http://2ser.podOmatic.com Current Affairs from Radio 2SER-FM 107.3 en-us podOmatic RSS Generator Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:19:39 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 Violence against women was described by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as “the great silent crime of our time”, in his speech at the White Ribbon Foundation dinner this week. Mr Rudd called for a drastic change in the attitude of men and of the wider society on the physical and sexual abuse inflicted on women by their partners. The Government has put this week announce a new $2-million grant to research new anti-violence measures. The current statistics on the issue are disturbing - almost half a million women experience each year. One in three are physically assaulted, one in five are sexually assaulted, but less than a third of cases were reported to the police. Kate Lappin, from the “Stop Violence Against Women Campaign” by Amnesty International Australia, says we’re finally heading in the right direction. She’s speaking here with reporter Esther Han. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-24T23_49_11-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-24T23_49_11-07_00 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:47:38 GMT 2008-09-25 2008-09-25 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 340 no Violence against women was described by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as “the great silent crime of our time”, in his speech at the White Ribbon Foundation dinner this week. Mr Rudd called for a drastic change in the attitude of men and of the wider society on the physical and sexual abuse inflicted on women by their partners. The Government has put this week announce a new $2-million grant to research new anti-violence measures. The current statistics on the issue are disturbing - almost half a million women experience each year. One in three are physically assaulted, one in five are sexually assaulted, but less than a third of cases were reported to the police. Kate Lappin, from the “Stop Violence Against Women Campaign” by Amnesty International Australia, says we’re finally heading in the right direction. She’s speaking here with reporter Esther Han. Young people in Australia have been experiencing rising rates of the sexually transmitted infection Chlamydia in recent years. Over the past 12 months there were more than 7000 Chlamydia notifications in NSW within the 15-24 age group, double that of their older counterparts. The organisers of Sexual Health Week 08 have released a targeted campaign towards Chlamydia awareness in young people called ‘Check it Out’. The focus of the campaign is to encourage young people to go for regular STI check-ups and to be more informed about their sexual health. The Health Promotions Officer from the Sexual Health "Lemongrove Unit", Dave Worsley, spoke with 2ser’s Dinalie Dabarera http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-24T23_43_59-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-24T23_43_59-07_00 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:42:27 GMT 2008-09-25 2008-09-25 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 273 no Young people in Australia have been experiencing rising rates of the sexually transmitted infection Chlamydia in recent years. Over the past 12 months there were more than 7000 Chlamydia notifications in NSW within the 15-24 age group, double that of their older counterparts. The organisers of Sexual Health Week 08 have released a targeted campaign towards Chlamydia awareness in young people called ‘Check it Out’. The focus of the campaign is to encourage young people to go for regular STI check-ups and to be more informed about their sexual health. The Health Promotions Officer from the Sexual Health "Lemongrove Unit", Dave Worsley, spoke with 2ser’s Dinalie Dabarera 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. The United Kingdom has just had its third "Climate camp" at the Kingsnorth coal-fired power station in Kent. The protest action was designed to oppose the construction of new, coal-fired power stations in the middle of the current climate crisis. This year campers faced some of their biggest challenges yet, with over a thousand police showing up to raid the camp, confiscate equipment and generally harass participants. The camp still had a record turnout of about 2,500 people throughout the week, and dozens of protesters managed to scale the fence into the grounds of the power station. Activist Steve Milligan was a participant in all three camps and he spoke with 2ser's Libby King. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-20T23_33_13-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-20T23_33_13-07_00 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 06:30:25 GMT 2008-09-21 2008-09-21 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 343 no The United Kingdom has just had its third "Climate camp" at the Kingsnorth coal-fired power station in Kent. The protest action was designed to oppose the construction of new, coal-fired power stations in the middle of the current climate crisis. This year campers faced some of their biggest challenges yet, with over a thousand police showing up to raid the camp, confiscate equipment and generally harass participants. The camp still had a record turnout of about 2,500 people throughout the week, and dozens of protesters managed to scale the fence into the grounds of the power station. Activist Steve Milligan was a participant in all three camps and he spoke with 2ser's Libby King. We often question the origin of commodities like meat and dairy products but have you ever wondered where your chocolate comes from? The Ivory Coast is the world's largest cocoa producer, providing 43% of the world's cocoa. Harvesting cocoa is intensive and back-breaking work, which for centuries was a job undertaken by poor people. In the last decade the declining cost of coca beans has brought about the exploitation of children in West Africa. Carol Off has documented the practices of slavery and the tainted history of cocoa in her recent book, Bitter Chocolate, Investigating the dark side of the world’s most seductive sweet. 2ser's Ellice Mol has this story. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-20T23_27_44-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-20T23_27_44-07_00 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 06:24:25 GMT 2008-09-21 2008-09-21 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 292 no We often question the origin of commodities like meat and dairy products but have you ever wondered where your chocolate comes from? The Ivory Coast is the world's largest cocoa producer, providing 43% of the world's cocoa. Harvesting cocoa is intensive and back-breaking work, which for centuries was a job undertaken by poor people. In the last decade the declining cost of coca beans has brought about the exploitation of children in West Africa. Carol Off has documented the practices of slavery and the tainted history of cocoa in her recent book, Bitter Chocolate, Investigating the dark side of the world’s most seductive sweet. 2ser's Ellice Mol has this story. We know from polling at the last election and other surveys that a clear majority of Australians are concerned about the environment. But do they know where to start to make a difference? Well, one good place may be their own home. Tucked away in inner city streets and regional areas around the country, a small but growing number of homes have been made sustainable. This weekend some of those homes are being opened by their owners to show the public how energy, water and waste can dealt with sustainably. It's part of Sustainable House Day. Environment reporter Phil Stubbs spoke with Judy Celmins from Sustainable House Day. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-16T06_00_48-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-16T06_00_48-07_00 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:57:11 GMT 2008-09-16 2008-09-16 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 249 no We know from polling at the last election and other surveys that a clear majority of Australians are concerned about the environment. But do they know where to start to make a difference? Well, one good place may be their own home. Tucked away in inner city streets and regional areas around the country, a small but growing number of homes have been made sustainable. This weekend some of those homes are being opened by their owners to show the public how energy, water and waste can dealt with sustainably. It's part of Sustainable House Day. Environment reporter Phil Stubbs spoke with Judy Celmins from Sustainable House Day. With the US election getting closer by the day, the focus is shifting to the question of voter turnout, in a country where casting a ballot is not compulsory. Far more women voters have gone to the polls in the US, in recent years, and some commentators believe the balance of power lies with them. And since the announcement of Sarah Palin as running mate for Republican, John McCain, his popularity amongst women has greatly increased. Dr. Lesley Russell from Sydney University spent several years as a senior political adviser in the US House of Representatives. She says conservative, white women, whose major concern is the state of the economy, may hold the key to this election. Dr. Russell spoke with 2SER’s Mig Caldwell. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-16T05_54_50-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-16T05_54_50-07_00 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:52:01 GMT 2008-09-16 2008-09-16 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 331 no With the US election getting closer by the day, the focus is shifting to the question of voter turnout, in a country where casting a ballot is not compulsory. Far more women voters have gone to the polls in the US, in recent years, and some commentators believe the balance of power lies with them. And since the announcement of Sarah Palin as running mate for Republican, John McCain, his popularity amongst women has greatly increased. Dr. Lesley Russell from Sydney University spent several years as a senior political adviser in the US House of Representatives. She says conservative, white women, whose major concern is the state of the economy, may hold the key to this election. Dr. Russell spoke with 2SER’s Mig Caldwell. The deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has refused to ban a website run by university academics, after it was condemned by the Liberal Party and several Jewish groups. The NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell, wrote a formal complaint to Gillard about the blog written by a group of Macquarie University staff. O’Farrell says the blog, called KHALDOUN is “hate-filled” and contains “anti-Israel propaganda.” Some Jewish community groups have also attacked the site and called on the University to shut it down. But both Gillard and the University say they won't interfere with free speech. One of the sites contributors is Lisa Wynn, an anthropology lecturer at Macquarie University - She spoke with 2ser’s Jordan Bryon. And the website in question can be found at www.khaldoun.wordpress.com http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-13T00_26_38-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-13T00_26_38-07_00 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:23:17 GMT 2008-09-13 2008-09-13 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 355 no The deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has refused to ban a website run by university academics, after it was condemned by the Liberal Party and several Jewish groups. The NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell, wrote a formal complaint to Gillard about the blog written by a group of Macquarie University staff. O’Farrell says the blog, called KHALDOUN is “hate-filled” and contains “anti-Israel propaganda.” Some Jewish community groups have also attacked the site and called on the University to shut it down. But both Gillard and the University say they won't interfere with free speech. One of the sites contributors is Lisa Wynn, an anthropology lecturer at Macquarie University - She spoke with 2ser’s Jordan Bryon. And the website in question can be found at www.khaldoun.wordpress.com 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. More people are going to jail in NSW and the conviction rate for offenders is very high. That’s the conclusion of the latest review of prison and courts records, released this week by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. In 2007, more than 80 per cent of people appearing in the courts were found guilty, and more of them were given jail time. Bureau director Dr Don Weatherburn says the perception that courts are becoming more lenient is false And while some may welcome a growing prison population, not everyone agrees. Professor Mark Findlay from Sydney university’s Institute of Criminology says we are wasting taxpayers funds. He spoke with 2ser’s Jordan Bryon. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-08T00_35_25-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-08T00_35_25-07_00 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:33:05 GMT 2008-09-08 2008-09-08 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 284 no More people are going to jail in NSW and the conviction rate for offenders is very high. That’s the conclusion of the latest review of prison and courts records, released this week by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. In 2007, more than 80 per cent of people appearing in the courts were found guilty, and more of them were given jail time. Bureau director Dr Don Weatherburn says the perception that courts are becoming more lenient is false And while some may welcome a growing prison population, not everyone agrees. Professor Mark Findlay from Sydney university’s Institute of Criminology says we are wasting taxpayers funds. He spoke with 2ser’s Jordan Bryon. 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 Federal Government's climate change adviser, Professor Ross Garnaut has provided clarity on the target Australia should aim to achieve. He has called for Australia to cut 10% of carbon emissions, based on levels in the year 2000, by 2020. But the target is conditional on the next global emissions agreement– and if other developed countries fail to agree to this level, Garnaut suggested a 5% target. Environment groups have labeled both targets as soft – suggesting that 25 to 40% reductions are the minimum required 2ser's Nick Hollins spoke with John Connor, CEO of the Climate Institute and David Spratt, the author of 'Climate Code Red'. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-06T02_48_47-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-06T02_48_47-07_00 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 09:46:08 GMT 2008-09-06 2008-09-06 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 315 no The Federal Government's climate change adviser, Professor Ross Garnaut has provided clarity on the target Australia should aim to achieve. He has called for Australia to cut 10% of carbon emissions, based on levels in the year 2000, by 2020. But the target is conditional on the next global emissions agreement– and if other developed countries fail to agree to this level, Garnaut suggested a 5% target. Environment groups have labeled both targets as soft – suggesting that 25 to 40% reductions are the minimum required 2ser's Nick Hollins spoke with John Connor, CEO of the Climate Institute and David Spratt, the author of 'Climate Code Red'. Australian cinemas are being asked to do their share for those who are deaf and hearing impaired. The Deafness Forum of Australia says we should increase the number of screens showing captioned movies, because those affected by this disability are being discriminated against. With one in six Australians having some form of hearing impairment, the Forum and the Human Rights Commission are calling for more government funding to boost captioning rates. At the moment only 10 theatres in Australia offer this service. The CEO of the Deafness Forum, Nicole Lawder spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-04T19_31_48-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-04T19_31_48-07_00 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:30:00 GMT 2008-09-05 2008-09-05 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 300 no Australian cinemas are being asked to do their share for those who are deaf and hearing impaired. The Deafness Forum of Australia says we should increase the number of screens showing captioned movies, because those affected by this disability are being discriminated against. With one in six Australians having some form of hearing impairment, the Forum and the Human Rights Commission are calling for more government funding to boost captioning rates. At the moment only 10 theatres in Australia offer this service. The CEO of the Deafness Forum, Nicole Lawder spoke with 2ser’s Peta Yoshinaga. A new campaign is targeting councils around Australia in a bid to replace water bottles with public bubblers or water fountains. Environment groups argue that in some cases we are spending more on water than petrol, and that tap water has benefits that bottled water doesn't. Manly council and the Bottled Water Alliance have joined forces and will send letters next week urging councils to upgrade their water fountains and make them more attractive to the public. The company "Culligan Australia" has also agreed to provide councils with free filter equipment. But not every one is convinced - The Bottled Water industry says sprucing up fountains would be a waste of taxpayers’ money. Jon Dee heads the Bottled Water Alliance, and is the former director of Planet Ark - He spoke with 2ser's Peta Yoshinaga. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-01T05_05_08-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-01T05_05_08-07_00 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:02:59 GMT 2008-09-01 2008-09-01 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 234 no A new campaign is targeting councils around Australia in a bid to replace water bottles with public bubblers or water fountains. Environment groups argue that in some cases we are spending more on water than petrol, and that tap water has benefits that bottled water doesn't. Manly council and the Bottled Water Alliance have joined forces and will send letters next week urging councils to upgrade their water fountains and make them more attractive to the public. The company "Culligan Australia" has also agreed to provide councils with free filter equipment. But not every one is convinced - The Bottled Water industry says sprucing up fountains would be a waste of taxpayers’ money. Jon Dee heads the Bottled Water Alliance, and is the former director of Planet Ark - He spoke with 2ser's Peta Yoshinaga. Print journalists have gone on strike in response to Fairfax Media’s decision to cut five hundred and fifty jobs, or 5% of their workforce. They walked out on Thursday and the strike will impact major publications, including the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in Melbourne. High profile Herald columnist and radio broadcaster, Mike Carlton, has been sacked for refusing to file for today's edition. Meanwhile, journalists and photographers from regional Fairfax publications have been brought in to fill the gaps, and publish the Herald. Work is meant to resume on Monday, but will they be allowed back? 2ser’s Nick Hollins was at the picketline yesterday. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-31T19_35_25-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-31T19_35_25-07_00 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:28:53 GMT 2008-09-01 2008-09-01 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 336 no Print journalists have gone on strike in response to Fairfax Media’s decision to cut five hundred and fifty jobs, or 5% of their workforce. They walked out on Thursday and the strike will impact major publications, including the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in Melbourne. High profile Herald columnist and radio broadcaster, Mike Carlton, has been sacked for refusing to file for today's edition. Meanwhile, journalists and photographers from regional Fairfax publications have been brought in to fill the gaps, and publish the Herald. Work is meant to resume on Monday, but will they be allowed back? 2ser’s Nick Hollins was at the picketline yesterday. The Salvation Army and the National Council on Drugs, have warned politicians and the public not to become complacent about deaths from drug overdoses in Australia. In recent years the number of lives lost to overdoses has dramatically decreased – from a high 10 years ago of 1200 deaths per year, down to an average of 400. But that’s still more than one death per day from a very preventable cause. The Salvation Army is one of the groups behind Overdose Awareness Day, which is being held this Sunday. The organizers of the event say that it’s an opportunity to stimulate discussion on the stigma associated with drug use, as well as overdose prevention and drug policy. 2ser’s Paige Nguyen spoke with Michelle, a recovering drug addict, about her experiences and her views on the best methods to combat drug misuse. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-30T20_29_57-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-30T20_29_57-07_00 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:27:20 GMT 2008-08-31 2008-08-31 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 334 no The Salvation Army and the National Council on Drugs, have warned politicians and the public not to become complacent about deaths from drug overdoses in Australia. In recent years the number of lives lost to overdoses has dramatically decreased – from a high 10 years ago of 1200 deaths per year, down to an average of 400. But that’s still more than one death per day from a very preventable cause. The Salvation Army is one of the groups behind Overdose Awareness Day, which is being held this Sunday. The organizers of the event say that it’s an opportunity to stimulate discussion on the stigma associated with drug use, as well as overdose prevention and drug policy. 2ser’s Paige Nguyen spoke with Michelle, a recovering drug addict, about her experiences and her views on the best methods to combat drug misuse. The ongoing crisis over electricity privatisation in NSW looks set to continue, despite the plan by Michael Costa and Morris Iemma being rejected by parliament this week. The sell off was due to go to a vote on Thursday, but the Premier faced opposition from the Liberals, The Greens and at least five of his own Labour party MP's, who were prepared to cross the floor. At the last minute the bill was withdrawn before a vote was taken. Over recent months the issue has split the Labour party with the recent state conference voting seven to one, against the plan. But rather than accept defeat the Treasurer is now pushing for a partial sell off of electricity retailers, and says the government can take this action without a vote in Parliament. So with Morris Iemma facing dismal polls what does the future hold for the government? Alex Mitchell is a former state political reporter for the Sun Herald and is now a commentator with the Crikey website. He spoke with 2SERs Anne von Fehrn. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-30T07_43_30-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-30T07_43_30-07_00 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:39:09 GMT 2008-09-01 2008-08-30 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 349 no The ongoing crisis over electricity privatisation in NSW looks set to continue, despite the plan by Michael Costa and Morris Iemma being rejected by parliament this week. The sell off was due to go to a vote on Thursday, but the Premier faced opposition from the Liberals, The Greens and at least five of his own Labour party MP's, who were prepared to cross the floor. At the last minute the bill was withdrawn before a vote was taken. Over recent months the issue has split the Labour party with the recent state conference voting seven to one, against the plan. But rather than accept defeat the Treasurer is now pushing for a partial sell off of electricity retailers, and says the government can take this action without a vote in Parliament. So with Morris Iemma facing dismal polls what does the future hold for the government? Alex Mitchell is a former state political reporter for the Sun Herald and is now a commentator with the Crikey website. He spoke with 2SERs Anne von Fehrn. Are young Australians apathetic about politics? According to a new study from the Whitlam Institute at the University of Western Sydney, the answer is no. The report, titled “Young People Imagining a New Democracy”, found that many young people are in fact politically engaged, just not in traditional ways. Web based activities, grassroots campaigns and cause-based projects are increasingly a more common means of engagement. The review found that young people feel marginalised by formal, institutional politics but are concerned with issues surrounding environment, poverty and health. 2ser’s Jordan Bryon spoke with the director of the Whitlam Institute, Eric Sidoti. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-30T05_48_51-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-30T05_48_51-07_00 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:44:24 GMT 2008-08-30 2008-08-30 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 225 no Are young Australians apathetic about politics? According to a new study from the Whitlam Institute at the University of Western Sydney, the answer is no. The report, titled “Young People Imagining a New Democracy”, found that many young people are in fact politically engaged, just not in traditional ways. Web based activities, grassroots campaigns and cause-based projects are increasingly a more common means of engagement. The review found that young people feel marginalised by formal, institutional politics but are concerned with issues surrounding environment, poverty and health. 2ser’s Jordan Bryon spoke with the director of the Whitlam Institute, Eric Sidoti. Some people think that just praying to Jesus can give them anything they want. But that’s not true according to America’s new Christian pin-up, Mark Driscoll. 10,000 people converged on the entertainment centre this week, to hear him declare war against this, and other false perceptions of Jesus which he refers to as “plastic Jesus”. The event attracted Christians, atheists and even agnostics. But, why the hype? What is it about Mark Driscoll that makes him so popular in his quest to save Sydney from fake Jesuses? Bishop Al Stewart, from the Katoomba Christian Convention was one of the organisers of the event. He spoke with 2SER’s Esther Han. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-30T05_44_15-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-30T05_44_15-07_00 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:38:33 GMT 2008-08-30 2008-08-30 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 320 no Some people think that just praying to Jesus can give them anything they want. But that’s not true according to America’s new Christian pin-up, Mark Driscoll. 10,000 people converged on the entertainment centre this week, to hear him declare war against this, and other false perceptions of Jesus which he refers to as “plastic Jesus”. The event attracted Christians, atheists and even agnostics. But, why the hype? What is it about Mark Driscoll that makes him so popular in his quest to save Sydney from fake Jesuses? Bishop Al Stewart, from the Katoomba Christian Convention was one of the organisers of the event. He spoke with 2SER’s Esther Han. At one of Melbourne's swankiest restaurants, Greenpeace launched their "Right To Know" petition this week, lobbying the federal government to label genetically modified or engineered foods.. The petition follows another Greenpeace campaign, the GM-Free Chefs Charter, which commits 150 chefs from the nation's top restaurants to avoid using genetically modified foods in their cooking. Currently, GM foods are limited to being grown only in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland with the first harvest of canola due in the next couple of months. The West Australian government this week extended its ban on GM food crops for another four years. Lisa Sales from Greenpeace Australia spoke with 2ser's Cale Bain. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-27T22_33_41-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-27T22_33_41-07_00 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:30:51 GMT 2008-08-30 2008-08-28 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 289 no At one of Melbourne's swankiest restaurants, Greenpeace launched their "Right To Know" petition this week, lobbying the federal government to label genetically modified or engineered foods.. The petition follows another Greenpeace campaign, the GM-Free Chefs Charter, which commits 150 chefs from the nation's top restaurants to avoid using genetically modified foods in their cooking. Currently, GM foods are limited to being grown only in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland with the first harvest of canola due in the next couple of months. The West Australian government this week extended its ban on GM food crops for another four years. Lisa Sales from Greenpeace Australia spoke with 2ser's Cale Bain. High-profile refugee Harinder Kharbanda has been deported to India this week, despite fears of persecution in his home country. This comes just weeks after the federal government's announcement of new immigration laws, designed to ensure fewer asylum seekers are detained. Refugee advocate groups are concerned that the current government is not taking refugee issues seriously enough. They are calling for the current Refugee Review Tribunal to be replaced with a more independent system that aims to assess refugee's claims, rather than disprove them. Kharbanda received media attention at the end of 2005 when he spoke out against the corruption of Villawood staff. He also protested against issues such as exploitative labour and lack of legal access. He has been asked to pay over $150, 000 for his stay at Villawood. Refugee Action Coalition spokesperson Mark Goudkamp spoke to 2ser's Libby King. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-27T04_20_30-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-27T04_20_30-07_00 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:17:47 GMT 2008-08-27 2008-08-27 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 305 no High-profile refugee Harinder Kharbanda has been deported to India this week, despite fears of persecution in his home country. This comes just weeks after the federal government's announcement of new immigration laws, designed to ensure fewer asylum seekers are detained. Refugee advocate groups are concerned that the current government is not taking refugee issues seriously enough. They are calling for the current Refugee Review Tribunal to be replaced with a more independent system that aims to assess refugee's claims, rather than disprove them. Kharbanda received media attention at the end of 2005 when he spoke out against the corruption of Villawood staff. He also protested against issues such as exploitative labour and lack of legal access. He has been asked to pay over $150, 000 for his stay at Villawood. Refugee Action Coalition spokesperson Mark Goudkamp spoke to 2ser's Libby King. Startling figures on Australia's shark exports were released this week with conservation groups saying that some species are massively over fished. The environment group WWF used Australian quarantine data to show that 500 tonnes of shark fin was exported in the past 13 months. That's nearly 10,000 sharks sent mostly to Asian markets where demand is high. The WWF is calling on the Queensland government to cutback on fishing licences in the Coral Sea and Barrier Reef regions. Dr Gilly Llewellen from the groups Ocean program says the current harvest is unsustainable. She spoke with 2ser's Esther Han. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-23T04_09_46-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-23T04_09_46-07_00 Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:05:33 GMT 2008-08-23 2008-08-23 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 326 no Startling figures on Australia's shark exports were released this week with conservation groups saying that some species are massively over fished. The environment group WWF used Australian quarantine data to show that 500 tonnes of shark fin was exported in the past 13 months. That's nearly 10,000 sharks sent mostly to Asian markets where demand is high. The WWF is calling on the Queensland government to cutback on fishing licences in the Coral Sea and Barrier Reef regions. Dr Gilly Llewellen from the groups Ocean program says the current harvest is unsustainable. She spoke with 2ser's Esther Han. Bacon, ham, pastrami and other processed meats, are increasingly getting the thumbs down from medical authorities, with new evidence showing a direct link with bowel cancer. A report from the World Cancer Research Fund has found that by eating just 50 grams of processed meat a day - the risk of bowel cancer increases by 20 per cent. The Cancer Council of Australia are now recommending that people limit or avoid eating processed meat altogether. And while the case against these foods is strong, scientists are yet to isolate the cancer causing ingredient. 2ser’s Paige Nguyen spoke with Professor Dallas English - the senior epidemiologist for the Cancer Council of Victoria and the University of Melbourne. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-23T00_20_22-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-23T00_20_22-07_00 Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:12:44 GMT 2008-08-23 2008-08-23 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 258 no Bacon, ham, pastrami and other processed meats, are increasingly getting the thumbs down from medical authorities, with new evidence showing a direct link with bowel cancer. A report from the World Cancer Research Fund has found that by eating just 50 grams of processed meat a day - the risk of bowel cancer increases by 20 per cent. The Cancer Council of Australia are now recommending that people limit or avoid eating processed meat altogether. And while the case against these foods is strong, scientists are yet to isolate the cancer causing ingredient. 2ser’s Paige Nguyen spoke with Professor Dallas English - the senior epidemiologist for the Cancer Council of Victoria and the University of Melbourne. Censorship in China has been brought to the world’s attention with the Beijing Olympics. With the Games coming to an end, the Chinese Government continues its fight against dissenting voices. Chinese TV station NTD-TV, New Tang Dynasty, held a forum this week in Sydney, which discussed media censorship in China. NTDTV, is based in New York, and is one of the very few uncensored voices which is allowed to broadcast into mainland China. That was until the Olympics. Their satellite signal was cut 7 weeks ago, after satellite operator Eutelsat gave in to ongoing pressure from Chinese authorities. Eutelsat is currently violating its contract terms with NTDTV and has given no explanation to the station when or if the signal will be reconnected. The forum featured several guest speakers advocating the need for independent voices in China’s media. NTD representative Sheridan Harvey spoke with 2SER's Anne von Fehrn. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-23T00_09_53-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-23T00_09_53-07_00 Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:06:54 GMT 2008-08-23 2008-08-23 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 387 no Censorship in China has been brought to the world’s attention with the Beijing Olympics. With the Games coming to an end, the Chinese Government continues its fight against dissenting voices. Chinese TV station NTD-TV, New Tang Dynasty, held a forum this week in Sydney, which discussed media censorship in China. NTDTV, is based in New York, and is one of the very few uncensored voices which is allowed to broadcast into mainland China. That was until the Olympics. Their satellite signal was cut 7 weeks ago, after satellite operator Eutelsat gave in to ongoing pressure from Chinese authorities. Eutelsat is currently violating its contract terms with NTDTV and has given no explanation to the station when or if the signal will be reconnected. The forum featured several guest speakers advocating the need for independent voices in China’s media. NTD representative Sheridan Harvey spoke with 2SER's Anne von Fehrn. Just recently the Great Escape Music Festival, set to hit Sydney stages in October, was cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Only a few weeks before, Sydney’s premier spot for stand-up comedy, the Comedy Store, closed its doors. This has prompted some in the entertainment industry to predict an economic downturn, based partly on the credit squeeze and rising prices. Greg Khoury is the Development Manager for Century Venues, which owns and operates several of Sydney’s mid-scale theatres like The Enmore, The Metro and the Factory Theatres. Century also manages Sydney’s Cracker Comedy Festival. He’s disputes the theory that music and theatre fans are cutting back on their spending. Greg Khoury spoke with 2ser’s Cale Bain. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-22T00_50_53-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-22T00_50_53-07_00 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:48:51 GMT 2008-08-22 2008-08-22 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 299 no Just recently the Great Escape Music Festival, set to hit Sydney stages in October, was cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Only a few weeks before, Sydney’s premier spot for stand-up comedy, the Comedy Store, closed its doors. This has prompted some in the entertainment industry to predict an economic downturn, based partly on the credit squeeze and rising prices. Greg Khoury is the Development Manager for Century Venues, which owns and operates several of Sydney’s mid-scale theatres like The Enmore, The Metro and the Factory Theatres. Century also manages Sydney’s Cracker Comedy Festival. He’s disputes the theory that music and theatre fans are cutting back on their spending. Greg Khoury spoke with 2ser’s Cale Bain. Pollution has severely reduced aquatic biodiversity in rivers in the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. New tests have shown the water contains toxic levels of zinc, and the population of some water fauna have been reduced by as much as half. The pollution is believed to be caused by run-off from an abandoned mine. 2ser's Libby King spoke to Dr. Ian Wright, a researcher at the University of Western Sydney. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-21T01_11_07-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-21T01_11_07-07_00 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:08:10 GMT 2008-08-21 2008-08-21 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 265 no Pollution has severely reduced aquatic biodiversity in rivers in the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. New tests have shown the water contains toxic levels of zinc, and the population of some water fauna have been reduced by as much as half. The pollution is believed to be caused by run-off from an abandoned mine. 2ser's Libby King spoke to Dr. Ian Wright, a researcher at the University of Western Sydney. The Federal Government's pension review has found that almost 80% of Australians aged over 65 are on a pension. The paper also found that Australian pensioners were worse off than other western countries, with a pension rate well below the OECD average. The single pension rate is presently just $273 a week, while the combined couple rate is $456 a week. This report from 2ser's Anne Von Fehrn and Nick Hollins begins with John Bisste, the Executive Director of the Council of the Ageing. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-18T06_01_41-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-18T06_01_41-07_00 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:53:11 GMT 2008-08-21 2008-08-18 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 254 no The Federal Government's pension review has found that almost 80% of Australians aged over 65 are on a pension. The paper also found that Australian pensioners were worse off than other western countries, with a pension rate well below the OECD average. The single pension rate is presently just $273 a week, while the combined couple rate is $456 a week. This report from 2ser's Anne Von Fehrn and Nick Hollins begins with John Bisste, the Executive Director of the Council of the Ageing. Australian scientists are about to undertake a three year clinical trial of new treatments for schizophrenia. Following promising early results, researchers are using a cancer and osteoperosis drug, in an effort to find an early detection treatment, that can stave off this serious neurological condition. Professor Cindy Shannon Weickert (pronounced why-kart) is heading a joint initiative of the Schizophrenia Research Institute, the University of New South Wales and the Prince of Wales Medical Research Foundation. She discussed the latest research with 2ser’s Cale Bain. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-18T05_50_00-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-18T05_50_00-07_00 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:47:31 GMT 2008-08-18 2008-08-18 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 292 no Australian scientists are about to undertake a three year clinical trial of new treatments for schizophrenia. Following promising early results, researchers are using a cancer and osteoperosis drug, in an effort to find an early detection treatment, that can stave off this serious neurological condition. Professor Cindy Shannon Weickert (pronounced why-kart) is heading a joint initiative of the Schizophrenia Research Institute, the University of New South Wales and the Prince of Wales Medical Research Foundation. She discussed the latest research with 2ser’s Cale Bain. A few weeks ago, Razors Edge brought you the story of farming families blockading properties to stop BHP coal exploration at Caroona, near Tamworth. Now, in recent events Sydney Gas and AGL have been given exploration licenses to test drill for Coal Seam Methane Gas in 12 locations across the Hunter Valley. Since these licenses were issued, Drilling has begun in the Hunter Valley town of Wollombi. In a meeting of residents effected by the drilling, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon expressed her support for farmers to take action against the drilling. Sean Gough, from the local campaign group: Wollombi Valley against gas extraction, has encouraged people not to let Sydney Gas onto their properties, and is starting to meet with surrounding communities. He spoke with 2ser's Jessica Minshall. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-18T00_41_02-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-18T00_41_02-07_00 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:36:08 GMT 2008-08-18 2008-08-18 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 347 no A few weeks ago, Razors Edge brought you the story of farming families blockading properties to stop BHP coal exploration at Caroona, near Tamworth. Now, in recent events Sydney Gas and AGL have been given exploration licenses to test drill for Coal Seam Methane Gas in 12 locations across the Hunter Valley. Since these licenses were issued, Drilling has begun in the Hunter Valley town of Wollombi. In a meeting of residents effected by the drilling, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon expressed her support for farmers to take action against the drilling. Sean Gough, from the local campaign group: Wollombi Valley against gas extraction, has encouraged people not to let Sydney Gas onto their properties, and is starting to meet with surrounding communities. He spoke with 2ser's Jessica Minshall. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has launched an inquiry into gender diversity issues. They've set up a "sex files" forum, which looks at how records of sex and gender impact on human rights. It's in collaboration with International Transgender Awareness Day, which was August 15th. Transgender activists are calling for greater federal government initiative into recognizing transgender rights in law. Christine Johnson, Secretary for the Australian Transgender Support Association Queensland is speaking here with 2ser's Paige Nguyen. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-18T00_03_16-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-18T00_03_16-07_00 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:58:39 GMT 2008-08-18 2008-08-18 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 378 no The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has launched an inquiry into gender diversity issues. They've set up a "sex files" forum, which looks at how records of sex and gender impact on human rights. It's in collaboration with International Transgender Awareness Day, which was August 15th. Transgender activists are calling for greater federal government initiative into recognizing transgender rights in law. Christine Johnson, Secretary for the Australian Transgender Support Association Queensland is speaking here with 2ser's Paige Nguyen. In 2006, 43 asylum seekers from West Papua were granted refugee status in Australia. This was a controversial decision, given that Indonesia is a powerful trade partner; but even the Howard government acknowledged that West Papua isn't a safe place to be. Yesterday the Indonesian foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda said that some of those refugees wanted to return. But is it really true? Featured in story: spokesperson for West Papuan refugees Herman Wainggai and Dr Jim Elmslie, Papua Desk Executive Officer of the University of Sydney’s West Papua project. Produced by Leeanne Torpey. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-12T06_34_02-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-12T06_34_02-07_00 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:31:27 GMT 2008-08-12 2008-08-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 239 no In 2006, 43 asylum seekers from West Papua were granted refugee status in Australia. This was a controversial decision, given that Indonesia is a powerful trade partner; but even the Howard government acknowledged that West Papua isn't a safe place to be. Yesterday the Indonesian foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda said that some of those refugees wanted to return. But is it really true? Featured in story: spokesperson for West Papuan refugees Herman Wainggai and Dr Jim Elmslie, Papua Desk Executive Officer of the University of Sydney’s West Papua project. Produced by Leeanne Torpey. Following similar processes run in Canada and the Netherlands, the so called "Citizens Parliament" has sent out nine thousand letters to randomly selected Australians this week, asking them to take part in a forum to improve Australia’s political system. Months of online discussion will build up to a sitting of The Citizens Parliament this spring, where representatives from each of the 150 electorates will be flown to Canberra to undergo the process of deliberative democracy. The findings will be presented to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the government soon after. Fred Chaney is a former Liberal Senator from Western Australia. A patron of the organization, he will also chair the Citizens Parliament when it meets in October. 2SER's Cale Bain asked Mr Chaney to explain the process of deliberative democracy. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-11T23_33_00-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-11T23_33_00-07_00 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:30:27 GMT 2008-08-12 2008-08-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 295 no Following similar processes run in Canada and the Netherlands, the so called "Citizens Parliament" has sent out nine thousand letters to randomly selected Australians this week, asking them to take part in a forum to improve Australia’s political system. Months of online discussion will build up to a sitting of The Citizens Parliament this spring, where representatives from each of the 150 electorates will be flown to Canberra to undergo the process of deliberative democracy. The findings will be presented to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the government soon after. Fred Chaney is a former Liberal Senator from Western Australia. A patron of the organization, he will also chair the Citizens Parliament when it meets in October. 2SER's Cale Bain asked Mr Chaney to explain the process of deliberative democracy. The Australian Red Cross is being challenged in the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal in Hobart over allegations of discrimination against gay men donating blood. The plaintiff, Michael Cain, was prevented from donating blood in 2004 because he answered "yes" to the Red Cross questionnaire on whether he had male-to-male sex in the past 12 months. The Red Cross has defended its policy saying gay men are at most risk of contracting HIV, causing public a health concern about their blood donations. However, gay organisations such as the Tasmanian Gay & Lesbian Rights Group say that this policy is unnecessary and downright discrimination. 2ser's Paige Nguyen spoke to Tasmanian gay activist Rodney Croome. The Red Cross declined to comment. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-10T06_04_15-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-10T06_04_15-07_00 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:59:43 GMT 2008-08-10 2008-08-10 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 342 no The Australian Red Cross is being challenged in the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal in Hobart over allegations of discrimination against gay men donating blood. The plaintiff, Michael Cain, was prevented from donating blood in 2004 because he answered "yes" to the Red Cross questionnaire on whether he had male-to-male sex in the past 12 months. The Red Cross has defended its policy saying gay men are at most risk of contracting HIV, causing public a health concern about their blood donations. However, gay organisations such as the Tasmanian Gay & Lesbian Rights Group say that this policy is unnecessary and downright discrimination. 2ser's Paige Nguyen spoke to Tasmanian gay activist Rodney Croome. The Red Cross declined to comment. This year’s Chinese Olympic torch relay was continually marked by controversy, as human rights protestors seized their chance to rally against the Chinese Regime. Indeed, two British nationals were deported from Beijing this week for raising pro-Tibetan banners, and themselves, on towering flag poles near the Olympic site. With the global spotlight turning on to China for the Olympic Games, it was hoped that this exposure would promote social change. But is the world’s attention ever likely to trigger a shift in the Chinese Government’s Tibetan policies and treatment of Falun Gong practitioners? Dr Erping Zhang, Mason Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, spoke to 2ser’s Nick Hollins. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-09T05_56_58-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-09T05_56_58-07_00 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:54:30 GMT 2008-08-09 2008-08-09 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 192 no This year’s Chinese Olympic torch relay was continually marked by controversy, as human rights protestors seized their chance to rally against the Chinese Regime. Indeed, two British nationals were deported from Beijing this week for raising pro-Tibetan banners, and themselves, on towering flag poles near the Olympic site. With the global spotlight turning on to China for the Olympic Games, it was hoped that this exposure would promote social change. But is the world’s attention ever likely to trigger a shift in the Chinese Government’s Tibetan policies and treatment of Falun Gong practitioners? Dr Erping Zhang, Mason Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, spoke to 2ser’s Nick Hollins. Australia mines and exports uranium, but what is it's position when it comes to nuclear power? This week the Coalition called on the Federal Government to lift bans on exporting uranium to India, and to reconsider nuclear energy as an alternative energy source to reduce Global Warming. Despite Labor's resistance to the calls, it has been sizing up Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory as Australia's first nuclear waste dump. 2SER's Jessica Minshall spoke with Jim Green from Friends of the Earth about uranium mining and it's implications in Australia. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-03T20_07_48-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-03T20_07_48-07_00 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:56:50 GMT 2008-08-04 2008-08-04 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 408 no Australia mines and exports uranium, but what is it's position when it comes to nuclear power? This week the Coalition called on the Federal Government to lift bans on exporting uranium to India, and to reconsider nuclear energy as an alternative energy source to reduce Global Warming. Despite Labor's resistance to the calls, it has been sizing up Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory as Australia's first nuclear waste dump. 2SER's Jessica Minshall spoke with Jim Green from Friends of the Earth about uranium mining and it's implications in Australia. Rallies and peace marches are being held around the world today to commemorate the first ever nuclear attack, on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945. More than 140 thousand people were killed by the bomb and thousands more suffered radiation affects for years. Despite the horror of that event nuclear weapons still pose a threat, with more than 26 thousand warheads on standby around the globe. Nine nations currently posses weapons but only 5 of those are signatories to the non proliferation treaty. There have been calls this week for a renewed effort to disband all nuclear weapons through the creation of a new anti nuclear commission. 2SER's Paige Nguyen spoke with Professor John Langmore from the International campaign to abolish nuclear weapons. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-03T04_00_49-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-03T04_00_49-07_00 Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:56:32 GMT 2008-08-03 2008-08-03 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 377 no Rallies and peace marches are being held around the world today to commemorate the first ever nuclear attack, on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945. More than 140 thousand people were killed by the bomb and thousands more suffered radiation affects for years. Despite the horror of that event nuclear weapons still pose a threat, with more than 26 thousand warheads on standby around the globe. Nine nations currently posses weapons but only 5 of those are signatories to the non proliferation treaty. There have been calls this week for a renewed effort to disband all nuclear weapons through the creation of a new anti nuclear commission. 2SER's Paige Nguyen spoke with Professor John Langmore from the International campaign to abolish nuclear weapons. Australians spend millions each year on complementary medicines like vitamins and other herbal remedies. But how do we know they work? The Blackmores company has been accused of misleading consumers by claiming their supplement “sugar balance”, could reduce appetite, tiredness and cravings for sweet foods. The Complaint Resolution Panel, who regulates the industry, found that there was no scientific evidence to support the claims, but it has no power to penalise companies or force them to comply. While Blackmores watered down claims on their website, it will be months before the newly labelled versions of the product replace those already in stores. The incident has prompted calls for stricter regulation of the industry. Sandra Fonseca spoke to Dr Ken Harvey from the School of Public Health, at La Trobe University. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-02T05_31_37-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-02T05_31_37-07_00 Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:27:47 GMT 2008-08-02 2008-08-02 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 342 no Australians spend millions each year on complementary medicines like vitamins and other herbal remedies. But how do we know they work? The Blackmores company has been accused of misleading consumers by claiming their supplement “sugar balance”, could reduce appetite, tiredness and cravings for sweet foods. The Complaint Resolution Panel, who regulates the industry, found that there was no scientific evidence to support the claims, but it has no power to penalise companies or force them to comply. While Blackmores watered down claims on their website, it will be months before the newly labelled versions of the product replace those already in stores. The incident has prompted calls for stricter regulation of the industry. Sandra Fonseca spoke to Dr Ken Harvey from the School of Public Health, at La Trobe University. Churches and Charities could lose billions of dollars' worth of tax exemptions as a result of a new government inquiry. As part of the Henry review, the huge non-government sector is under scrutiny with some suggesting it should be forced to pay more tax. Many church groups run profitable businesses as fundraising ventures, but don’t pay tax. One example is Sanitarium, the breakfast cereal company, which is owned by the Seventh Day Adventist church. But with all profits going back into church work and not used for private gain, many say the tax exemption is justified. To discuss the tax review, 2ser’s Sam Willcock spoke with Professor Sinclair Davidson from RMIT University in Melbourne. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-02T02_56_13-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-08-02T02_56_13-07_00 Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:54:45 GMT 2008-08-02 2008-08-02 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 168 no Churches and Charities could lose billions of dollars' worth of tax exemptions as a result of a new government inquiry. As part of the Henry review, the huge non-government sector is under scrutiny with some suggesting it should be forced to pay more tax. Many church groups run profitable businesses as fundraising ventures, but don’t pay tax. One example is Sanitarium, the breakfast cereal company, which is owned by the Seventh Day Adventist church. But with all profits going back into church work and not used for private gain, many say the tax exemption is justified. To discuss the tax review, 2ser’s Sam Willcock spoke with Professor Sinclair Davidson from RMIT University in Melbourne. This week hundreds of farmers at Caroona, near Tamworth, have taken part in a blockade to prevent BHP Billiton drilling to explore for coal. The protesting farmers are concerned that the drilling could contaminate aquifers and underground water resources. If the BHP Billiton project goes ahead, hundreds of bore holes will be drilled on properties belonging to families in the area. About 60 farming families would be affected, and the majority plan to defend their land. Property owner Tim Duddy says the region has the most fertile agricultural land in the country He spoke with 2SER's Libby King. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-26T08_16_15-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-26T08_16_15-07_00 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:13:37 GMT 2008-07-26 2008-07-26 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 330 no This week hundreds of farmers at Caroona, near Tamworth, have taken part in a blockade to prevent BHP Billiton drilling to explore for coal. The protesting farmers are concerned that the drilling could contaminate aquifers and underground water resources. If the BHP Billiton project goes ahead, hundreds of bore holes will be drilled on properties belonging to families in the area. About 60 farming families would be affected, and the majority plan to defend their land. Property owner Tim Duddy says the region has the most fertile agricultural land in the country He spoke with 2SER's Libby King. 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. The Federal Government says it will set up a new body to represent Indigenous Australians following a recommendation from the Human Rights Commission. Since the fall of ATSIC in 2004, Australia has lacked a national indigenous body and many community leaders say they have been left out of decision making. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma has made several recommendations including giving Indigenous Australians more power in Parliament. 2SER’s Paige Nguyen spoke with the Editor of the National Indigenous Times, Chris Graham about the Commissioner’s proposals. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-19T06_13_25-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-19T06_13_25-07_00 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:10:41 GMT 2008-07-19 2008-07-19 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 410 no The Federal Government says it will set up a new body to represent Indigenous Australians following a recommendation from the Human Rights Commission. Since the fall of ATSIC in 2004, Australia has lacked a national indigenous body and many community leaders say they have been left out of decision making. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma has made several recommendations including giving Indigenous Australians more power in Parliament. 2SER’s Paige Nguyen spoke with the Editor of the National Indigenous Times, Chris Graham about the Commissioner’s proposals. A new study has revealed that Australians have biases against Muslim people, even if they don’t think they are racist. The psychological study had 66 students play a video shooting game to assess who they would react to, under pressure. The results showed that participants were more likely to shoot innocent figures in the game, if they were wearing turbans or hijabs. Dr Tom Denson from the University of NSW says his research confirms a strong prejudice in the community, which is based partly on negative media perceptions of Islam. He’s speaking here with 2SER’s Sandra Fonseca. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-19T06_06_29-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-19T06_06_29-07_00 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:02:12 GMT 2008-07-19 2008-07-19 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 269 no A new study has revealed that Australians have biases against Muslim people, even if they don’t think they are racist. The psychological study had 66 students play a video shooting game to assess who they would react to, under pressure. The results showed that participants were more likely to shoot innocent figures in the game, if they were wearing turbans or hijabs. Dr Tom Denson from the University of NSW says his research confirms a strong prejudice in the community, which is based partly on negative media perceptions of Islam. He’s speaking here with 2SER’s Sandra Fonseca. 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. It’s been a terrible week for the Catholic Church with Cardinal George Pell under investigation over an alleged cover up of a church-abuse case. Abuse support groups such as “Broken Rites” say that internal church investigations are inadequate and often fail to uncover the truth. The group says the current controversy highlights the need for allegations of sexual abuse by clergy to be dealt with by police and the judicial system. 2ser’s Paige Nguyen asked Broken Rites president, Chris McIsaac to explain the difference between the church process and the criminal process in handling complaints. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-12T06_54_48-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-12T06_54_48-07_00 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:49:34 GMT 2008-07-12 2008-07-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 336 no It’s been a terrible week for the Catholic Church with Cardinal George Pell under investigation over an alleged cover up of a church-abuse case. Abuse support groups such as “Broken Rites” say that internal church investigations are inadequate and often fail to uncover the truth. The group says the current controversy highlights the need for allegations of sexual abuse by clergy to be dealt with by police and the judicial system. 2ser’s Paige Nguyen asked Broken Rites president, Chris McIsaac to explain the difference between the church process and the criminal process in handling complaints. Following the death this week of yet another Australian soldier in Afghanistan, the Greens and several community groups have called on the government to withdraw its troops. The government has rejected the idea of a pull-out and Prime Minister Rudd warned that there could be further casualties. Signaller Sean McCarthy, is the sixth Australian casualty in a conflict which has raged since 2003, and continues without a clear end in sight. While there is significant disagreement over the Iraq conflict, both major parties support our continued involvement in Afghanistan. Greens MP, Sylvia Hale says the current deployment is not helping the people of Afghanistan – she’s speaking with 2ser’s Sandra Fonseca. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-12T06_30_48-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-12T06_30_48-07_00 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:28:07 GMT 2008-07-12 2008-07-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 255 no Following the death this week of yet another Australian soldier in Afghanistan, the Greens and several community groups have called on the government to withdraw its troops. The government has rejected the idea of a pull-out and Prime Minister Rudd warned that there could be further casualties. Signaller Sean McCarthy, is the sixth Australian casualty in a conflict which has raged since 2003, and continues without a clear end in sight. While there is significant disagreement over the Iraq conflict, both major parties support our continued involvement in Afghanistan. Greens MP, Sylvia Hale says the current deployment is not helping the people of Afghanistan – she’s speaking with 2ser’s Sandra Fonseca. If your neighbour was the victim of domestic violence would you call the police, or would you try to avoid getting involved? Under a new law planned for the Northern Territory you won’t have the choice. The NT government is going to make it mandatory for everyone to report domestic violence – if you fail to contact authorities you’ll be breaking the law. Violence in the home is a huge problem across Australia – in the territory alone last year there were two thousand, six hundred reported assaults. While many states have mandatory reporting for child abuse, the NT is the first government to introduce a similar scheme designed to protect women. So should this plan be adopted nationwide and will it have the desired effect? 2SER’s Mark Robinson spoke with June Wilson, chair of the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-12T06_27_35-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-12T06_27_35-07_00 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:24:09 GMT 2008-07-12 2008-07-12 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 348 no If your neighbour was the victim of domestic violence would you call the police, or would you try to avoid getting involved? Under a new law planned for the Northern Territory you won’t have the choice. The NT government is going to make it mandatory for everyone to report domestic violence – if you fail to contact authorities you’ll be breaking the law. Violence in the home is a huge problem across Australia – in the territory alone last year there were two thousand, six hundred reported assaults. While many states have mandatory reporting for child abuse, the NT is the first government to introduce a similar scheme designed to protect women. So should this plan be adopted nationwide and will it have the desired effect? 2SER’s Mark Robinson spoke with June Wilson, chair of the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement. This week, the NSW government published a new website, promising to name and shame restaurants that failed their health inspections. News of the website came two days after a coroner ruled that 81-year-old William Hodgins lost his life after consuming a toxic asparagus sauce early last year. The sauce, served in an award-winning restaurant on Sydney’s North Shore, was found to have pathogens that were 10 times the toxic level. The Government says that the listing of food outlets that have violated food laws will help people to determine safe places to eat. So far, 12 food outlets have been listed on the Food Authority website. But CHOICE magazine’s Christopher Zinn says that although the website is a start, the government needs to do more. He spoke with 2ser’s Belinda Merhab. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-10T01_10_52-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-07-10T01_10_52-07_00 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:09:44 GMT 2008-07-10 2008-07-10 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 263 no This week, the NSW government published a new website, promising to name and shame restaurants that failed their health inspections. News of the website came two days after a coroner ruled that 81-year-old William Hodgins lost his life after consuming a toxic asparagus sauce early last year. The sauce, served in an award-winning restaurant on Sydney’s North Shore, was found to have pathogens that were 10 times the toxic level. The Government says that the listing of food outlets that have violated food laws will help people to determine safe places to eat. So far, 12 food outlets have been listed on the Food Authority website. But CHOICE magazine’s Christopher Zinn says that although the website is a start, the government needs to do more. He spoke with 2ser’s Belinda Merhab. Newly elected Senator and ‘No Pokies’ advocate Nick Xenophon has announced that his first move in the Senate will be to introduce a bill to ban ATMs from pubs and clubs with poker machines. As a former member of the South Australian Parliament, Xenophon first came to politics as an elected representative in 1997. Now he’s set to have a big influence in the new Federal Senate, sharing the balance of power with several other MP’s. He wants to remove easy access to cash around poker machines as evidence shows a strong link with gambling addiction. There are currently over 200,000 gaming machines in Australia and state governments have been under attack for failing to act to reduce problem gambling. Senator Xenophon is speaking here with 2ser’s Paige Nguyen. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-30T20_25_34-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-30T20_25_34-07_00 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:23:51 GMT 2008-07-01 2008-07-01 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 302 no Newly elected Senator and ‘No Pokies’ advocate Nick Xenophon has announced that his first move in the Senate will be to introduce a bill to ban ATMs from pubs and clubs with poker machines. As a former member of the South Australian Parliament, Xenophon first came to politics as an elected representative in 1997. Now he’s set to have a big influence in the new Federal Senate, sharing the balance of power with several other MP’s. He wants to remove easy access to cash around poker machines as evidence shows a strong link with gambling addiction. There are currently over 200,000 gaming machines in Australia and state governments have been under attack for failing to act to reduce problem gambling. Senator Xenophon is speaking here with 2ser’s Paige Nguyen. As Sydney gets ready to host hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who will attend World Catholic Youth Day, a coalition of local activists is planning a special welcome. The “No to pope” coalition will protest and hand out free condoms as the faithful gather for the Popes address on July 19. The group says the Catholic church’s policies on HIV prevention, homosexuality and reproductive rights are outdated and bigoted. 2ser’s Glyn Cryer spoke to the No-To-Pope Coalition’s Rachel Evans. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-29T03_49_46-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-29T03_49_46-07_00 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:47:34 GMT 2008-06-29 2008-06-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 283 no As Sydney gets ready to host hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who will attend World Catholic Youth Day, a coalition of local activists is planning a special welcome. The “No to pope” coalition will protest and hand out free condoms as the faithful gather for the Popes address on July 19. The group says the Catholic church’s policies on HIV prevention, homosexuality and reproductive rights are outdated and bigoted. 2ser’s Glyn Cryer spoke to the No-To-Pope Coalition’s Rachel Evans. A new study has revealed that the methadone program is too expensive and is driving people back to heroin addiction. The study, conducted by Dr James Rowe from RMIT University in Melbourne, in partnership with the Salvation Army has found that the $60 a fortnight needed to pay for methadone is costing users up to 20% of their fortnightly income. In Victoria, where methadone is only available at pharmacies and is not provided for free at methadone clinics, those who can’t afford it are turning to prostitution or crime to continue to pay for their treatment. Dr Rowe says that it’s unfair that other health issues, attributed to people’s past lifestyles, like type 2 diabetes or alcoholism, have their medication subsidised while heroin addiction does not. He says the program must be fully subsidised under the PBS in order to stop driving people back to heroin. Dr Rowe spoke with 2ser’s Belinda Merhab. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-29T03_44_58-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-29T03_44_58-07_00 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:42:27 GMT 2008-07-11 2008-06-29 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 304 no A new study has revealed that the methadone program is too expensive and is driving people back to heroin addiction. The study, conducted by Dr James Rowe from RMIT University in Melbourne, in partnership with the Salvation Army has found that the $60 a fortnight needed to pay for methadone is costing users up to 20% of their fortnightly income. In Victoria, where methadone is only available at pharmacies and is not provided for free at methadone clinics, those who can’t afford it are turning to prostitution or crime to continue to pay for their treatment. Dr Rowe says that it’s unfair that other health issues, attributed to people’s past lifestyles, like type 2 diabetes or alcoholism, have their medication subsidised while heroin addiction does not. He says the program must be fully subsidised under the PBS in order to stop driving people back to heroin. Dr Rowe spoke with 2ser’s Belinda Merhab. “Keeping the bastards honest” was Don Chips famous catchcry. But the party he founded, the Australian Democrats, are no more. All four of the party’s senators terms are ending this week and for the first time since the party was formed in 1977 there will be no Democrats prowling the halls of the senate. The party was a major force in the Australian Senate for three decades – at one stage boasting NINE senators. They were active campaigners on native title, gay rights, asylum seekers and the environment. But many believe that infighting between leaders, high profile defections to other parties and controversially allowing the GST to pass through the senate prompted the party’s decline. 2ser’s Tanya Evans reports. http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-28T07_00_05-07_00 http://2ser.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-06-28T07_00_05-07_00 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:56:59 GMT 2008-06-28 2008-06-28 http://2ser.podOmatic.com 2ser 434 no “Keeping the bastards honest” was Don Chips famous catchcry. But the party he founded, the Australian Democrats, are no more. All four of the party’s senators terms are ending this week and for the first time since the party was formed in 1977 there will be no Democrats prowling the halls of the senate. The party was a major force in the Australian Senate for three decades – at one stage boasting NINE senators. They were active campaigners on native title, gay rights, asylum seekers and the environment. But many believe that infighting between leaders, high profile defections to other parties and controversially allowing the GST to pass through the senate prompted the party’s decline. 2ser’s Tanya Evans 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