOI reform in Australia. He spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga Next Sunday night thousands of short film lovers will be heading to the Domain for the annual TROPFEST extravaganza. But in another part of Sydney at a secret location hundreds of people will be boycotting Tropfest and taking part in the 9th annual SQUATFEST. Squatfest organisers say Tropfest has become too mainstream and corporate and believe their DIY festival is more accessible to ordinary film-makers and artists. Squatfest was started by those involved in the famous Broadway squats in 2001 when several unused building were taken over by activists. Sydney artist Keg de Souza is one of the organisers of Squatfest and she spoke to 2SER's Mark Robinson. http://squatfest.com/ http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-13T22_01_16-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-13T22_01_16-08_00 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:55:21 GMT 2009-02-14 2009-02-14 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 304 no Next Sunday night thousands of short film lovers will be heading to the Domain for the annual TROPFEST extravaganza. But in another part of Sydney at a secret location hundreds of people will be boycotting Tropfest and taking part in the 9th annual SQUATFEST. Squatfest organisers say Tropfest has become too mainstream and corporate and believe their DIY festival is more accessible to ordinary film-makers and artists. Squatfest was started by those involved in the famous Broadway squats in 2001 when several unused building were taken over by activists. Sydney artist Keg de Souza is one of the organisers of Squatfest and she spoke to 2SER's Mark Robinson. http://squatfest.com/ Do you have a war criminal living next door to you? It might sound crazy but according to a new study there could be hundreds of war criminals living in Australia, undetected. The Lowy Institute report released this week says both Labor and Liberal governments have failed to take proper action against some of the worst criminals in the world. The institute says only a tiny handful of people are rejected by Australian immigration due to allegations of war crimes. Fergus Hanson is a research associate and the author of the report. 2SER's Ashley Felderhof asked him how many serious offenders he thought were living in Australia. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-13T21_51_30-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-13T21_51_30-08_00 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:48:41 GMT 2009-02-14 2009-02-14 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 328 no Do you have a war criminal living next door to you? It might sound crazy but according to a new study there could be hundreds of war criminals living in Australia, undetected. The Lowy Institute report released this week says both Labor and Liberal governments have failed to take proper action against some of the worst criminals in the world. The institute says only a tiny handful of people are rejected by Australian immigration due to allegations of war crimes. Fergus Hanson is a research associate and the author of the report. 2SER's Ashley Felderhof asked him how many serious offenders he thought were living in Australia. NSW prison officers went on strike to rally outside parliament house in Sydney this week, in protest of the government’s plans to privatize jails at Cessnock and Parklea. Protestors spoke out about their fears for the security of workers, prisoners and the community if the move goes ahead. The proposal comes six months after the NSW government found that overtime payments for officers had reached a massive $43 million. In an ironic twist, the newly appointed MINISTER for CORRECTIVE SERVICES and former UNIONS NSW SECRETARY, JOHN ROBERTSON, is in charge of overseeing the portfolio. Robertson was a major critic of the Iemma Government’s plan to privatize electricity last year. But STEVE TURNER, from the PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION, says the fight is not over - He spoke with 2ser’s, Lucy Barbour. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-08T16_27_46-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-08T16_27_46-08_00 Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:25:29 GMT 2009-02-09 2009-02-09 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 321 no NSW prison officers went on strike to rally outside parliament house in Sydney this week, in protest of the government’s plans to privatize jails at Cessnock and Parklea. Protestors spoke out about their fears for the security of workers, prisoners and the community if the move goes ahead. The proposal comes six months after the NSW government found that overtime payments for officers had reached a massive $43 million. In an ironic twist, the newly appointed MINISTER for CORRECTIVE SERVICES and former UNIONS NSW SECRETARY, JOHN ROBERTSON, is in charge of overseeing the portfolio. Robertson was a major critic of the Iemma Government’s plan to privatize electricity last year. But STEVE TURNER, from the PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION, says the fight is not over - He spoke with 2ser’s, Lucy Barbour. The amount of fresh water used to produce food may soon be displayed on special labels on products sold in supermarkets. The ‘water footprint’ label would operate in a similar way to carbon footprint labeling in Europe. The idea is designed to increase awareness, not just about water usage but about where the water came from. Environment campaigner Jon Dee from the non-profit group Do Something says the information provided by the label could change the way people shop and help combat the $5 billion worth of food that goes to waste each year. He spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-07T06_50_05-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-07T06_50_05-08_00 Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:47:20 GMT 2009-02-07 2009-02-07 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 286 no The amount of fresh water used to produce food may soon be displayed on special labels on products sold in supermarkets. The ‘water footprint’ label would operate in a similar way to carbon footprint labeling in Europe. The idea is designed to increase awareness, not just about water usage but about where the water came from. Environment campaigner Jon Dee from the non-profit group Do Something says the information provided by the label could change the way people shop and help combat the $5 billion worth of food that goes to waste each year. He spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga Kevin Rudd this week announced a massive $42 billion stimulus package to address the financial crisis and boost the economy. The package includes a series of infrastructure building projects and $12.7 billion in cash handouts. During the week the opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull attacked the package for being too large and wasteful. But criticism also came from people in the welfare sector, angry that there is nothing in the package to support the rising number of unemployed people. With a recession looming, unemployment is set to jump from the current rate of 4.5% to 7% by 2010. 300,000 more people are set to lose their jobs and they will have to survive on the current Newstart dole payment of just $225 per week. 2ser’s Michael Edwards asked Dr David Ingles, a research fellow at the Australia Institute, to explain the ways in which the package overlooks this growing problem. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-06T22_24_07-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-06T22_24_07-08_00 Sat, 07 Feb 2009 06:21:54 GMT 2009-02-07 2009-02-07 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 195 no Kevin Rudd this week announced a massive $42 billion stimulus package to address the financial crisis and boost the economy. The package includes a series of infrastructure building projects and $12.7 billion in cash handouts. During the week the opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull attacked the package for being too large and wasteful. But criticism also came from people in the welfare sector, angry that there is nothing in the package to support the rising number of unemployed people. With a recession looming, unemployment is set to jump from the current rate of 4.5% to 7% by 2010. 300,000 more people are set to lose their jobs and they will have to survive on the current Newstart dole payment of just $225 per week. 2ser’s Michael Edwards asked Dr David Ingles, a research fellow at the Australia Institute, to explain the ways in which the package overlooks this growing problem. Could you imagine putting down a healthy animal? Well it happens to thousands of animals a year – and whether it's justified is hotly disputed. Animal welfare groups are calling for a public inquiry into how many healthy pets are euthanized each year. They claim that pet shops have a commercial interest to sell animals regardless of the houses they go to – resulting in abandoned pets. But pet shop owners and the Australian Veterinary Association say there's no evidence the shops are to blame. 2ser's Peta Yoshinaga spoke to the founder of Cat Rescue, Derek Knox, who believes a public inquiry is essential for transparency. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-01T18_06_28-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-01T18_06_28-08_00 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 02:04:53 GMT 2009-02-02 2009-02-02 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 365 no Could you imagine putting down a healthy animal? Well it happens to thousands of animals a year – and whether it's justified is hotly disputed. Animal welfare groups are calling for a public inquiry into how many healthy pets are euthanized each year. They claim that pet shops have a commercial interest to sell animals regardless of the houses they go to – resulting in abandoned pets. But pet shop owners and the Australian Veterinary Association say there's no evidence the shops are to blame. 2ser's Peta Yoshinaga spoke to the founder of Cat Rescue, Derek Knox, who believes a public inquiry is essential for transparency. Since Israel launched its assault on Gaza three weeks ago more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed. 600 civilians have been killed, including 355 children. On the Israeli side the death toll stands at around 20. Throughout the offensive Israel has maintained a ban on western journalists entering Gaza to report on the conflict. Despite protests from media groups like CNN and the BBC and a Supreme court ruling against the ban, Israel has refused to budge. Toni O'Loughlin is a freelance journalist with the UK Guardian newspaper in Israel. She says the ban makes accurate reporting incredibly difficult. 2SER's Nick Hollins asked her to outline Israel's reason for banning journalists. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-01-17T03_58_41-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-01-17T03_58_41-08_00 Sat, 17 Jan 2009 11:54:56 GMT 2009-01-17 2009-01-17 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 317 no Since Israel launched its assault on Gaza three weeks ago more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed. 600 civilians have been killed, including 355 children. On the Israeli side the death toll stands at around 20. Throughout the offensive Israel has maintained a ban on western journalists entering Gaza to report on the conflict. Despite protests from media groups like CNN and the BBC and a Supreme court ruling against the ban, Israel has refused to budge. Toni O'Loughlin is a freelance journalist with the UK Guardian newspaper in Israel. She says the ban makes accurate reporting incredibly difficult. 2SER's Nick Hollins asked her to outline Israel's reason for banning journalists. The current conflict in Gaza is making headlines around the world. And the Western headlines are telling a very different story to those found in the Islamic world. Israel began an aerial bombardment of the Palestinian territory almost 2 weeks ago and has since launched a ground invasion. Many hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, thousands injured, and food, fuel and medical supplies are running out. The Israeli military has agreed to cease operations for three hours each day to allow humanitarian efforts a chance to reach those in need. However according to UN officials, this time-period is "totally insufficient" to aid the 1.5 million civilians living in "increasingly appalling" conditions. The United Nations Security Council overwhelmingly called for an immediate cease-fire and a full Israeli withdrawal. The United States was the only nation among 15 members to abstain from the vote. Antony Loewenstein is a co-founder of the advocacy group, "Independent Australian Jewish Voices'. He has written for many international publications, and is the author of "My Israel Question", a best selling title about the Israel/Palestine conflict. He spoke with 2ser's Nick Hollins about the current situation in Gaza. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-01-10T04_13_54-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-01-10T04_13_54-08_00 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:09:17 GMT 2009-01-10 2009-01-10 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 284 no The current conflict in Gaza is making headlines around the world. And the Western headlines are telling a very different story to those found in the Islamic world. Israel began an aerial bombardment of the Palestinian territory almost 2 weeks ago and has since launched a ground invasion. Many hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, thousands injured, and food, fuel and medical supplies are running out. The Israeli military has agreed to cease operations for three hours each day to allow humanitarian efforts a chance to reach those in need. However according to UN officials, this time-period is "totally insufficient" to aid the 1.5 million civilians living in "increasingly appalling" conditions. The United Nations Security Council overwhelmingly called for an immediate cease-fire and a full Israeli withdrawal. The United States was the only nation among 15 members to abstain from the vote. Antony Loewenstein is a co-founder of the advocacy group, "Independent Australian Jewish Voices'. He has written for many international publications, and is the author of "My Israel Question", a best selling title about the Israel/Palestine conflict. He spoke with 2ser's Nick Hollins about the current situation in Gaza. The people of Gaza are facing a humanitarian crisis of ever-increasing urgency. According to the United Nations, "Operation Cast Lead", the Israeli invasion and aerial bombardment of Gaza that began on December 27th, has so far killed more than 758 people, including 257 children and 56 women. It has also wounded more than three thousand, one hundred people. Israel has been widely criticized for blocking UN attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip. Even before the Israeli military operation began, Gaza was facing severe shortages of food, medical supplies and basic items. Sue Wareham, President of the Medical Association for Prevention of War (Australia), spoke with 2ser's Nick Hollins about the nature of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-01-09T22_16_32-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-01-09T22_16_32-08_00 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:12:48 GMT 2009-01-10 2009-01-10 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 223 no The people of Gaza are facing a humanitarian crisis of ever-increasing urgency. According to the United Nations, "Operation Cast Lead", the Israeli invasion and aerial bombardment of Gaza that began on December 27th, has so far killed more than 758 people, including 257 children and 56 women. It has also wounded more than three thousand, one hundred people. Israel has been widely criticized for blocking UN attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip. Even before the Israeli military operation began, Gaza was facing severe shortages of food, medical supplies and basic items. Sue Wareham, President of the Medical Association for Prevention of War (Australia), spoke with 2ser's Nick Hollins about the nature of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Chronic drug addicts in Switzerland will soon be part of a new treatment plan designed to slash crime rates and make life more bearable for users. 68% of Swiss voters have just backed a referendum which would allow legal, prescription heroin, administered by doctors. Currently heroin cannot be prescribed in Australia, with the government preferring the heroin substitiute, Methadone, which is administered by special clinics and local pharmacies. A proposal for a heroin trial in Australia was put forward in the early 90's, by Dr Alex Wodak from Sydney's St Vincents Hospital. But the University backed plan was cancelled by the Howard government in 1997. But if the idea has been effective in other countries why not try it in Australia? This report from 2SER’s Michelle Watts begins with Dr Alex Wodak. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-12-12T02_53_04-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-12-12T02_53_04-08_00 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:50:09 GMT 2008-12-12 2008-12-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 241 no Chronic drug addicts in Switzerland will soon be part of a new treatment plan designed to slash crime rates and make life more bearable for users. 68% of Swiss voters have just backed a referendum which would allow legal, prescription heroin, administered by doctors. Currently heroin cannot be prescribed in Australia, with the government preferring the heroin substitiute, Methadone, which is administered by special clinics and local pharmacies. A proposal for a heroin trial in Australia was put forward in the early 90's, by Dr Alex Wodak from Sydney's St Vincents Hospital. But the University backed plan was cancelled by the Howard government in 1997. But if the idea has been effective in other countries why not try it in Australia? This report from 2SER’s Michelle Watts begins with Dr Alex Wodak. Questions over the use of the dangerous food additive, TRANS-FAT, have resurfaced following its discovery as an ingredient in Australian Krispy Kreme doughnuts. As some countries move to ban the fat, Australia’s food manufacturers are still able to include the ingredient without sufficient labeling. Trans fats are found in some deep-fried foods, processed foods and many baked goods, and is bad for your heart. This type of fat increases levels of bad cholesterol while lowering the concentration of good cholesterol. Dr John Kaye of the NSW Greens says stronger action should be taken to reduce its use. He spoke with 2SER’s Peta Yoshinaga. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-12-08T07_17_13-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-12-08T07_17_13-08_00 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:14:25 GMT 2008-12-08 2008-12-08 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 291 no Questions over the use of the dangerous food additive, TRANS-FAT, have resurfaced following its discovery as an ingredient in Australian Krispy Kreme doughnuts. As some countries move to ban the fat, Australia’s food manufacturers are still able to include the ingredient without sufficient labeling. Trans fats are found in some deep-fried foods, processed foods and many baked goods, and is bad for your heart. This type of fat increases levels of bad cholesterol while lowering the concentration of good cholesterol. Dr John Kaye of the NSW Greens says stronger action should be taken to reduce its use. He spoke with 2SER’s Peta Yoshinaga. The appalling human rights situation in NORTH KOREA could be even worse than recent studies have suggested. A new organisation made up of 120 defectors from the secretive state, claim that the regimes prison camps now hold 300,000 people and authorities hold annual mass executions of inmates seen as defiant. The "Campaign for North Korean Freedom" describes the country as "a giant gulag" and is calling for international action to improve its human rights record. North Koreas hardline dictator Kim Jong Ill has consistently defied international opinion and continues to resist efforts to stop his production of nuclear weapons. Professor John Mc Kay is a Korea specialist with the NGO, Analysis International. 2ser's Mark Robinson asked him if he thought the estimate of 300,000 political prisoners is credible. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-12-07T04_47_32-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-12-07T04_47_32-08_00 Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:44:11 GMT 2008-12-07 2008-12-07 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 297 no The appalling human rights situation in NORTH KOREA could be even worse than recent studies have suggested. A new organisation made up of 120 defectors from the secretive state, claim that the regimes prison camps now hold 300,000 people and authorities hold annual mass executions of inmates seen as defiant. The "Campaign for North Korean Freedom" describes the country as "a giant gulag" and is calling for international action to improve its human rights record. North Koreas hardline dictator Kim Jong Ill has consistently defied international opinion and continues to resist efforts to stop his production of nuclear weapons. Professor John Mc Kay is a Korea specialist with the NGO, Analysis International. 2ser's Mark Robinson asked him if he thought the estimate of 300,000 political prisoners is credible. Jews in Australia suffered a record 652 anti-Semitic incidents in the last 12 months - almost twice the average of the past 18 years. These disturbing figures were revealed this week by researcher Jeremy Jones from the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council. The report says the incidents included physical assault, property damage and direct, face-to-face harassment of Jewish people. Mr Jones says while Australia is generally tolerant of all beliefs, he says it only takes the actions of a few individuals to incite hatred which so greatly impacts on such religious communities. Jeremy Jones spoke with 2ser's Mig Caldwell in a pre-recorded* interview for Razors edge. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-12-06T02_05_59-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-12-06T02_05_59-08_00 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 10:02:44 GMT 2008-12-06 2008-12-06 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 351 no Jews in Australia suffered a record 652 anti-Semitic incidents in the last 12 months - almost twice the average of the past 18 years. These disturbing figures were revealed this week by researcher Jeremy Jones from the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council. The report says the incidents included physical assault, property damage and direct, face-to-face harassment of Jewish people. Mr Jones says while Australia is generally tolerant of all beliefs, he says it only takes the actions of a few individuals to incite hatred which so greatly impacts on such religious communities. Jeremy Jones spoke with 2ser's Mig Caldwell in a pre-recorded* interview for Razors edge. An Australian atheist organisation with sixteen thousand dollars to spend on advertising, has been knocked back three times by ad companies who rejected their slogans. The Australian Atheist Foundation wanted to place ads on the side of buses to promote their anti religion message, but it seems no one wants to take their cash. The company "APN Outdoor" refused their business and offered no reason for the rejection. Atheist Foundation President David Nicholls says similar ads have been run in Washington and London without any problems. He spoke with 2SER's Mark Robinson. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-29T21_25_15-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-29T21_25_15-08_00 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 05:21:14 GMT 2008-11-30 2008-11-30 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 329 no An Australian atheist organisation with sixteen thousand dollars to spend on advertising, has been knocked back three times by ad companies who rejected their slogans. The Australian Atheist Foundation wanted to place ads on the side of buses to promote their anti religion message, but it seems no one wants to take their cash. The company "APN Outdoor" refused their business and offered no reason for the rejection. Atheist Foundation President David Nicholls says similar ads have been run in Washington and London without any problems. He spoke with 2SER's Mark Robinson. What would you classify pornography to be? Girlie mags? Dodgy videos downloaded off YouTube? A new anti-porn law has just been introduced in Indonesia - and the people who oppose it, say everything from bikinis in Bali to poetry and art could now potentially be illegal. Indonesians living in Bali think it's going to ruin their tourism industry and their culture. Over in Jakarta, cries of 'praise God' were apparently yelled out once the law was passed. Supporters of the law say it's going to save Indonesia from moral decadence. In a country with the world's largest population of Muslim people, Indonesia's constitution is all about about unity through diversity. Of its 222 million people, about 90 percent practice Islam. Most Indonesians are proud of the way the majority of Protestants, Catholics, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims manage to live in peace together, but critics of the law say it has the potential to change all that. 2ser’s Belinda Lopez watched the reaction to its passing in Jakarta. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-29T06_48_05-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-29T06_48_05-08_00 Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:44:37 GMT 2008-11-29 2008-11-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 309 no What would you classify pornography to be? Girlie mags? Dodgy videos downloaded off YouTube? A new anti-porn law has just been introduced in Indonesia - and the people who oppose it, say everything from bikinis in Bali to poetry and art could now potentially be illegal. Indonesians living in Bali think it's going to ruin their tourism industry and their culture. Over in Jakarta, cries of 'praise God' were apparently yelled out once the law was passed. Supporters of the law say it's going to save Indonesia from moral decadence. In a country with the world's largest population of Muslim people, Indonesia's constitution is all about about unity through diversity. Of its 222 million people, about 90 percent practice Islam. Most Indonesians are proud of the way the majority of Protestants, Catholics, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims manage to live in peace together, but critics of the law say it has the potential to change all that. 2ser’s Belinda Lopez watched the reaction to its passing in Jakarta. Hexachlorobenzene. It's a tricky word to say, and an even trickier thing to get rid of. But that's just what Botany-based chemical giant Orica is trying to do. The company lodged an application on Thursday to export over 6000 tonnes of the toxic waste to Denmark, a year after its unsuccessful bid to ship the waste to Germany. If Environment Minister Peter Garrett and the Danes sign off on Orica's export application this time around, the waste could be leaving our shores in just two months. But environmentalists say that quite apart from the risks associated with transporting the waste, Australia has a moral duty to clean up after itself. John Fetter is Orica's spokesman for the Hexachlorobenzene, or HCB, project. He told 2SER's Sophie Tarr that disposing of the waste here in Australia just isn't an option. Also featured in this story: Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith from the National Toxics Network. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-28T22_14_34-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-28T22_14_34-08_00 Sat, 29 Nov 2008 06:11:38 GMT 2008-11-29 2008-11-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 262 no Hexachlorobenzene. It's a tricky word to say, and an even trickier thing to get rid of. But that's just what Botany-based chemical giant Orica is trying to do. The company lodged an application on Thursday to export over 6000 tonnes of the toxic waste to Denmark, a year after its unsuccessful bid to ship the waste to Germany. If Environment Minister Peter Garrett and the Danes sign off on Orica's export application this time around, the waste could be leaving our shores in just two months. But environmentalists say that quite apart from the risks associated with transporting the waste, Australia has a moral duty to clean up after itself. John Fetter is Orica's spokesman for the Hexachlorobenzene, or HCB, project. He told 2SER's Sophie Tarr that disposing of the waste here in Australia just isn't an option. Also featured in this story: Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith from the National Toxics Network. This program was produced by radio journalism students at the University of Technology, Sydney. Broadcast 15 November 2008. http://www.journalism.uts.edu.au/ http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-17T20_33_32-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-11-17T20_33_32-08_00 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:27:03 GMT 2008-11-18 2008-11-18 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 3532 no This program was produced by radio journalism students at the University of Technology, Sydney. Broadcast 15 November 2008. http://www.journalism.uts.edu.au/ During his time in opposition Kevin Rudd stressed the importance of consistency in terms of opposition to capital punishment. His comments earlier this month, declaring that the Bali Bombers “deserve the justice that we delivered them” belie his previous position. Is the Prime Minister merely accepting the right of another country to deliver chosen justice to its people, or is it a case of hypocritical disregard for the lives of foreign citizens? Tim Goodwin, Amnesty International’s former spokesperson on the death penalty, thinks Australia’s double standard on this issue compromises our ability to speak up for our own citizens on death row. He spoke to 2ser’s Dinalie Dabarera. More info: http://asiadeathpenalty.blogspot.com/ http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-29T06_11_47-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-29T06_11_47-07_00 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:08:12 GMT 2008-10-29 2008-10-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 300 no During his time in opposition Kevin Rudd stressed the importance of consistency in terms of opposition to capital punishment. His comments earlier this month, declaring that the Bali Bombers “deserve the justice that we delivered them” belie his previous position. Is the Prime Minister merely accepting the right of another country to deliver chosen justice to its people, or is it a case of hypocritical disregard for the lives of foreign citizens? Tim Goodwin, Amnesty International’s former spokesperson on the death penalty, thinks Australia’s double standard on this issue compromises our ability to speak up for our own citizens on death row. He spoke to 2ser’s Dinalie Dabarera. More info: http://asiadeathpenalty.blogspot.com/ The release of a Euthanasia ‘how to’ guidebook has been released on the Internet this week despite fierce opposition from some pro-euthanasia groups. Controversial euthanasia advocate Dr Philip Nitschke launched “The Peaceful Pill” hand book in London, after the print version was banned in Australia. Dr Nitschke says the book is necessary because many governments including Australia have refused to legalise properly regulated Euthanasia. But many are unhappy with ready availability of the e-book, which outlines quick and easy ways to commit suicide. Dr Giles Yates is the President of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of NSW. He spoke with 2ser’s Rhiannon Elston. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-17T22_29_24-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-17T22_29_24-07_00 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:26:16 GMT 2008-10-18 2008-10-18 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 284 no The release of a Euthanasia ‘how to’ guidebook has been released on the Internet this week despite fierce opposition from some pro-euthanasia groups. Controversial euthanasia advocate Dr Philip Nitschke launched “The Peaceful Pill” hand book in London, after the print version was banned in Australia. Dr Nitschke says the book is necessary because many governments including Australia have refused to legalise properly regulated Euthanasia. But many are unhappy with ready availability of the e-book, which outlines quick and easy ways to commit suicide. Dr Giles Yates is the President of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of NSW. He spoke with 2ser’s Rhiannon Elston. Cardiovascular disease kills one Australian every 10 minutes. But what if there was a super pill that could prevent heart attacks? A world-first trial of a cheap combination ‘polypill’ is about start in Sydney to see if it reduces people’s chances of heart disease – even if they are healthy. But is this just an instant fix for those who make unhealthy lifestyle decisions? Anushka Patel is the director of the Cardiovascular Division of Sydney University’s George Institute for International Health, which is conducting the trial. She’s speaking here with 2ser’s Rosie Lentini. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-11T05_42_59-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-11T05_42_59-07_00 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:39:42 GMT 2008-10-11 2008-10-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 297 no Cardiovascular disease kills one Australian every 10 minutes. But what if there was a super pill that could prevent heart attacks? A world-first trial of a cheap combination ‘polypill’ is about start in Sydney to see if it reduces people’s chances of heart disease – even if they are healthy. But is this just an instant fix for those who make unhealthy lifestyle decisions? Anushka Patel is the director of the Cardiovascular Division of Sydney University’s George Institute for International Health, which is conducting the trial. She’s speaking here with 2ser’s Rosie Lentini. Two of Australia’s biggest commercial radio networks, 2day fm and Nova say they have a new found commitment to unsigned and independent musical acts. Both stations have just launched late night shows designed to give new artists some much needed airplay. The development is seen by some as a positive move away from the narrow, hit based playlists that have dominated pop stations for decades. But, the after 10pm timeslot they dedicate to this music, and the delay in such a move have led critics to suggests it’s little more than a token effort. The Sydney Morning Herald’s senior music writer, Bernard Zuel is not impressed. He says most radio stations have no genuine interest in being adventurous - He spoke with 2ser’s Mig Caldwell. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-11T05_36_20-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-10-11T05_36_20-07_00 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:30:56 GMT 2008-10-11 2008-10-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 334 no Two of Australia’s biggest commercial radio networks, 2day fm and Nova say they have a new found commitment to unsigned and independent musical acts. Both stations have just launched late night shows designed to give new artists some much needed airplay. The development is seen by some as a positive move away from the narrow, hit based playlists that have dominated pop stations for decades. But, the after 10pm timeslot they dedicate to this music, and the delay in such a move have led critics to suggests it’s little more than a token effort. The Sydney Morning Herald’s senior music writer, Bernard Zuel is not impressed. He says most radio stations have no genuine interest in being adventurous - He spoke with 2ser’s Mig Caldwell. The next time Australia decides to send troops to war, who should make the final decision? The whole elected government, a few senior ministers, or just the Prime Minister? Or should such a grave decision be voted on by the Parliament? The five Green Senators introduced a new bill this week, which would give all MP's the ultimate power on the question of armed conflict. WA Greens Senator Scott Ludlam says it's absurd that Parliament currently has no say. He spoke with 2ser's Mark Robinson. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-21T02_06_28-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-21T02_06_28-07_00 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 08:56:37 GMT 2008-09-21 2008-09-21 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 284 no The next time Australia decides to send troops to war, who should make the final decision? The whole elected government, a few senior ministers, or just the Prime Minister? Or should such a grave decision be voted on by the Parliament? The five Green Senators introduced a new bill this week, which would give all MP's the ultimate power on the question of armed conflict. WA Greens Senator Scott Ludlam says it's absurd that Parliament currently has no say. He spoke with 2ser's Mark Robinson. When Australia introduced sexual harassment laws in 1984, the way we treated each other at work and in education underwent some pretty drastic changes. Suddenly, making unwelcome sexual comments or advances wasn't just offensive – in all sorts of situations, it became illegal. And institutions had to develop polices to make sure complaints about harassment were investigated and offenders were disciplined. Twenty-four years on, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick says the sexual harassment laws need updating to protect more people in more situations. She's concerned that gaps in the legislation mean school students and workers who deal with the public are still vulnerable to harassment. With the Federal Government currently reviewing the Sex Discrimination Act, the Human Rights Commission is weighing in with its suggestions for change. Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick spoke to reporter Jacinta Patterson about the changes she's recommending. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-09T17_27_47-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-09T17_27_47-07_00 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:24:47 GMT 2008-09-10 2008-09-10 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 345 no When Australia introduced sexual harassment laws in 1984, the way we treated each other at work and in education underwent some pretty drastic changes. Suddenly, making unwelcome sexual comments or advances wasn't just offensive – in all sorts of situations, it became illegal. And institutions had to develop polices to make sure complaints about harassment were investigated and offenders were disciplined. Twenty-four years on, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick says the sexual harassment laws need updating to protect more people in more situations. She's concerned that gaps in the legislation mean school students and workers who deal with the public are still vulnerable to harassment. With the Federal Government currently reviewing the Sex Discrimination Act, the Human Rights Commission is weighing in with its suggestions for change. Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick spoke to reporter Jacinta Patterson about the changes she's recommending. A Liberal Senator has spoken out against one of her colleagues over a plan to stop Medicare funding for late term abortions. Victorian Senator Judith Troeth says new legislation put forward by fellow Liberal, Guy Barnett, should be opposed, because the issue of abortion should be decided by individuals and their doctors. If passed, Barnett’s bill would end all public funding for abortions performed between 14 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. The two major parties have agreed to allow all senators a conscience vote on the issue, which makes the outcome unpredictable. Senator Troeth, says late term terminations are very rare and only account for 1 to 2 % of all abortions in Australia. She spoke with 2SER’s Mig Caldwell. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-07T19_19_32-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-07T19_19_32-07_00 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:14:55 GMT 2008-09-08 2008-09-08 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 324 no A Liberal Senator has spoken out against one of her colleagues over a plan to stop Medicare funding for late term abortions. Victorian Senator Judith Troeth says new legislation put forward by fellow Liberal, Guy Barnett, should be opposed, because the issue of abortion should be decided by individuals and their doctors. If passed, Barnett’s bill would end all public funding for abortions performed between 14 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. The two major parties have agreed to allow all senators a conscience vote on the issue, which makes the outcome unpredictable. Senator Troeth, says late term terminations are very rare and only account for 1 to 2 % of all abortions in Australia. She spoke with 2SER’s Mig Caldwell. In next weeks council elections some candidates for the Sutherland Shire will be running campaigns aimed at attracting the xenophobic vote. Candidates, like the Australia First Party, have been running an anti immigration platform and say the southern Sydney region should remain predominantly white. Another candidate, Darrin Hodges, has been linking high-rise developments with an influx of Asian immigrants. The Sutherland Shire has a history of racial tension with violence in 2005 at Cronulla. Independent candidate Darrin Hodges, holds the view that Australia has become ‘too’ multicultural and says we need to re-assess our position as a white Country. 2ser’s Paige Nguyen reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-06T23_53_55-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-06T23_53_55-07_00 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 06:48:57 GMT 2008-09-07 2008-09-07 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 377 no In next weeks council elections some candidates for the Sutherland Shire will be running campaigns aimed at attracting the xenophobic vote. Candidates, like the Australia First Party, have been running an anti immigration platform and say the southern Sydney region should remain predominantly white. Another candidate, Darrin Hodges, has been linking high-rise developments with an influx of Asian immigrants. The Sutherland Shire has a history of racial tension with violence in 2005 at Cronulla. Independent candidate Darrin Hodges, holds the view that Australia has become ‘too’ multicultural and says we need to re-assess our position as a white Country. 2ser’s Paige Nguyen reports. The Rudd government has come good on its election promise to improve public interest disclosure laws. They’re holding an inquiry into whistle blowing in the public sector. This covers three areas of legislation: Freedom of Information, the Public Interest Act and Journalism shield laws. Public servants who expose corruption or mismanagement currently have very few legal rights and are often subjected to reprisals or discrimination. Peter Bennett has been a public servant for over 35 years, and is the president of Whistleblowers Australia – an organization that provides support for those who leak public interest information. He spoke with 2SER's Leeanne Torpey. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-25T06_49_34-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-25T06_49_34-07_00 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:46:38 GMT 2008-07-25 2008-07-25 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 241 no The Rudd government has come good on its election promise to improve public interest disclosure laws. They’re holding an inquiry into whistle blowing in the public sector. This covers three areas of legislation: Freedom of Information, the Public Interest Act and Journalism shield laws. Public servants who expose corruption or mismanagement currently have very few legal rights and are often subjected to reprisals or discrimination. Peter Bennett has been a public servant for over 35 years, and is the president of Whistleblowers Australia – an organization that provides support for those who leak public interest information. He spoke with 2SER's Leeanne Torpey. Amnesty international and several other NGO’s say the governments of Indonesia and East Timor have missed an historic opportunity to provide justice for more than 1,000 people killed during Timor’s independence vote in 1999. Both governments accepted a report released this week by the Commission for Truth and Friendship, which accuses the Indonesian security forces of gross human rights violations, The report lays most of the blame for the violence on the Indonesian military, but no one will be charged or jailed over the murders. The Indonesian government has now publicly acknowledged its role in the incident but both sides say the matter is now closed and want to “move on”. 2ser’s Mark Robinson spoke with Dr Damien Kingsbury, an Indonesia expert at Deakin University in Melbourne. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-19T06_52_38-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-19T06_52_38-07_00 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:49:47 GMT 2008-07-20 2008-07-19 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 365 no Amnesty international and several other NGO’s say the governments of Indonesia and East Timor have missed an historic opportunity to provide justice for more than 1,000 people killed during Timor’s independence vote in 1999. Both governments accepted a report released this week by the Commission for Truth and Friendship, which accuses the Indonesian security forces of gross human rights violations, The report lays most of the blame for the violence on the Indonesian military, but no one will be charged or jailed over the murders. The Indonesian government has now publicly acknowledged its role in the incident but both sides say the matter is now closed and want to “move on”. 2ser’s Mark Robinson spoke with Dr Damien Kingsbury, an Indonesia expert at Deakin University in Melbourne. Is Australia over governed? With a population of just over 19 million, we have 850 members of parliament. Compare that with Britain - a population of over 60 million, and just 650 MPs. According to a survey released by Griffith University this week, two thirds of the Australian population would prefer a two – tiered system. Leeanne Torpey reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-14T06_35_14-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-14T06_35_14-07_00 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:31:29 GMT 2008-07-14 2008-07-14 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 443 no Is Australia over governed? With a population of just over 19 million, we have 850 members of parliament. Compare that with Britain - a population of over 60 million, and just 650 MPs. According to a survey released by Griffith University this week, two thirds of the Australian population would prefer a two – tiered system. Leeanne Torpey reports. Greenpeace this week put forward its picture of Australia’s energy future, with the release of a report that calls for the total elimination of the local coal industry by 2030. The report – entitled Australia’s Energy Revolution – calls for greater investment in renewable technologies inlcuding solar, wind, geo-thermal and ocean power. Greenpeace contends that Australia could produce 40% of its energy needs from renewables, and in the process address what it calls ‘the single biggest contributor to Australia’s greenhouse-gas emissions’. 2ser’s Glyn Cryer spoke to Julien Vincent, one of the report’s authors. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-25T07_16_38-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-25T07_16_38-07_00 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:14:17 GMT 2008-06-25 2008-06-25 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 290 no Greenpeace this week put forward its picture of Australia’s energy future, with the release of a report that calls for the total elimination of the local coal industry by 2030. The report – entitled Australia’s Energy Revolution – calls for greater investment in renewable technologies inlcuding solar, wind, geo-thermal and ocean power. Greenpeace contends that Australia could produce 40% of its energy needs from renewables, and in the process address what it calls ‘the single biggest contributor to Australia’s greenhouse-gas emissions’. 2ser’s Glyn Cryer spoke to Julien Vincent, one of the report’s authors. A new study has revealed that some university vice-chancellors are getting paid twice or three times as much as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Universities are public institutions, yet the salaries of their top executives are being compared to those of merchant bank CEO’s. Individual pay-packets are ranging from 400 thousand dollars per year, up to 1.9 million dollars. In many cases VC’s are also receiving luxury cars, houses and more. At a time when universities are struggling with a lack of resources and overblown class sizes, education unions aren’t impressed. 2ser’s Katrina Yu spoke to Ken McAlpine from the National Tertiary Education union. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-16T06_48_37-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-16T06_48_37-07_00 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:41:12 GMT 2008-06-19 2008-06-16 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 261 no A new study has revealed that some university vice-chancellors are getting paid twice or three times as much as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Universities are public institutions, yet the salaries of their top executives are being compared to those of merchant bank CEO’s. Individual pay-packets are ranging from 400 thousand dollars per year, up to 1.9 million dollars. In many cases VC’s are also receiving luxury cars, houses and more. At a time when universities are struggling with a lack of resources and overblown class sizes, education unions aren’t impressed. 2ser’s Katrina Yu spoke to Ken McAlpine from the National Tertiary Education union. New planning laws put forward by the Iemma government could mean councils and will no longer be able to stop unwanted developments in their local areas. The bill also means property owners would no longer have to apply for council permission to demolish buildings, even if they have potential heritage value. Instead, developers would only need the permission of private certifiers. Organisations such as the National Trust are concerned that historic buildings could be demolished before heritage applications are submitted. National Trust Conservation Director Graham Quint spoke to 2ser's Libby King. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-05-25T23_01_40-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-05-25T23_01_40-07_00 Mon, 26 May 2008 06:01:08 GMT 2008-06-18 2008-05-26 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 316 no New planning laws put forward by the Iemma government could mean councils and will no longer be able to stop unwanted developments in their local areas. The bill also means property owners would no longer have to apply for council permission to demolish buildings, even if they have potential heritage value. Instead, developers would only need the permission of private certifiers. Organisations such as the National Trust are concerned that historic buildings could be demolished before heritage applications are submitted. National Trust Conservation Director Graham Quint spoke to 2ser's Libby King. The average fuel efficiency of Australia’s cars has not changed since the early 1960s. In research for the Garnaut Climate Change Review, Dr Paul Mees of Melbourne University has shown the current average of 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres is identical to that of 1963. Dr Mees says the motor industry’s claims of reduced emissions are misleading. He is also concerned by possible greenwashing by state Governments, hoping to avoid tough decisions on transport and infrastructure. He spoke with 2ser’s Nick Hollins. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-05-10T20_05_14-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-05-10T20_05_14-07_00 Sun, 11 May 2008 03:05:14 GMT 2008-06-17 2008-05-11 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 278 no The average fuel efficiency of Australia’s cars has not changed since the early 1960s. In research for the Garnaut Climate Change Review, Dr Paul Mees of Melbourne University has shown the current average of 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres is identical to that of 1963. Dr Mees says the motor industry’s claims of reduced emissions are misleading. He is also concerned by possible greenwashing by state Governments, hoping to avoid tough decisions on transport and infrastructure. He spoke with 2ser’s Nick Hollins. Leaders representing 29 West Papuan political and civil society organizations have formed a coalition in an effort to get self determination for West Papua onto the international agenda. Indonesia maintains that West Papua is a part of their country, since occupying Papua after the 1969 so-called “Act of Free Choice”. In an effort to kerb growing calls for independence, Indonesia introduced “Special Autonomy” for West Papua, which was intended to lead to economic and social benefits for the indigenous population. But the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation say that “Special Autonomy” has failed, and that they are ready to take their struggle to the international stage. Featured in story - Paula Makabory - Institute of Human Rights Study and Advocacy, Matthew Jamieson - Institute of Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights and Dino Kusnadi - spokesperson for the Indonesian Embassy. Reporter: Shevonne Hunt. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-04-30T05_23_34-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-04-30T05_23_34-07_00 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:23:34 GMT 2008-06-18 2008-04-30 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 282 no Leaders representing 29 West Papuan political and civil society organizations have formed a coalition in an effort to get self determination for West Papua onto the international agenda. Indonesia maintains that West Papua is a part of their country, since occupying Papua after the 1969 so-called “Act of Free Choice”. In an effort to kerb growing calls for independence, Indonesia introduced “Special Autonomy” for West Papua, which was intended to lead to economic and social benefits for the indigenous population. But the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation say that “Special Autonomy” has failed, and that they are ready to take their struggle to the international stage. Featured in story - Paula Makabory - Institute of Human Rights Study and Advocacy, Matthew Jamieson - Institute of Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights and Dino Kusnadi - spokesperson for the Indonesian Embassy. Reporter: Shevonne Hunt. Human rights groups have criticised Indonesia’s decision to set free Eurico Guterres, the only man ever convicted of post-election violence in East Timor in 1999. More than 14 hundred East Timorese were killed in a brutal retaliation blamed on Indonesian-backed militia groups, following a UN vote for independence. This week Guterres walked out of jail after serving only two years of his ten year sentence for the war crime. The Indonesian Supreme Court cited lack of evidence, despite the existence of extensive documentary proof. Now a free man, the self-proclaimed nationalist, has announced plans for a political career. 2SER's Katrina Yu reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-04-14T06_41_21-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-04-14T06_41_21-07_00 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:41:21 GMT 2008-06-18 2008-04-14 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 250 no Human rights groups have criticised Indonesia’s decision to set free Eurico Guterres, the only man ever convicted of post-election violence in East Timor in 1999. More than 14 hundred East Timorese were killed in a brutal retaliation blamed on Indonesian-backed militia groups, following a UN vote for independence. This week Guterres walked out of jail after serving only two years of his ten year sentence for the war crime. The Indonesian Supreme Court cited lack of evidence, despite the existence of extensive documentary proof. Now a free man, the self-proclaimed nationalist, has announced plans for a political career. 2SER's Katrina Yu reports. Knowing what’s in the morning paper or the latest magazines is something most people take for granted. But for Australians who are vision impaired, it's a different story. Sydney’s Radio Reading service, 2RPH, ior Radio for the Print Handicapped, is celebrating its twenty fifth anniversary. Every day volunteers read a variety of articles from The Sydney Morning Herald to Women’s Day. Ron McCallum, the co-creator of 2RPH spoke to 2SERs Angela Aldred about the history and future of this important broadcasting service. More info: http://www.2rph.org.au/ http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-04-13T20_05_14-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-04-13T20_05_14-07_00 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:05:14 GMT 2008-06-19 2008-04-14 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 304 no Knowing what’s in the morning paper or the latest magazines is something most people take for granted. But for Australians who are vision impaired, it's a different story. Sydney’s Radio Reading service, 2RPH, ior Radio for the Print Handicapped, is celebrating its twenty fifth anniversary. Every day volunteers read a variety of articles from The Sydney Morning Herald to Women’s Day. Ron McCallum, the co-creator of 2RPH spoke to 2SERs Angela Aldred about the history and future of this important broadcasting service. More info: http://www.2rph.org.au/ As the world focuses its attention on the crack down in Tibet , similar actions are taking place much closer to home. The Australia West Papua Association says that 11 men have recently been jailed, simply for carrying the national flag, the Morning Star. Since the Indonesian government took control of West Papua in 1969 under the so-called “Act of Free Choice”, any calls for independence have been brutally oppressed. Today in Canberra the Association and its supporters gathered at the Indonesian Embassy - to call for a referendum for West Papua and an end to the Indonesian military occupation. Featured in story: Herman Wainggai, West Papuan refugee and Dr Meredith Burgmann, former Labor MP and patron of the West Papua Project at Sydney University. The report was produced by Shevonne Hunt. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-03-25T04_06_39-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-03-25T04_06_39-07_00 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:06:39 GMT 2008-06-18 2008-03-25 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 294 no As the world focuses its attention on the crack down in Tibet , similar actions are taking place much closer to home. The Australia West Papua Association says that 11 men have recently been jailed, simply for carrying the national flag, the Morning Star. Since the Indonesian government took control of West Papua in 1969 under the so-called “Act of Free Choice”, any calls for independence have been brutally oppressed. Today in Canberra the Association and its supporters gathered at the Indonesian Embassy - to call for a referendum for West Papua and an end to the Indonesian military occupation. Featured in story: Herman Wainggai, West Papuan refugee and Dr Meredith Burgmann, former Labor MP and patron of the West Papua Project at Sydney University. The report was produced by Shevonne Hunt. Ten years after the introduction of digital radio in Europe, Australia is only seven months away from having its own system. Commercial Radio Australia, the group behind the push for digital here, says this will be a significant milestone in broadcasting history. But overseas digital radio has had limited success. In both the US and UK digital is faltering, so can the Australian version avoid failure before it even hits the airwaves? Davide Crisante reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-03-01T01_07_11-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-03-01T01_07_11-08_00 Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:07:11 GMT 2008-06-17 2008-03-01 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 335 no Ten years after the introduction of digital radio in Europe, Australia is only seven months away from having its own system. Commercial Radio Australia, the group behind the push for digital here, says this will be a significant milestone in broadcasting history. But overseas digital radio has had limited success. In both the US and UK digital is faltering, so can the Australian version avoid failure before it even hits the airwaves? Davide Crisante reports. "Psychiatry - An industry of death" is an exhibition organised by the Citizens committee on human rights (CCHR), a group set up by the Church of Scientology. The exhibition, currently underway in Sydney, claims to expose "the destruction wrought by psychiatrists", blaming them for things like the Holocaust, racism and the over-drugging of vulnerable people. Scientologists have been trying to discredit psychiatry for decades but many mental health experts say their views are "nonsense". 2ser's Shevonne Hunt reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-02-08T05_39_00-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-02-08T05_39_00-08_00 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:39:00 GMT 2008-06-17 2008-02-08 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 370 no "Psychiatry - An industry of death" is an exhibition organised by the Citizens committee on human rights (CCHR), a group set up by the Church of Scientology. The exhibition, currently underway in Sydney, claims to expose "the destruction wrought by psychiatrists", blaming them for things like the Holocaust, racism and the over-drugging of vulnerable people. Scientologists have been trying to discredit psychiatry for decades but many mental health experts say their views are "nonsense". 2ser's Shevonne Hunt reports. As part of its sweeping NT intervention plan the federal government is planning a complete ban on all pornography in Aboriginal communities. The new legislation, which includes ordinary R rated films, will impose fines of $11,000, for anyone caught with two adult magazines. Anyone caught with five magazines can be thrown in gaol as a trafficker. In addition the Pay TV operator Austar will have to stop broadcasts of both its adult erotica channel and amazingly, the World movies channel. Underlying the governments move seems to be a suggestion that the soft porn available to all Australians over 18, is somehow linked with child abuse in Aboriginal communities..but is there any evidence to back this up? Andrew Lee spoke to child psychiatrist Professor Louise Newman for her reaction. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-09-25T23_45_04-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-09-25T23_45_04-07_00 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 06:45:04 GMT 2008-06-17 2007-09-26 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 357 no As part of its sweeping NT intervention plan the federal government is planning a complete ban on all pornography in Aboriginal communities. The new legislation, which includes ordinary R rated films, will impose fines of $11,000, for anyone caught with two adult magazines. Anyone caught with five magazines can be thrown in gaol as a trafficker. In addition the Pay TV operator Austar will have to stop broadcasts of both its adult erotica channel and amazingly, the World movies channel. Underlying the governments move seems to be a suggestion that the soft porn available to all Australians over 18, is somehow linked with child abuse in Aboriginal communities..but is there any evidence to back this up? Andrew Lee spoke to child psychiatrist Professor Louise Newman for her reaction. Privatisation - If you’ve already had a bad reaction to the word, you’ll be wondering why the state government is still proposing more. This week a report commissioned by the Iemma government recommended the electricity market be privatised, or in one media advisers words...‘reformed’. A number of Labor MP’s and several unions are already publicly declaring their opposition to any public sell off. They fear both job losses in the industry and high prices for energy consumers. Sonia Hornery is the Labor member for Wallsend and she spoke with 2SER’s Andrew Lee. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-09-16T00_08_27-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-09-16T00_08_27-07_00 Sun, 16 Sep 2007 07:08:27 GMT 2008-06-17 2007-09-16 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 261 no Privatisation - If you’ve already had a bad reaction to the word, you’ll be wondering why the state government is still proposing more. This week a report commissioned by the Iemma government recommended the electricity market be privatised, or in one media advisers words...‘reformed’. A number of Labor MP’s and several unions are already publicly declaring their opposition to any public sell off. They fear both job losses in the industry and high prices for energy consumers. Sonia Hornery is the Labor member for Wallsend and she spoke with 2SER’s Andrew Lee. There are fresh calls this week for a scientific trial of prescribing heroin to addicts. The issue is back in the news because it’s now ten years since Federal Cabinet vetoed a proposed heroin trial in the A.C.T. Citing scientific evidence and community support, the A.C.T. government broke new policy ground and spent five years setting up the trial, only to have it killed by the prime minister. Vocal supporters have now taken the opportunity to remind him of the need that has not gone away. They say a strictly controlled scheme to prescribe heroin to addicts could drastically reduce property crime and help users improve their quality of life. 2ser’s Andrew Lee spoke with the former Chief Minister of the ACT, Kate Carnell, and asked her if she felt dudded by the prime ministers decision, back in 1997. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-08-28T01_34_13-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-08-28T01_34_13-07_00 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 08:34:13 GMT 2008-06-19 2007-08-28 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 274 no There are fresh calls this week for a scientific trial of prescribing heroin to addicts. The issue is back in the news because it’s now ten years since Federal Cabinet vetoed a proposed heroin trial in the A.C.T. Citing scientific evidence and community support, the A.C.T. government broke new policy ground and spent five years setting up the trial, only to have it killed by the prime minister. Vocal supporters have now taken the opportunity to remind him of the need that has not gone away. They say a strictly controlled scheme to prescribe heroin to addicts could drastically reduce property crime and help users improve their quality of life. 2ser’s Andrew Lee spoke with the former Chief Minister of the ACT, Kate Carnell, and asked her if she felt dudded by the prime ministers decision, back in 1997. Snub the politicians. That’s what the Combined Pensioners and Supperannuants Association is telling its members. In front of the trailing media pack, John Howard was embarrassed this week by a pensioner at a Tassie shopping centre. She refused to shake his hand for the obligatory media meet and greet and instead told him the pension was too low. At present about ONE MILLION single pensioners have to live on less than 14 thousand dollars per year. 2ser's Andrew Lee spoke to Paul Versteege from the CPSA .. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-08-05T20_28_48-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-08-05T20_28_48-07_00 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:28:48 GMT 2008-06-17 2007-08-06 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 256 no Snub the politicians. That’s what the Combined Pensioners and Supperannuants Association is telling its members. In front of the trailing media pack, John Howard was embarrassed this week by a pensioner at a Tassie shopping centre. She refused to shake his hand for the obligatory media meet and greet and instead told him the pension was too low. At present about ONE MILLION single pensioners have to live on less than 14 thousand dollars per year. 2ser's Andrew Lee spoke to Paul Versteege from the CPSA .. What is with Australian men? Are they slow, uncaring, ignorant or lazy. Or is it something else? According to the latest census, Australian men do an average of 5 hours of housework per week. Which doesn’t sound too bad until you hear that women average between 5 and 14 hours per week. Of course, these are averages and not all men are bludging but the stats are not exactly a good look. And while men of retirement age eventually share the load equally, its scary to think that teenage men are doing no more chores now than they were over 30 years ago. Andrew Lee spoke to Sarah Madison from the Womens Electoral Lobby . http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-06-30T07_52_35-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-06-30T07_52_35-07_00 Sat, 30 Jun 2007 14:52:35 GMT 2008-06-17 2007-06-30 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 274 no What is with Australian men? Are they slow, uncaring, ignorant or lazy. Or is it something else? According to the latest census, Australian men do an average of 5 hours of housework per week. Which doesn’t sound too bad until you hear that women average between 5 and 14 hours per week. Of course, these are averages and not all men are bludging but the stats are not exactly a good look. And while men of retirement age eventually share the load equally, its scary to think that teenage men are doing no more chores now than they were over 30 years ago. Andrew Lee spoke to Sarah Madison from the Womens Electoral Lobby . In 2005 the Commission of Truth and Friendship was established by the Indonesian and East Timorese governments to investigate the appalling violence surrounding the 1999 independence referendum. But it now appears that the people responsible for mass murder may get off scot-free. Soon after East Timor voted for independence, Indonesian backed militia groups went on a rampage -1400 people were killed and more than 300 thousand fled to West Timor. This week three dozen non government groups have written to both countries leaders calling on them to abandon the commission process. They say the commission will not provide justice for the families of those who perished. 2SER's Richard Parkin spoke to Dr Mark Byrne, Convenor of the Australian Coalition for Transitional Justice in East Timor, and asked him why he considered the Commission of Truth and Friendship to be a flawed process. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-05-31T22_22_31-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-05-31T22_22_31-07_00 Fri, 01 Jun 2007 05:22:31 GMT 2008-06-18 2007-06-01 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 388 no In 2005 the Commission of Truth and Friendship was established by the Indonesian and East Timorese governments to investigate the appalling violence surrounding the 1999 independence referendum. But it now appears that the people responsible for mass murder may get off scot-free. Soon after East Timor voted for independence, Indonesian backed militia groups went on a rampage -1400 people were killed and more than 300 thousand fled to West Timor. This week three dozen non government groups have written to both countries leaders calling on them to abandon the commission process. They say the commission will not provide justice for the families of those who perished. 2SER's Richard Parkin spoke to Dr Mark Byrne, Convenor of the Australian Coalition for Transitional Justice in East Timor, and asked him why he considered the Commission of Truth and Friendship to be a flawed process. Another leading health expert has called for government action to curb alcohol sponsorship of sport. Writing in the in the 'Australian' this week, Mike Daube, professor of health policy at Curtain university in Perth, condemned the use of Alcohol advertising, particularly campaigns targeted at young people. He says the government is too focused on combating illicit drugs when alcohol has a far greater cost to society. The Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation reports that the federal budget allocates 2.4 billion dollars addressing illicit drugs, but only 30 million to fighting alcohol abuse. Mike Daube spoke to 2sers Michelle Watts. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-04-17T00_19_24-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-04-17T00_19_24-07_00 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 07:19:24 GMT 2008-06-17 2007-04-17 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 267 no Another leading health expert has called for government action to curb alcohol sponsorship of sport. Writing in the in the 'Australian' this week, Mike Daube, professor of health policy at Curtain university in Perth, condemned the use of Alcohol advertising, particularly campaigns targeted at young people. He says the government is too focused on combating illicit drugs when alcohol has a far greater cost to society. The Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation reports that the federal budget allocates 2.4 billion dollars addressing illicit drugs, but only 30 million to fighting alcohol abuse. Mike Daube spoke to 2sers Michelle Watts. The One Laptop Per Child, or OLPC program, aims to provide each child in the developing world with a simple computer of their own. Incorporating an original interface, and currently costing just 150 U-S- dollars, its US creator, MIT Media Lab, says this technology will revolutionise children's education. Shipments are already being prepared for countries like Rwanda and Brazil, and now the program is coming to Australia. Trials are planned for remote communities in the Northern Territory, and the University of Technology, Sydney's engineering students will incorporate OLPC projects into their degrees. Dr Tim Aubrey from UTS spoke to 2SER's Anna Vidot. (Duration: 5.12, Original broadcast: 27 Jan 07 on "Razors Edge") .. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-02-04T02_01_55-08_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2007-02-04T02_01_55-08_00 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 10:01:55 GMT 2008-06-17 2007-02-04 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser news 312 no The One Laptop Per Child, or OLPC program, aims to provide each child in the developing world with a simple computer of their own. Incorporating an original interface, and currently costing just 150 U-S- dollars, its US creator, MIT Media Lab, says this technology will revolutionise children's education. Shipments are already being prepared for countries like Rwanda and Brazil, and now the program is coming to Australia. Trials are planned for remote communities in the Northern Territory, and the University of Technology, Sydney's engineering students will incorporate OLPC projects into their degrees. Dr Tim Aubrey from UTS spoke to 2SER's Anna Vidot. (Duration: 5.12, Original broadcast: 27 Jan 07 on "Razors Edge") ..